Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Mile Marker 8.1:
First scenic view of a valley gazing out toward the ocean. Exhale
deeply and remember why you drove here. The great views are just getting started!
•
Mile Marker 8.5:
Sweeping view of dense swaths of bamboo crawling their way up the
eastern flank of the mountain
•
Mile Marker 9.5:
Waikamoi Ridge Trail
Waikamoi Ridge Trail
The next point of interest on your journey is the Waikamoi Ridge Trail. This small picnic
area provides a relaxing place to stretch your legs or enjoy a roadside snack (although there
are no restrooms or other facilities). There's a short loop trail here that gains 200 feet of
elevation in the surrounding forest.
•
Mile Marker 10:
Waikamoi Falls
Waikamoi Falls
Congratulations, you've reached your first roadside waterfall and swimming hole! Simple,
elegant, and easily accessible, Waikamoi Falls is a convenient place to take a dip. The re-
freshing, cool waters will wake up anyone who might be lagging from rising early. Be
careful if you swim; the falls can be raging during or after heavy rains. A small trail leads
down to the pool and a second waterfall is accessible above the first pool by wading across
a streambed. The only inconvenience here is the lack of parking.
•
Mile Marker 10.5:
The Garden of Eden Botanical Garden and Garden Gourmet food
cart
Garden of Eden
Half a mile up the road from Waikamoi Falls is the enticing
Garden of Eden
(808/
572-9899,
www.mauigardenofeden.com
, 8am-3pm daily, $15/person), an ornately mani-
cured 26-acre rainforest utopia. This flank of coastline was once little more than over-
grown jungle. In 1991, Alan Bradbury, the state's first I.S.A. certified arborist, slowly but
surely began clearing the hillside and replanting native trees. It was truly a labor of love:
After two decades of work, the Garden of Eden now has over 600 individually labeled
plants. You may recognize this view of the coastline: the opening scene of
Jurassic Park
was filmed there. Those with a keen interest in botany and landscaping will appreciate the
sanctuary and it makes a great spot for a picnic. The $15 entrance fee is a little steep. If
