Hello there, my husband and I will be going to Maui in March with our 5-year-old son. We would like to do some short and simple hikes on our own, i.e. without a guide. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Which side of the island will you stay on?

With a 5-year-old, only do the Road to Hana if you plan to spend a few nights in Hana. That way, there are plenty of short hikes nearby that end up at water, which fascinates 5-year-olds usually.

We preferred the Hana side of the island, but the drive is too long for a day-trip, much better to spend the night, in our opinion.

If you stay at the Maui Prince hotel, you will have a nice beach right there at the hotel, and the price is less than some others. 5-year-olds love the beach. But you need to drive a little to get to other areas from there. the pool is small too.

Check out Hawaiitrails.org. The short trails are mainly on the Hana side. They will be muddy and slippery, your son will love it, but the mud stains on his clothes will NEVER come out.

If you go to the top of Haleakala, you can go a bit down the Sliding Sands trail, but it will be uphill coming back.

We'll be staying on the south side at the Renaissance Wailea.

I'm not planning on us going all the way to Hana because it does seem like a long ways. I was hoping we'd visit the Hana Lava Tube, just past mile 31 of the Hana Highway, and then turn around.

Is there any hiking in the Iao Valley?

Yes, there are short hikes/ walks in the Iao Valley. Actually a good spot with a 5 year old.

Also, check out Twin Falls and Garden of Eden which is on the road to Hana.

The Iao Valley area is pretty small. Not a lot to see, but for a 5 year old would probably be a good walk.

There were some nice loops and paths on the way up to Haleakala that might fit your question.