Are you headed out on a long hike, but you're unsure which Maui Jim hiking sunglasses will be the best backpacking pal? Well, we've literally done the legwork for you and have taken the following Maui's out on the trail. Read on to learn why these are the best Maui Jim hiking sunglasses for the great outdoors.
Best Maui Jim Hiking Sunglasses
1. What to Look for in Maui Jim Hiking Sunglasses
1.1. Frame Technology
1.2. Lens Technology
2. Best Maui Jim Hiking Sunglasses of 2022
2.1. Maui Jim Keokea
2.2. Maui Jim Huelo
2.3. Maui Jim Pokowai Arch
2.4. Maui Jim Hikina
2.5. Maui Jim Wailua
2.6. Maui Jim Kanaio Coast
2.7. Maui Jim Sandy Beach
3. Prescription Maui Jim Sunglasses at SportRx
4. Best Maui Jim Hiking Sunglasses of 2021
Watch Graham's review of the top 7 Maui Jim hiking frames to take out on your next trek!
What to Look for in Maui Jim Hiking Sunglasses
Before we make our way through this trail of sunglasses, let's go over a quick summary of what you want to look for in hiking sunglasses. That's going to be comfort, coverage, frame materials, and lens technology. We'll go over each of these attributes briefly but to learn more, you can find extra information in our Hiking Sunglasses Buyer's Guide.
Frame Technology
Almost as important as a secure hand hold when climbing a rock wall, is finding a pair of sunglasses that have rubberized grip on the nose pads and temple tips. This keeps them in place when things get a bit sweaty on those tough ascents and long hot days.
Your outdoor sunglasses should also be lightweight for all day wearability, as well as durable in the event they take a tumble when you're exploring the wilderness. Once you've met that criteria, it's time to talk lens tech!
Lens Technology
Wherever you hike, you will likely encounter variable light conditions. To get the most out of your Maui hiking glasses, you'll need a lens that can handle bright light, as well as lower light situations. Maui Jim's PolarizedPlus2 lenses are designed to embellish the brilliance of nature, while also protecting you from harmful UV light. Additionally, they protect you from the harsh glare that bounces off beautiful alpine lakes or the ocean. They're also offered in multiple tints, perfect for forested trails shrouded by coniferous pines, or coastal ridges dotted with palms.
When it comes to lens colors that are best for hikes, we recommend choosing the Maui Jim Rose lens. This color gives a lot of contrast and boost, and of course a lot of brightness protection. Another great option is the HCL Bronze lens which also helps warm things up. Rob is not a big fan of the Neutral Grey lens for hiking due to all the shadowy spots; it can be difficult to see roots, rocks, and transitions on the trail ahead in these lenses.
Maui Jim's Best Hiking Sunglasses of 2022
Maui Jim Keokea
The Maui Jim Keokea is hot off the presses and ready to impress with it's rugged balance of outdoorsman aviator style and rugged capability. This new Maui frame comes with all the perks you want in your new hiking shades including rubberized grip in the temple and adjustable nose pads, pin hinges, and a nice large lens for a great field of view. The finishing touch is how light this frame is, making it a perfect adventure companion.
SFW: 137mm; men's large, women's large fit.
Available in prescription!
Maui Jim Keokea in black and red tortoise with Hawaii Lava lenses
Shop Maui Jim Keokea
Key Maui Jim Keokea Features:
- Lightweight & durable nylon frame
- Adjustable rubber nose pads & rubber temples for a custom, non-slip fit
- PolarizedPlus2® lens technology
- MauiBrilliant lenses and nylon frame
Maui Jim Huelo
Since its release last fall, the Huelo has been getting a lot of love here at SportRx. This great looking do-it-all frame is trail worthy and then some. The overall functionality of these sunglasses reminds us of why we love Maui Jim sunglasses so much. The Huelo will be as comfortable lounging by the water soaking up the sun, as it is high above sea level, traversing a cold mountain pass.
SFW: 138mm; men's large, women's large fit.
Available in prescription!
Maui Jim Huelo Sunglasses in Matte Black with Hawaii Lava Lenses
Shop Maui Jim Huelo
Key Maui Jim Huelo Features:
- Lightweight thin injected nylon
- Adjustable rubber nose pads & rubber temples for a custom, non-slip fit
- PolarizedPlus2® lens technology
- Available as sunglass readers
Maui Jim Pokowai Arch
Like the Huelo, the Pokowai Arch's kinship to the afamed Red Sands is apparent. The main differences between these frames are size and weight. Minor aesthetic details such as the flatter brow line, sharper lens corners, and a tapered temple give the Pokowai its distinct personality. The frame will be a little heavier than the Huelo because of its thicker nylon frame, but this is not to say that it's heavy. In terms of all day wearability out on a long hike, the Pokowai will be highly comfortable while offering fantastic coverage.
