
Waikamoi Ridge Trail
A tranquil rainforest hike on Maui's Road to Hana, featuring bamboo groves and ocean views, perfect for a peaceful nature escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Secure parking & fewer people

Waikamoi Ridge Trail
Best Time
Secure parking & fewer people
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil rainforest hike on Maui's Road to Hana, featuring bamboo groves and ocean views, perfect for a peaceful nature escape.
"A great hike away from the crowds at Twin Falls, offering a peaceful rainforest retreat. "

🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Only space for about 6-8 cars. Arrive early or be prepared to wait!
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The trail is rugged with roots and rocks. Leave the flip-flops at home!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Waikamoi Ridge Trail
Near mile marker 9 on the Road to Hana
A serene rainforest hike with towering trees, bamboo groves, and glimpses of the ocean. Perfect for a peaceful nature escape.
Bamboo Forest Path
Waikamoi Ridge Trail
Wander through a magical tunnel of towering bamboo, a truly enchanting experience.
Ocean Vistas
Waikamoi Ridge Trail
Catch scenic overlooks of the Pacific Ocean, offering a refreshing contrast to the lush forest.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds on the Road to Hana
Trail Conditions & What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Only space for about 6-8 cars. Arrive early or be prepared to wait!
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The trail is rugged with roots and rocks. Leave the flip-flops at home!
🌿 Embrace the Rainforest
Enjoy the lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere. It's a great spot for a quiet picnic.
💧 Waterfall Views
While not always accessible, you might catch glimpses of flowing water.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Only space for about 6-8 cars. Arrive early or be prepared to wait!
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The trail is rugged with roots and rocks. Leave the flip-flops at home!
🌿 Embrace the Rainforest
Enjoy the lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere. It's a great spot for a quiet picnic.
💧 Waterfall Views
While not always accessible, you might catch glimpses of flowing water.
🗺️ First Stop on RTH
A good initial stop to ease into the Road to Hana drive.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Waikamoi Ridge Trail is praised as a peaceful rainforest escape on the Road to Hana, offering a welcome break from crowds with its serene bamboo groves and ocean views. While parking is limited and the trail is rugged, visitors find it a beautiful and tranquil spot to connect with nature.
"This is a great hike away from the crowds at Twin Falls. We only encountered a few people on our 1-hour hike. That makes sense since there's only enough parking for about a half dozen cars. It's a rugged hike over uneven tree roots and rocks. There are great bamboo paths and scenic outlooks. The trail ends at a small creek. Unfortunately, there's no way to access the streams unless you can scale up and down some concrete structures (not recommended and dangerous). Overall, this is a nice hike for people who want to experience some of that Maui rainforest without the crowds."
Brent Villalobos
"We were last here 20 years ago. My how things have changed. Beautiful place with great views of the ocean. When I was going through cancer treatments and procedures it was suggested to me to imagine in my head a beautiful place where I felt safe and my mind went to the point overlooking the ocean. It was kind of emotional to go back. A bit different than I remembered but still a good choice for ‘a healing spot’ if anyone needs one."
Starfire Travel
"Waikamoi Ridge Trail is a peaceful forest retreat along the Road to Hana, offering lush greenery, shaded pathways, and hidden waterfall views. My family and I love stopping here for a quiet picnic, surrounded by the sounds of nature and the occasional trickle of flowing water. The short but rewarding trail winds through towering trees, making it an ideal spot to stretch your legs.
The waterfall scenery adds to the charm, providing moments of serenity along the walk. Though not the most famous stop, its tranquil beauty makes it a perfect break from the drive. If you're looking for a relaxing and scenic escape, Waikamoi Ridge Trail is a great place to pause and appreciate Maui’s natural beauty."
Jonathan Phan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Waikamoi Ridge Trail is located near mile marker 9 on the scenic Road to Hana on Maui. It's a popular stop, so aim to arrive early to secure one of the limited parking spots.
The Road to Hana is known for its winding, narrow roads with many sharp turns and one-lane bridges. It requires attentive driving. Many visitors opt for guided tours or start very early to manage the drive.
While possible, a one-day Road to Hana trip can be rushed. Many travelers recommend starting very early, around 6-6:30 AM, to fit in key stops without feeling too hurried.
