Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
This is where it starts to get wild! As the highway snakes along the edge of the Koʻolau
Forest Reserve, the jungle takes over and one-lane bridges appear around every other
bend. Koʻolau means ʻwindward,' and the upper slopes of these mountains squeeze
passing clouds of a mighty 200in to 300in of rain annually. No surprise - that makes for
awesome waterfalls as the rainwater rushes down the reserve's abundant gulches and
streams.
After mile marker 5 you'll pass through the village of
Kailua
. This little community of
tin-roofed houses is the home base for the employees of the East Maui Irrigation (EMI)
company. These workers maintain the extensive irrigation system that carries water from
the rainforest to thirsty sugarcane fields in Central Maui.
After leaving the village, just past mile marker 6, you'll be treated to a splash of color
as you pass planted groves of
painted eucalyptus
with brilliant rainbow-colored bark.
Roll down the windows and inhale the sweet scent given off by these majestic trees intro-
duced from Australia.
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Waikamoi Nature Trail
Sturdy sandals - and maybe a rain slicker - come in handy on this 30-minute
nature trail
that's filled with majestic sights and spicy scents. A covered table at the top offers one
pretty spot to break out that picnic lunch. Look for the signposted trailhead 0.5 miles past
mile marker 9, where there's a wide dirt pull-off with space for several cars to park.
At the start of this 0.8-mile trail you're welcomed by a sign that reads ʻQuiet. Trees at
Work' and a strand of grand reddish
Eucalyptus robusta
, one of several types of towering
eucalyptus trees that grow along the path. Once you reach the ridge at the top of the loop,
you'll be treated to fine views of the winding Hana Hwy.
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Waikamoi Falls
Just a handful of cars can squeeze in before the bridge at mile marker 10, but unless it's
been raining recently don't worry about missing this one. The East Maui Irrigation Com-
pany diverts water from the stream, and as a result the falls are usually just a trickle.
After you drive past the bridge, bamboo grows almost horizontally out from the cliffs,
creating a green canopy over the road.
