The Waihe’e Ridge Trail is among the best hikes on Maui. This Nā Ala Hele trail climbs steeply along a snaking ridge with huge views of the West Maui mountains, also called Mauna Kahalawai. The trail passes myriad types of amazing plant life, changing as you climb in elevation. Birders will marvel at the amount of avian biodiversity. The trail ends at a small hill named Lanilili at 2500’ above sea level where you are rewarded for your effort with magnificent views in every direction. It’s a real treat to do this hike on a sunny day - try to start early to beat the clouds that inevitably build as the day progresses.

Trailhead: On Hwy. 340 on West Maui, find a small road named “Maluhia” near the 6.9 mile marker. The turn is easy to miss and is across the street from the Mendes Ranch. There is a parking area right off the highway. Don’t park here - continue for a bit less than one mile along the very narrow paved road and find trailhead parking in a gravel lot. There is a portable toilet at the trailhead, but no other services. It is open from 7am to 7pm.

Weather

Gear: Standard hiking gear. Bring plenty of water and sun protection. Sturdy boots are appropriate because the trail is rough and can be very muddy at times.

Hike: From the trailhead parking, walk through a cattle guard and ascend a very steep concrete ramp. Follow signs for the Waihe’e Ridge Trail after the ramp and enter dense rainforest after passing another ranch gate. You’ll soon pass a 0.5 mile marker. The trail is marked every half mile for easy navigation. Walk along the root-covered trail through the forest and begin climbing. You’ll soon find a sharp switchback in the trail with a bench. Stop here and look at Makamaka’ole Falls across the broad valley. This two-tier falls is hard to view from anywhere else. Continue to climb, and find yourself on Kanoa ridge with huge views into Waihe’e Valley. Look sharp to spot several wispy waterfalls across the valley. Edge along Waihe’e Valley and cross a broad area of the ridge. From here, the trail climbs steeply up and across ridges on the way to Lanalili, the end of the hike. There is a picnic area atop the 2563’ hill. The views are staggering in every direction, especially if you picked a good day for weather and got an early start. Try to spot Mount 'Eke, the high point of the West Maui mountains. It appears as a high plateau, and contains one of the most unique ecosystems in Hawai’i. Return the way you came when you are ready. The hike down can be very slippery if the trail is muddy.