SFW: 137mm; men's large, women's large fit.
Available in prescription!
Maui Jim Pokowai Arch in Olive Tortoise with HCL Bronze lenses
Shop Maui Jim Pokowai Arch
Key Maui Jim Pokowai Arch Features:
- A Maui classic in the same family as the Red Sands and Huelo
- Rubber nose pads & embedded temple tips
- PolarizedPlus2® lens technology
- Available as sunglass readers
Maui Jim Hikina
If ultra-lightweight is what you're looking for in your hiking sunglasses, the Maui Jim Hikina is for you. The total weight of the frames and lenses is a mere 10 grams! It features Maui's thinnest and most lightweight lens material, MauiPure LT to deliver light-as-a-feather comfort. The frames are designed with performance in mind. Their lightweight nylon composition is great for all-day wear, and the nosepads have been made to allow airflow to give you better grip and less slip.
SFW: 140mm; men's large to extra-large, women's extra-large fit.
Maui Jim Hikina in Gloss Black with Maui Rose lenses
Shop Maui Jim Hikina
Key Maui Jim Hikina Features:
- Lightweight & durable nylon frame
- Rubber nose pads with airflow technology
- MauiPure LT lenses
- PolarizedPlus2® lens technology
Maui Jim Wailua
The Wailua isn't just a new addition to our list of best hiking shades. This all-round, capable option, nicely bridges the gap between the trail head and anywhere else the day may take you. Some of the note-worthy perks are the thin injected, lightweight nylon frame, which is fitted with Maui's embedded rubber temple grips and adjustable nose pads. Pack that in with the classic round lens design, and you can see why this made our list.
SFW: 133mm; men's medium, women's medium to large fit.
Maui Jim Wailua in Translucent Rootbeer with HCL Bronze lenses
Shop Maui Jim Wailua
Key Maui Jim Wailua Features:
- Lightweight & durable nylon frame
- Adjustable rubber nose pads
- MauiPure lenses
- PolarizedPlus2® lens technology
Maui Jim Kanaio Coast
Moving on up the trail, we have a Maui frame that you might be a little more familiar with. The Kanaio Coast is a great frame for our active lifestyle friends, and thus, a great frame for hiking. The simple design leaves no room for unnecessary weight and capitalizes on Maui comfort where it counts. Embedded rubber grip in the temples keeps this frame in place along with a rubberized saddle-style nose bridge. Spring hinges make for a comfortable all day fit, and an 8-base wrap keeps you covered from every angle.
SFW: 132mm; men's medium, women's medium to large fit.
Comes in prescription!
Maui Jim Kanaio Coast in Matte Tortoise Ombre with HCL Bronze lenses
Shop Maui Jim Kanaio Coast
Key Maui Jim Kanaio Coast Features:
- Lightweight & durable nylon frame
- Rubber nose pads
- Anti-corrosive spring hinge
- PolarizedPlus2® lens technology
- Available in sunglass readers
Maui Jim Sandy Beach
If you enjoy the look of the ever-popular Ho'okipa but need it in a smaller version, the Maui Jim Sandy Beach is for you. It shares the same sleek and durable Grilamid frame and impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses. The Rubberon nosepads keep these sunglasses in place whether you are looking down on your descend or a brisk breeze tries to throw you off balance. Your eyes will be protected from flying sand and debris thanks to the 8-base curve so you can enjoy even the harshest climbs.
SFW: 131mm; men's medium, women's medium fit.
Maui Jim Sandy Beach in Gloss Black with Neutral Grey lenses
Shop Maui Jim Sandy Beach
Key Maui Jim Sandy Beach Features:
- Rigid and durable Grilamid frame
- Rubberon nose pads
- Impact Resistant polycarbonate lenses
- PolarizedPlus2® lens technology
Prescription Maui Jim Sunglasses at SportRx
Need prescription Maui Jim sunglasses? Done. When you shop with us, you’ll find video guides and tooltips throughout the build process as you customize the perfect pair. An answer to all your questions is at your fingertips, and if you want to chat with an expert, Contact Us. We’ll put you in touch with one of our friendly in-house opticians who can help you build your prescription Maui Jim sunglasses.
Ditch risky online shopping with the See Better Guarantee. Try your sunglasses for 45 days. If you’re not satisfied, send them back. Get a full refund, exchange, or credit towards a better pair. And return shipping? Covered. Get your pair of prescription Maui Jim sunglasses at SportRx today!
