Pros & cons
PROS
- Wide valley-and-ocean panoramas on clear days
- Picnic table/wooden platform for a scenic rest and photos
CONS
- Summit often clouds in; best views can be just below the top
- Windy and can be slick/muddy after rain
Overview
This is the high point of the Waiheʻe Ridge Trail, a breezy perch above Waiheʻe Valley where, on a clear day, you can scan the Pacific, Haleakalā’s silhouette, and distant waterfalls. A small wooden platform and picnic table make it a natural spot to catch your breath and soak it in.
What You’ll See
- Big views of Waiheʻe Valley and the ocean, with Makamakaʻole Falls visible on clear days.
- Lush West Maui rainforest giving way to native vegetation as you gain elevation.
- A narrow, airy ridge near the top that feels worlds away from the coast.
Getting Here (and Real Talk on the Hike)
Reaching the summit means committing to the full ridge hike: roughly 4.2–5 miles round-trip with about 1,600 feet of climbing. Expect a steep paved ramp right out of the parking area, then a well-marked dirt path with switchbacks, steps, and sections that turn muddy after rain. Many hikers find the descent trickier than the climb. If you’re short on time or weather turns, excellent viewpoints sit around 0.6–0.75 miles up the trail.
Conditions to Expect
This ridge catches weather. Wind is common, clouds build through late morning, and recent rain means mud—especially near the top. Bring grippy footwear and consider trekking poles. There’s no water on the trail and no facilities at the summit.
Nature Notes
You’ll pass through a mix of non-native and native plants—ferns, orchids, ʻohiʻa, kukui, and eucalyptus among them—as the forest shifts with elevation. Birdlife can include Japanese bush-warblers, common myna, and Hawaiian honeycreepers like the ʻamakihi. The lower section crosses private ranch land where cattle sometimes graze—stay on the marked path.
Stewardship and Safety
This trail lies in the West Maui Forest Reserve and is maintained by the state’s Na Ala Hele program. Stay on the signed route, pack out everything, and use the shoe-cleaning stations at the trailhead to help prevent Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death. Hunting occurs in the broader area—bright clothing is smart.
Best Time to Visit
Aim for an early start around 7 am for clearer views, cooler temps, and a shot at main-lot parking before it fills. Summer is typically drier underfoot. Late afternoons can be lovely if skies cooperate, but remember the parking area is posted 7 am–7 pm—budget time to descend before closing.
Where it is
20.9467, -156.5517Tips for Waihee Ridge Summit Overlook
- 01Start by 7 am for parking and clearer views before clouds build.
- 02If the summit is socked in, linger at viewpoints just below for the best vistas.
- 03Pack a light shell—wind picks up along the ridge and at the top.
- 04Poles and grippy shoes make the muddy, steep descent far easier.
- 05Leave time to return before the parking gate closes at 7 pm.
Amenities
Near Waihee Ridge Summit Overlook
All places →All trails →
0.9 mi awayUpper Makamakaole Falls TrailStream-hopping to twin falls and a cool swim deep in a shady gulch.Moderate · 2 mi · 2 hr
1.4 mi away13 Crossings of Makamakaole StreamStream-hopping romp to twin falls and a cool, swimmable pool.Moderate · 2 mi · 1.5 hr
1.4 mi awayWaihe’e Ridge TrailSteep ridgeline to huge valley and ocean views—worth the early start.Challenging · 4.4 mi · 3.5 hr
3.2 mi awayWaihe'e Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Refuge TrailEasy coastal walk with birds, dunes, and deep Hawaiian historyEasy · 3.3 mi · 1.5 hr
3.4 mi awayKahakuloa VillageTiny oceanside village with banana bread, galleries, and old Hawaiʻi vibesFood · Store
3.5 mi awayKahakuloa Hawaiian Congregational ChurchPhotogenic 1892 church in a time‑capsule village on Kahekili Hwy
3.8 mi awayKahakuloa Head LookoutRoadside perch above a dramatic 636-foot sea cliffPullout · Scenic Viewpoint
4 mi awayKahakuloa Bay Scenic OverlookCliffside pullout overlooking remote Kahakuloa Bay and villagePullout · Parking
