This long, difficult trail ascends from the ocean two thousand vertical feet into deep west Maui forests. The ultimate destination of the hike is the Maunalei Arboretum, but the entire trail contains a wealth of native and introduced trees and plants. There is a lot of bad information concerning this hike on the internet, and even some mistakes on the trailhead signage. There used to be a shuttle to the Maunalei Arboretum at the top of the trail that allowed hikers to just descend back to the trailhead, making for an easy and pleasant hike. That shuttle is no longer available, and the trail is now unmaintained. This is now an out-and-back hike from the trailhead at D.T. Fleming Park. The trailhead sign warns hikers of the fact the shuttle no longer operates. It also says that the full out-and-back hike is 17 miles. This is wrong. It’s less than 10.

It’s rewarding to hike any portion of this long trail. A good turn-around spot for a moderate hike is at a reservoir about halfway up the trail (see below). This trail can be incredibly muddy if it’s been raining a lot recently. The upper portions of the trail are especially bad when wet. Hit this one after a few sunny days during the dry season for best results.

Trailhead: From Hwy. 30 on West Maui, find the signed road to D.T. Fleming Beach Park just past mile marker 31. Drive down the narrow road and find ample parking. D.T. Fleming Park has restrooms and water.

Weather

Gear: Wear waterproof boots for this muddy trail. Bring plenty of water and extra food. Don’t forget the raingear. Portions of the trail are often very overgrown, so hikers with sensitive skin might appreciate pants.

Hike: From D.T. Fleming Park, walk back up the park access road and find the beginning of the Mahana Ridge Trail to the left of a small green schoolhouse. The forest immediately becomes thick and overgrown in places. Cross a road and continue on the trail as it passes beneath a bridge on Hwy. 30. Begin climbing on a slope above a large building. You’ll be adjacent to a large construction site for a new subdivision. Eventually cross through part of it following signs directing you toward the trail. The route weaves through sub-ridges, sometimes near to the subdivision. After two miles, find a reservoir. This is a good spot to turn around for a nice hike. (It’s 4 miles round-trip and 750’ of elevation gain if you turn around here).

Continue past the reservoir on a dirt road. At a three way intersection, keep left and find the trail again departing to the south (uphill) side of the road. There are some confusing signs here. The trail is just past the three-way intersection. If you’re nearing a building, you missed the turn. The trail climbs at first and then descends to cross a dirt road. Follow the road for a short section and find the trail again when you see a metal gate indicating the private property of a water company. The trail departs to the left of this gate on a stone staircase. After a few miles of hiking through myriad species of trees and plants, cross another dirt road and private property signs. Keep on the trail. Some visitors may be surprised to find out that pineapples don’t grow on trees. Eventually the trail traces the head of deep Kahauiki Gulch. The trail is relatively flat for a while until you find a metal gate placed by a pineapple company. Cross through it and close it behind you. It’s now about a half mile descent to the Maunalei Arboretum. Enjoy the forest and return the way you came.