Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
If approaching from Wailuku, the discreet trailhead is 7.8 miles after making the turn
onto Waiehu Beach Road, or 0.8 miles after the Mendes Ranch. At this point the road has
climbed in elevation and narrowed at parts to only a single lane. You'll pass a sharp turn in
the valley, and when the road starts pointing back toward the ocean, you'll notice a small
dirt pullout which can accommodate four or five vehicles. The trailhead is a narrow, well-
defined dirt pathway that heads downhill into the brush. There's also a false trailhead that
departs from the same parking area but only goes for about five yards. If the trail suddenly
ends after 10 seconds, turn around and look for the other one. Once you are on the correct
trail, it will wind its way downhill for about 10 minutes before arriving at a small swim-
ming hole where you'll find a rushing waterfall and a rope swing. Along the way you're
rewarded with a dramatic view of Makamaka'ole Valley as it wends its way to the ocean
below.
The trail continues deeper into the valley toward a waterfall more dramatic than the
first. You'll have to climb over a large boulder to keep on the trail, which will then parallel
the river over some slippery rocks. The mosquitoes can be vicious in this shaded section,
so be sure you've applied repellent or have covered yourself. After tracing the river for
10 minutes, the trail will end at a large banyan tree whose serpentine roots snake down
a near-vertical cliff face. In order to reach the pool below, climb down using the roots of
the banyan tree as handholds as if it were a natural ladder. As you can imagine, this is a
maneuver which requires some athletic ability and skill, so it should only be attempted by
those who are agile and accepting of the risks. The reward, however, is a small swimming
hole where you can bathe beneath a waterfall in a hidden tropical setting. This spot is pop-
ular with many guided hiking tours.
