Hiking is one of my favorite activities in Maui.  There are several scenic trails all over the island, and one of my favorites is the Waihee Ridge Trail.   It’s a fairly tough trail that rises 1,500 feet over the roughly 2.5 mile path.  It’s well worth it though, because the scenery is absolutely amazing.   The first 200 feet consists of an intimidatingly steep concrete path from the parking lot.   Once you complete that part, stop to catch your breath and get ready for the fun part to begin. 

You’ll be treated to lush forests, beautiful views of waterfalls, and thankfully, several park benches along the way to rest up and prepare yourself for the next legs of the journey.  The trail is almost entirely uphill with several switchbacks and an occasional makeshift rock or lumber stairway.  There are many spots along the trail to stop and take in the sweeping views of The West Maui Mountains, the nearby towns of Wailuku and Kahului, and of course the brilliant blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.   Finally, when you reach the summit, there’s a picnic table there to have lunch or a snack, and then rest some more until you’re ready for the trip back down the mountainside.

If you’re up for tackling this hike, try to start out early in the morning, since this part of the island can often get very cloudy mid-day.   Make sure you bring plenty of water, energizing snack/lunch food, and your camera.  Wear really good hiking shoes, too.   If you get caught in the rain, many parts of the trail are quite slippery when wet.

To reach the trailhead, take Highway 32 west out of Kahului until you reach Highway 330, about three miles. Turn right on Highway 330 and continue until it becomes Highway 340 at mile marker 2. At 9/10 mile past mile marker 6 is the Maluhia Boy Scout Camp on the left. Turn left on to this road and it is approximately 1 mile uphill until you reach a small parking area

What are your favorite hiking trails in Maui?