Maui is one of those places that has abundant to offer. Getting a ocean front accommodation, flapping your limbs in water or being on the beach for most of your vacation does not make you see Maui's real beauty. It has rainforests, lush-green valleys, a 10k ft-er volcano and it's breathing local community and culture. When and how can you experience that?
Today, I decided to explore the former two landscapes of Maui, the essence of tropical geography. For that, I chose Waihee Ridge Trail, a 4.4 mile out-n-back trail on the northeastern side of West Maui.
The trail climbs about 1500 ft. in a little over 2 miles. It starts off in a rainforest. The green color of the landscape, and more importantly, its density, was actually soothing to my eyes. Different types of plants and trees dot the ridges, valleys and the peaks.
Climbing through the rainforests, the ridge becomes exposed. The remainder of the hike is along this ridge. The cascading peaks result in valleys with creases. You will encounter two lookout points: one designated, one unofficial (you will see a bench!). Try to look for cascading waterfalls from these lookouts. Seep in the views all along the hike.
As if green color was not enough, lets add blue. Yep, majestic views of the ocean all along the hike. Green vegetation, blue ocean and gray clouds result in dramatic images. And of course, memories. As you start to climb higher, you will witness unobstructed view of the ocean, beaches, valleys and Maui's local communities.
Some Important Tidbits:
- The north shore of Maui tends to be more overcast than other regions/shores. As a result, if you start your hike early in the morning, there's a high probability that the hike will be covered in clouds and/or fog. If that happens, you won't see any of the beautiful vistas I mentioned. However, hiking in those misty conditions is not any less beautiful. In any case, do not let that fog discourage you. It generally gets clear as morning advances, and you may have clear skies by late morning.
Today, I decided to explore the former two landscapes of Maui, the essence of tropical geography. For that, I chose Waihee Ridge Trail, a 4.4 mile out-n-back trail on the northeastern side of West Maui.
The trail climbs about 1500 ft. in a little over 2 miles. It starts off in a rainforest. The green color of the landscape, and more importantly, its density, was actually soothing to my eyes. Different types of plants and trees dot the ridges, valleys and the peaks.
Climbing through the rainforests, the ridge becomes exposed. The remainder of the hike is along this ridge. The cascading peaks result in valleys with creases. You will encounter two lookout points: one designated, one unofficial (you will see a bench!). Try to look for cascading waterfalls from these lookouts. Seep in the views all along the hike.
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| Can you see the waterfall here? |
As if green color was not enough, lets add blue. Yep, majestic views of the ocean all along the hike. Green vegetation, blue ocean and gray clouds result in dramatic images. And of course, memories. As you start to climb higher, you will witness unobstructed view of the ocean, beaches, valleys and Maui's local communities.
Some Important Tidbits:
- The north shore of Maui tends to be more overcast than other regions/shores. As a result, if you start your hike early in the morning, there's a high probability that the hike will be covered in clouds and/or fog. If that happens, you won't see any of the beautiful vistas I mentioned. However, hiking in those misty conditions is not any less beautiful. In any case, do not let that fog discourage you. It generally gets clear as morning advances, and you may have clear skies by late morning.
- The hike tends to be muddy. Good hiking boots are strongly encouraged. Your running shoes will not provide the traction needed for this trail.
- Give about 3 hours to complete this hike with reasonable breaks for pictures as well as basking in the summit glory! :)
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