Once you have secured a parking spot, you are set for an amazing adventure. The trail has three main destinations: the Waihe’e Valley Lookout, the Makamaka’ole Falls, and of course, the summit. However, along the trail, you will have a chance to see the Pacific Ocean and Kahului.
The Waihe’e Ridge Trail starts at the cattle gate, where you must walk up for about 0.1 miles on an ascending concrete ramp. The ramp is perhaps meant to test your strength and endurance before the real hike begins!
There is no particular scenic view by now, the best awaits you in the higher regions.
At the end of the ramp, you get into a beautiful forest full of Eucalyptus and Lush Guava. You will also find some other exotic trees and plants along the trail. The terrain is fairly level, with lots of switchbacks.
After about 0.6 miles through the dense forest cover, you will take a left bend, and on your right, the amazing view of the Makamaka’ole Falls will appear.
The 270-foot two-tiered waterfall is one of the most beautiful sights of the West Maui Mountains, and it’s best to take some pictures here. After you enjoy this view, you can continue the trail for about 0.1 miles, and the rich forest canopy ends here; you get out from the shade onto the ridge itself.
From here, all those incredible pictures of Waihe’e Valley you saw online will begin to make sense. The views are breathtaking – from the clearing, you can see Waihe’e Valley and its lush vegetation. Waihe’e Valley formation is attributed to the mountains that date back about 1.7 million years ago. Over time, through stream erosion, the valley has taken shape.
While here, remember to turn behind you and consume the beautiful views of Kahului. The Pacific Ocean is also highly visible from here.
Continue your hike along the exposed ridgeline along the spine of the mountain. The trail is categorized by constant switchbacks, steep inclines, carved stairs, and flat sections. While on this stretch, you might come across helicopters, watching the views of Waihe’e Valley and its vastness.
After about 2 miles of hiking, you will eventually reach the ridge’s highest point. This point is known as Lanilili. From here, you can enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding Islands of Molokai and Lanai while taking a breather at the picnic table. Once ready to descend, you can take the same path back to the cattle gate.
