Hidden Trails 1-3: West Maui Secrets

Discover waterfalls that few visitors ever see and high-altitude desert landscapes that rival Mars

Written by a Local Expert

Kalani Miller

1. Waihee Valley Trail - West Maui Mountains

Distance

5.2 miles

Elevation

1,800 ft

Difficulty

Challenging

Best For

Waterfalls

Most people stop at the Waihee Ridge viewpoint, missing the real adventure that starts where the crowds end. The valley trail branches off the main ridge path, dropping into one of Maui's most pristine watersheds. This isn't marked on most maps, and locals prefer it that way.

The trail starts steep and stays that way. You'll scramble over roots, duck under fallen trees, and navigate sections where the path disappears entirely. Follow the stream sounds when the trail vanishes. The reward comes after two miles of hard climbing: a series of waterfalls that few visitors ever see.

The main falls drop 200 feet into a deep pool perfect for swimming. The water stays cold year-round, fed by springs high in the West Maui Mountains. On quiet days, you can hear the mountain's heartbeat in the echo of falling water.

Getting There & What to Know

Getting there requires timing and luck. Park at the Waihee Ridge trailhead before 7 AM. Hike the main trail for 1.5 miles until you see a faint path heading left into thick vegetation. This junction isn't marked - look for a small rock cairn and worn spots in the grass.

The trail conditions change constantly. Heavy rains can make the path impassable for weeks. Dry periods turn the stream crossings into boulder hopping. Check recent rain reports and be prepared to turn back if conditions look dangerous.

Wildlife includes wild pigs, which can be aggressive if surprised. Make noise as you hike, especially around blind corners. The native birds here include some species found nowhere else on earth. Move quietly and you might spot an Maui alauahio or Hawaiian hoary bat.

2. Oheo Gulch Upper Pools - Haleakala National Park

Distance

8.4 miles

Elevation

2,200 ft

Difficulty

Very Challenging

Best For

Swimming

Everyone knows the Seven Sacred Pools near Hana, but few realize the stream continues far into Haleakala's remote valleys. The upper pools require a permit, serious fitness, and navigation skills most visitors don't possess. That's exactly why they remain magical.

The official trail ends at Waimoku Falls, but an ancient Hawaiian path continues up the stream. This isn't maintained trail - it's more like following animal tracks through dense rainforest. You'll cross the stream dozens of times, scramble over slippery rocks, and push through thick vegetation.

After four miles of difficult hiking, the forest opens into a series of terraced pools carved into solid rock. Each pool connects to the next through natural slides and small waterfalls. The water runs crystal clear, filtered through miles of volcanic rock. Swimming here feels like discovering a hidden world.

Permits & Preparation

Permits are required and limited to protect this fragile ecosystem. Apply through the National Park Service website at least two weeks in advance. Rangers sometimes check permits deep in the valley, and violations carry hefty fines.

Weather matters more here than almost anywhere else on Maui. This valley funnels storms and creates flash flood conditions with little warning. Never attempt this hike during or after heavy rains. The stream can rise several feet in minutes, trapping hikers or worse.

Navigation requires experience. The trail disappears regularly, forcing you to read the landscape and follow water sounds. Bring a GPS device with extra batteries. Downloadable maps don't show the detailed terrain you'll need for safe passage.

3. Haleakala Skyline Trail - Summit Wilderness

Distance

6.5 miles

Elevation

3,000 ft descent

Difficulty

Challenging

Best For

High-altitude

This trail offers one of Hawaii's most unique hiking experiences: a high-altitude desert walk across Haleakala's remote southwest flank. Starting at nearly 10,000 feet, you'll descend through landscapes that look more like Mars than tropical Hawaii.

The Skyline Trail connects Haleakala's summit to Polipoli Spring State Park, crossing terrain few visitors ever see. You'll walk through native mamane forests, alpine shrublands, and volcanic cinder fields. The views stretch across all of Maui and on clear days to the Big Island's massive volcanoes.

Trail conditions change dramatically with elevation. Near the summit, you're in an alpine desert with extreme sun exposure and potential hypothermia risk. Lower down, you enter cloud forest where mud and slippery roots create different challenges.

Special Considerations

Wildlife here includes some of Hawaii's rarest species. The endangered Hawaiian petrel nests in burrows along this route. Nene geese graze in the upper meadows. Both species are protected by federal law. Observe from distance and never approach or feed them.

Transportation requires planning. This is a one-way trail with trailheads 30 miles apart by road. Most hikers arrange pickup at Polipoli or leave a second vehicle there. The drive to Polipoli involves several miles of rough dirt road that rental car companies prohibit.

Weather at altitude changes without warning. Morning temperatures can drop below freezing even in summer. Afternoon clouds bring high winds and potential hypothermia conditions. Start early and be prepared to turn back if conditions deteriorate.