Two hikes in the past month were fun activities and new to us, and very different from one another: Makawao Forest and Waihe'e Coastal Dunes. Two options for your next visit, both easy hikes and scenic. Picnic worthy.
Makawao Forest: Tall trees and groomed path with separate bicycles trails. This is the map of the area to get your bearings, at the start of the trail system.
The path we chose is a 6 mile loop but you can enjoy just a 30 minute hike and come right back the way you came. Don't go on a rainy day, and don't go off the trails. This is the rainier side of Maui and the side of Haleakala with some steep ravines.
The trees are Rainbow Eucalyptus and others not identified, it was dry and did not see the brilliant colors that are typical. But they were still magnificent.
Picnic tables are available and it would be a great spot for a quiet day of reflection.
No outing is complete without a great brunch. We headed over to Kula while we were upcountry and dined again at La Provence with their scrumptious Eggs Benedict.
Waihe'e Coastal Dunes: The area is the northwest side of Wailuku. The Hawaii Land Trust took fee ownership of this very sensitive 277-acre site in 2004. Active restoration programs have enhanced critical native wildlife habitat, while preserving the area’s rich archaeological and cultural resources. Once populated with two thriving ancient Hawaiian villages, an extensive inland fishpond and several heiau ( Hawaiian temple pre- Christianity), the Waihe‘e Refuge is among the most significant cultural sites in the state.
The entrance to the coastal trail is to the left before the Waiehu golf course. It's part of the Hawaiian Islands Land trust. Parking is ample and the trail is marked clearly and just one loop, along the ocean and back. You can opt for the trail loop into the trees and shade. It was a clear morning and we took the beach route to checkout the shore, and on the way back chose the shady path.
This is a heiau and restoration is in progress as are the ancient fishponds nearby.
Near the entrance adjacent to the parking area is a stream and a dad and daughter were out there boogie boarding.
Near the far end of the trail is Waihe'e Stream and it is lovely as it enters the ocean.
Here I'm looking upstream
and in the next photo looks out to sea at the mouth of the stream. You could carefully walk across the stream on the rocks if you want and go on further. We opted to head back the way we came, stayed to the right at the fork and took the shady route back to the car and coolers.
And the best part - a rest in the shade with a picnic! Oh, and wine....
#Hike #Maui on your own with a couple of easy and scenic trails. #MakawaoForest and #Waihe'e at the #CoastalDunes #trail. Easy to moderate hikes with a place to get some shade and have a #picnic. Or dine out at #laprovence.
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