The Waihe’e Ridge Trail Is One of the Best Places to Hike

Hiking and Hawaii go together like peanut butter and jelly. Where else can you see volcanoes, mountains, and tropical rainforest all in one place? For an excellent hike on the island of Maui, plan to conquer the Waihe’e Ridge Trail. This challenging, 2.5-mile trek offers spectacular views of Maui’s sparkling blue ocean and rocky north coast. Read on for details and check out our free Travel Guide for more epic hiking spots!

What You’ll See on the Waihe’e Ridge Trail

The Waihe’e Ridge Trail is nine miles from our inn, past the towns of Wailuku and Waihe’e. It’s well-maintained and lined with guava trees, huge ferns, and beautiful, wild orchids. Feel free to stop for lunch at one of the scenic overlooks, or continue your adventure to the summit for the most rewarding views.

Lanilili Peak, whose name means “small heaven”, promises a vista unlike any other. Here, you’ll have an incredible panorama of the Waihe’e Valley, Haleakala, and Makamakaole Falls in the distance. The picnic table perched at the top offers a quiet respite from the rigorous hike.

Tips for Your Trip

Waihe’e means “slippery water” in Hawaiian, and when you hike this trail, you’ll understand its name. The area gets more than 400 inches of rain per year and tends to be very muddy. We recommend bringing good hiking shoes and a walking stick.

Additionally, you’ll want to set aside plenty of time for your hike. It takes an average of two hours to get to the top and 30 minutes to descend, but the mud can slow you down!

Other Great Places to Explore

Maui has countless trails for hikers of all ages and experience levels. If you’re looking for kid-friendly routes, consider the Waihe’e Coastal Dunes Preserve. It’s 15 minutes from the Waihe’e Ridge Trail and is home to native bird species, monk seals, and nesting sea turtles. Plus, it’s accessible for little ones.

Makamakaole Falls is another great option. Just six minutes from Waihe’e, you’ll find the secluded Makamakaole Trailhead. Take a short, 0.5-mile hike to the falls where you can swim and splash to your heart’s content. There are very few people on this route, so you’ll feel like you have your own private oasis!

Come Home to The Historic Wailuku Inn

Now that you know about one of the best hiking trails on Maui, it’s time to start planning your vacation! Book your stay at The Historic Wailuku Inn for easy access to the Waihe’e Ridge Trail. Our historic B&B offers gorgeous guest rooms, top-of-the-line amenities, and beautiful views from the veranda. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a long day outdoors!

Our Bird of Paradise Room is especially popular with guests. Special features include elegant eucalyptus floors, an original elliptical shower, and a luxurious, king-size bed. Be sure to join us for breakfast each morning! It’s made by Innkeeper Janice and is absolutely delicious.

Check our availability and book your Hawaiian vacation today! We look forward to hosting you.