Microlepia strigosa var. mauiensis is a terrestrial fern of the Dennstaedtiaceae family. Plants are medium-sized, with fronds less than 100 cm (40 in) long. Stipes (stalk joining root to blade) are straw colored, and blades are 2- to 3-pinnate pinnatifid (blade divided almost to rachis), ovate-lanceolate, and pale green. Rachises (blade midribs) are often zigzag, and costae (rib of pinnae) are pale green. Veins are prominently raised on abaxial surfaces. Sori (spore-bearing structure) are submarginal to marginal and indusia (covering of sori) are attached at the base and sides.