Many visitors use GPS apps like 'GyPSy Guide' or 'Shaka Guide' which offer narrated tours and point out key attractions. Alternatively, hiring a local guide can provide in-depth knowledge.
It's crucial to fill up your gas tank before starting the Road to Hana, as gas stations are scarce and expensive along the route. Paia town is a good place to refuel.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required for the Waikamoi Ridge Trail itself. However, parking is very limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The trail is generally accessible during daylight hours. As it's an outdoor natural attraction, there are no official opening or closing times, but it's best to visit when there's sufficient light for safety.
While many stops along the Road to Hana are free, some state parks or attractions may have small entrance or parking fees. It's wise to carry some cash for unexpected charges.
Yes, numerous tour operators offer guided tours of the Road to Hana, which can be a convenient option if you prefer not to drive yourself. These tours often include transportation and stops at key locations.
Parking is extremely limited, with space for only about 6-8 vehicles. It's highly recommended to arrive early in the morning to secure a spot.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Waikamoi Ridge Trail is a relatively short loop, typically taking about 1 hour to complete, depending on your pace and how long you stop to enjoy the scenery.
The trail is described as rugged, with uneven tree roots and rocks. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended for a comfortable and safe experience.
While not the primary feature, you may encounter small streams or trickles of water, especially after rain. Some reviews mention the possibility of waterfall scenery adding to the charm.
Swimming is generally not recommended or easily accessible at Waikamoi Ridge Trail. The trail ends at a small creek, and accessing streams can be dangerous.
Bring water, insect repellent, and wear sturdy hiking shoes. A camera is also a good idea to capture the lush scenery.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the towering bamboo groves, the lush rainforest canopy, and any scenic ocean overlooks. The unique textures of the roots and foliage also make for interesting shots.
Absolutely! The trail offers a rich environment for nature photographers, with diverse plant life, interesting light filtering through the trees, and the possibility of spotting local flora and fauna.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light, ideal for photography. However, the dense canopy means light can be dappled throughout the day.
Drone usage is generally restricted in national parks and sensitive natural areas. It's best to check current regulations for Haleakalā National Park or Maui County before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive rainforest and bamboo. A macro lens can be useful for close-ups of the unique plant life.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't extensive play areas, the natural environment itself provides an adventure. The opportunity to see unique plants and hear the sounds of the rainforest can be educational and exciting for kids. Consider it a peaceful interlude before or after more active stops.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
Take your time to explore the bamboo groves and enjoy the ocean views. It's a wonderful spot for photography or simply to relax and recharge before continuing your journey on the Road to Hana.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts
While not known for dramatic waterfalls, the serene atmosphere and the chance to experience a less-trafficked part of the Hana Highway's natural beauty make it a rewarding stop for those who appreciate the subtle wonders of the natural world.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Road to Hana Experience
Many visitors start their Road to Hana adventure early in the morning to maximize their time and avoid the peak crowds. Popular stops include Twin Falls, the Ke'anae Peninsula with its taro fields and Aunty Sandy's banana bread, and various state parks offering swimming opportunities. It's essential to have a full tank of gas and snacks, as services are limited along the way.
Responsible tourism is highly encouraged on the Road to Hana. This means respecting the local culture, staying on marked trails, packing out all trash, and being mindful of the fragile environment. Many creators emphasize leaving no trace and appreciating the natural beauty respectfully.
Waikamoi Ridge Trail: A Rainforest Sanctuary
The trail's terrain is characterized by uneven tree roots and rocks, making sturdy footwear a must. While the primary focus is the lush forest, there are moments where the trail opens up to offer scenic overlooks of the Pacific Ocean, providing a beautiful juxtaposition of dense greenery and expansive blue. The trail culminates at a small creek, though direct access to streams for swimming is generally not feasible or recommended due to safety concerns.
What makes Waikamoi Ridge Trail particularly appealing is its tranquility. Unlike more popular attractions, it often sees fewer visitors, allowing for a more intimate experience with nature. It's an ideal spot for a quiet picnic or simply a moment of reflection amidst the sounds of the forest. The trail's accessibility and relatively short duration make it a perfect stop for those looking to stretch their legs and immerse themselves in Maui's natural beauty without a strenuous commitment.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit