Waihee Ridge Trail

5.0 miles 1591ft elevation Out & Back Hard

If you're looking for one of the best hikes in Maui with jaw-dropping mountain, valley, and ocean views, the Waihe’e Ridge Trail is a must-do adventure. This 5-mile round-trip hike takes you along a stunning ridge in the West Maui Mountains, where you’ll get panoramic views of lush valleys, waterfalls, and the deep blue Pacific Ocean. It’s a challenging but rewarding trek, and on a clear day, the scenery is absolutely unreal! Why Hike Waihe’e Ridge Trail? The trail follows a ridge high above the Waihe’e Valley, offering some of the best scenery on Maui. Ocean Views for Days: From the top, you’ll see Kahului Harbor, the coastline, and even other Hawaiian islands on a clear day. See Hidden Waterfalls: You’ll pass views of Makamaka‘ole Falls (a beautiful double waterfall) along the way. A True Hawaiian Jungle Hike: The trail is lined with lush ferns, guava trees, and misty mountain landscapes, making it feel like a tropical dream. A Solid Workout: The trail gains about 1,500 feet in elevation, making it a great challenge for those looking for a solid leg day with a rewarding view.

Tips for Hiking

Best Time to Go? Morning (before 10 AM) to avoid the clouds that usually roll in later, blocking the view.
How to Get There: Take Kahekili Highway (Hwy 340) to the trailhead parking lot, just past Mile Marker 7.
Trail Difficulty: Moderate to hard. It’s steep in sections, and the incline starts immediately from the parking lot.
Wear Sturdy Shoes: The trail can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain, so hiking boots or good trail shoes are recommended.
Bring Plenty of Water & Snacks: The elevation gain is no joke, and you’ll want to stay hydrated on the way up.
Check the Weather – If it’s raining, skip the hike. The trail gets dangerously slippery, and the views will be blocked by clouds.
Take Your Time Coming Down: The steep descent can be tough on your knees, so take it slow and use trekking poles if you have them.

Thoughts from my Hike

This was a tough hike with a lot of fantastic views along the way. You will see the Waihee valley, Makamakaole Falls in the distance, Waihee and many beautiful views of the ocean, the Haleakala side of Maui. The trail is well maintained, with a couple of benches at some nice viewpoints along the way. There is even a picnic table at one section. The paved hill you start the hike on will kick your butt, and you will encounter several sections on the steeper side. It was definately worth the effort and the weather cooperated with some very clear skies.