Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
244-0101;
www.turnbullstudios.org
;
5030 Kahekili Hwy; 10am-5pm Mon-Fri)
, where you can
view Bruce Turnbull's ambitious bronze and wood creations, as well as the works of oth-
er area artists…very cool stuff.
Continuing around beep-as-you-go blind turns, the highway gradually levels out atop
sea cliffs. For an Edenlike scene, stop at the pull-off 0.1 miles north of mile marker 8 and
look down into the ravine below, where you'll see a cascading
waterfall
framed by
double pools.
Mendes Ranch
RANCH
MAP
(
871-5222;
www.mendesranch.com
;
3530 Kahekili Hwy; 1½hr rides $110; rides 8:45am &
11:30pm)
For a real
paniolo
experience, saddle up at Mendes Ranch, a working cattle
ranch near mile marker 7. The picture-perfect scenery on these rides includes everything
from jungle valleys to lofty sea cliffs and waterfalls.
Waiheʻe Ridge Trail
This fabulous trail has it all: tropical flora, breezy ridgelines, lush valley landscapes and
lofty views of Maui's wild northern coast and the central valley. The best part? The well-
defined trail is less than 5 miles roundtrip and only takes about three hours to complete.
The path is a bit steep, but it's a fairly steady climb and not overly strenuous. It's best
to start this one before 8am in order to beat the clouds, which can obscure the view from
the top later in the morning.
Starting at an elevation of 1000ft, the trail, which crosses reserve land, climbs a ridge,
passing from pasture to cool forest. Guava trees and groves of rainbow eucalyptus are
prominent along the way, and the pungent aroma of fallen fruit may accompany you after
a rainstorm. From the 0.75-mile post, panoramic views open up, with a scene that sweeps
clear down to the ocean along the
Waiheʻe Gorge
and deep into pleated valleys.
As you continue on, you'll enter ohia forest with native birds and get distant views of
waterfalls cascading down the mountains. The path ends at a small clearing on the 2563ft
peak of
Lanilili
. When it's clear, you'll find awesome views in all directions as well as a
picnic table.
Solos, seniors and in-shape kids should be fine on this hike. If you have access to hik-
ing poles, bring them. The trail gets muddy and steep in spots.
For the
trailhead
, take the one-lane paved road that starts on the inland side of the
highway just south of mile marker 7. It's almost directly across the road from the big
