Waihee Ridge Trail — Attraction in Maui

I've always had a fascination with the beauty and life of Maui's West Maui Mountain range. Back in the day before the Internet was a necessity, I read of utopian sights people experienced here. Enter the digital age and I found myself obsessed with a particular feature found here, Eke Crater. Its flat, bog-capped top, mystery and inaccessibility makes my brain smoke with wonder. I've seen its imposing, unique profile from the ocean near Kahana, Maui, but thought I could get a closer view by going on this hike. Unfortunately, you have to go up on a rare, cloudless day, and this day wasn't one of them.

PARKING: What you're looking for is the Mendes Ranch gate along the oceanside of Kahekili Highway. Right across from that is the driveway to Camp Maluhia and the Waihee Ridge Trail. You first come upon an overflow parking lot. If cars are parked here, the trail is probably crowded. But most of all, you really don't want to park here because it's close to a mile from the start of the hike and regular parking area. The regular parking area can fit between 35-40 cars and sports two port-a-potties.

THE TRAIL: It's a little over 2 miles each way. We ascended in under an hour with rests and photo ops. We were back down in just under 3 hours, again with rests and more photo ops.

EXPERIENCE: The most grueling part of the hike is at the very start. A short but steep concrete driveway gets those glutes burning! The rest of the way is of course all uphill, a mix of packed dirt and gravel. As others have stated, it can get very, very muddy but this was summertime so it was dry. The trail is wide and safe, but don't go venturing off because you will probably fall hundreds of feet to the valley below then get eaten by wild pigs before perishing. We even heard one squealing off in the distance which was chilling yet exciting. Tree shade is at a minimum for the most part but the clouds kept us cool, even enveloping us when we crested the top.

You won't see a ton of flora but mostly trees and plants. The views are killer though as you're high up on a ridge. In one photo you can capture Haleakala, the north shore coastline and the Waihee Valley and River. Look the other way and you can see Kahakuloa Head, the lush valleys below and endless Pacific. Near the midway point was a single bench which was occupied both times we passed, sporting a view of the valley below. At the end of the trail is a wooden viewing platform and a picnic table which was occupied by an entire cluster. I was bummed as clouds blocked the entire 365-degree view here and my chance at seeing Eke Crater.

Heading back down was going okay but near the ¾ point, both of my knees, particularly the sides of the caps were in so much pain, it felt like they were about to split apart! I ended up walking the rest of the way backwards in order to ease my suffering. I'm in pretty good shape but I guess I'm not used to the downhill grade and pressure on my knees. Note to self: Take rest breaks on the way down next time!

We went on a Friday morning in August 2020 with the 14-day quarantine in effect for travelers so crowds were thin. I'd guesstimate there were no more than 50 people hiking at the time.

A few people had dogs with them and failed to pick up their excrement. So rude.

TIPS: Pack light. One bottle of water and a small towel to wipe away sweat. Insect repellent wasn't needed. Cell reception was surprisingly good the whole way (I have Spectrum Mobile). Not recommended for anyone with knee issues.

OVERALL: On a scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being most difficult, I'd rate this trail a 6 due to the constant incline. Your only choice for seeing deep into the West Maui Mountains on foot unless you work for the Mauna Kahalawai Watershed...

The Waihee Ridge Trail is an incredible hike that begins at 1,000ft above sea level and zig zags to 2,500ft with breathtaking views and scenery but not for those with medical disabilities.

Starting out as you approach Mendes Ranch (3530 Kahekili Hwy, Wailuku, HI 96793), take the road that shoots to the left. This road will lead you to the first of two parking lots. The first parking lot you approach is the overflow lot. If you are early enough, you can continue another mile up the twisty narrow road to the main lot. This is where the trail begins. If this lot is full, you will have to head back down to the overflow lot (or wait) and begin your hike there. Look for signs near the main parking lot that direct you to a gate that you walk through to begin your hike. Here you will also find a porta potty that is your last civilized chance at relieving yourself.

The first two hundred meters or so is a steep paved walking path. Your calves will burn, your glutes will burn and unless you are in incredible shape, you will be breathing hard. This will give you a taste of what the next 2.15 miles up will be like.

Next, you will hike through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. The paved path now turns into a dirt/mud/rock trail that winds and climbs through forest, ferns, and lush green vegetation. Mountain cliffs provide postcard perfect photo opportunities of the world above and below you. The trail is wide enough for two people to pass easily but be cautious as there are sharp drop-offs that certainly would be fatal if one were not paying attention. A couple benches and scenic lookouts constructed of wood railing you will find along the way.

As you approach the top, there is a viewing platform with picnic table that allows you to soak in what you just accomplished, catch your breath, hydrate, and have a snack maybe. A great place for photos if the clouds haven't moved in on you yet.

My wife and I are in our late thirties and are in average shape. It took us an hour and forty five minutes up with multiple stops for photos and water. It took us one hour down with a few stops...and slips.

Start early (7-8am) if you can, plan for 1 liter (32oz) of water per person, wear sunscreen, bring snack bars if you like, wear gym shoes or boots!!!, a hiking stick is helpful but not necessary, and bring a camera!

Highly...

Title: A Bittersweet Awakening: Lessons Learned

Embarking on a spiritual quest is often a transformative experience, but my recent escapade here left me with a bitter taste of enlightenment. As fate would have it, my journey took an unexpected turn when I became a victim of theft, leaving me feeling spiritually violated and disheartened.

Within the hallowed grounds of this supposed sanctuary, I found myself caught in the clutches of opportunistic thieves who saw fit to rob me of more than just material possessions. Amongst the stolen items were sentimental treasures—a lock of my mother's hair, a cherished journal brimming with heartfelt musings, and a backpack containing a trove of personal belongings.

To add insult to injury, it was disconcerting to learn that the area had become a hotspot for criminal activities, with a break-in occurring the very next day. Surprisingly, the local law enforcement seemed to be as elusive as the thieves themselves, showing no signs of presence or action to address the growing security concerns.

In the face of such adversity, it became painfully clear that the purported spiritual haven had failed to provide the very sense of safety and protection one might expect. The absence of security measures and the lack of a proactive response from authorities left me questioning the integrity and authenticity of the whole experience.

While I understand that material possessions hold little significance in the grand scheme of existence, it is disheartening to witness the violation of personal space and the callous disregard for others' belongings within a supposed spiritual refuge.

To those who dare to venture to here, I urge caution and heightened awareness. Safeguard your valuables diligently, for it seems that thieves have set their sights on this sacred ground. Take heed of the signs of vulnerability and approach your visit with a dose of skepticism, until the necessary measures are taken to restore the sanctity and security of this once-promising destination.

Let my misfortune serve as a cautionary tale, a reminder that even in the pursuit of enlightenment, we must remain vigilant and protect ourselves from those who would exploit our vulnerability. May your own spiritual journey be filled with fewer obstacles and more genuine moments of growth, untainted by the shadows of theft...