Maui is full of enticing hiking trails for all skill levels, but one of the most interesting is the Waihou Spring Trail. Located in Upcountry Maui on the slopes of Haleakala, this scenic forest trail invites visitors to explore cool mountain air, towering trees, and a quieter side of the island that many visitors never experience. The team at Parrish Maui is here to share insights into this unique hiking experience.
A Forest Unlike Anywhere Else on Maui
What makes Waihou Spring Trail truly unique is its landscape. Instead of palm trees and lava rock that you typically find on Maui’s hiking trails, Waihou Spring Trail offers a lush forest setting filled with eucalyptus, pine, and even redwood trees. Many visitors do not know that Maui is home to redwoods; however, there are many sprinkled throughout the island. These towering trees help create a serene atmosphere on the Waihou Spring Trail that feels more like the Pacific Northwest than a tropical island.
Waihou Spring Trail offers two different routes. The most popular is the loop trail, which measures just over a mile. The other option is a switchback trail, which is found off the loop trail, steeply descends Kailua Gulch. The easier, faster option is the loop, but adventurers will find the switchback route more rewarding, with a dry riverbed and cliffside caves and tunnels along the trail. Our suggestion is that if you are taking the time to head to Waihou Spring Trail, be sure to take the switchbacks down.
Regardless of which hike you take, the highlight is undoubtedly the tranquil forest setting. If you want a break from Maui’s beautiful beaches, hiking the Waihou Spring Trail is a great change of pace. Additionally, the trail is usually pretty quiet, so if you want a quiet retreat away from it all. Due to the fact that the trail sits at a higher elevation, temperatures are typically cooler than at sea level. This makes Waihou Spring Trail an excellent mid-day hiking option, especially during warmer months when coastal hikes can feel intense.
A moderate fitness level is recommended for the switchbacks at Waihou Spring Trail. Comfortable hiking shoes are a must for the steep switchbacks, and because sections can become muddy after rain.
Find Your Slice of Paradise on Maui
After spending the day immersed in Maui’s cool mountain forest, you will be craving a place that feels like home. That is where Parrish Maui comes in; our vacation rentals are the perfect home away from home for your island vacation. We offer a curated selection of villas in West Maui that cater to the discerning traveler’s needs.
Once you have found the ideal accommodation for your trip to Maui, you can make a reservation online. For more information, please call us at 877-854-9070.