Honolua Ridgeline Hike & Conservation Tour

Hike into a Side of West Maui Most Visitors Never Get to See!

Step beyond Maui's beaches and into a private stretch of West Maui forest rarely experienced by visitors. This guided 2-mile (3.2 km) round-trip hike follows the Honolua Ridgeline through the historic Maunalei Arboretum and into the 9,000-acre (3,642 ha) Puʻu Kukui Watershed Preserve, the largest private nature reserve in Hawaiʻi. Along the way, you'll walk beneath forest canopy, explore land once used as a coffee farm, and even have the chance to swing from hanging banyan vines.

But this hike is about much more than reaching a viewpoint. Your guide will help you uncover the story of the landscape as you walk, identifying native and introduced plants and explaining the ongoing work to protect West Maui's watershed. Hawaiian history and cultural stories add another layer to the journey, connecting the forests high on the ridgeline with Honolua Bay and the ocean below. It's an opportunity to understand how Maui's mountains, freshwater, forests, and reefs are all connected rather than simply walking through the scenery.

The trail gradually climbs through shaded forest before opening to a beautiful ridgeline lookout overlooking the surrounding valleys, Puʻu Kukui watershed, and Pacific Ocean. Take time to enjoy the view before following the trail back down through the forest. With a relaxed pace and approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) of hiking, this is less about covering serious mileage and more about gaining access to a remarkable landscape—and leaving with a deeper understanding of the conservation work helping protect it.

Duration

1. 3 Hours Total
   
2. This includes a roughly 1 to 1.5 hour, 2 mile (3.2 km) round-trip hike, plus van transport to and from the trailhead and time at the lookout.
   

Location / Where to Meet

1. Check In / Departure Address: 800 Office Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761, United States
   
2. The meeting point is directly across from the Bay Course Clubhouse — look for the large gray van above the main parking lot and park in any available stall nearby.
   
3. Your guide provides round-trip transportation by van from the meeting point (base yard) to the trailhead at the Maunalei Arboretum.
   
4. There are flush toilets at the base-yard and there is a compost toilet at the trailhead.
   

Ages & Requirements

1. All ages welcome! This hike is designed to be family-friendly!
   
2. Children must be able to complete the 2 mile (3.2 km) round-trip hike on their own; guides ask that you not plan to carry a child unless you bring a proper child-carrying backpack.
   
3. The trail is a moderate, potentially slippery, uneven walk — comfortable with regular walking or light hiking.
   
4. This hike is not wheelchair accessible.
   
5. Service animals are allowed.
   
6. Shared Tours – Limited to a maximum of 8 guests per tour.
   
7. Private Tours – The base private-tour price includes up to 4 guests. Additional guests can be added for an extra fee, up to a maximum group size of 12 guests.
   

What's Included

1. Round-Trip Transportation – Van transportation from the meeting point to the trailhead.
   
2. Expert Guided Hike – Learn about the preserve’s ecology, watershed conservation, and Hawaiian history and culture.
   
3. Walking Sticks – Available for added stability on the trail.
   
4. Water – Bring a reusable bottle to refill; containers are also available for purchase.
   
5. Rain Ponchos – Provided if the weather turns wet.
   
6. Light Snack – A small snack is provided along the way.
   
7. Shared or Private Tour Option – Select your preference at checkout. Private pricing includes up to 4 guests, with additional guests available for an extra fee up to 12 total.
   

Not Included

1. Gratuity — never expected, but if you have a great experience, consider gifting 10–25% to your guides!
   
2. Private Tour Upgrade – Available for an additional fee. Private pricing includes up to 4 guests, with additional guests available for an extra fee up to 12 total.
   

What to Bring / Wear

1. Sturdy, Closed-Toe Hiking Shoes – Wear broken-in hiking shoes or trail sneakers with good traction. Forest trails can become muddy, wet, and slippery, especially after rain. Avoid open-toe sandals.
   
2. Lightweight, Quick-Drying Clothing – Comfortable hiking clothes are best. Long pants are recommended but not required and can provide extra protection from vegetation, mud, and insects.
   
3. Light Rain Layer – Weather along the West Maui Mountains can change quickly. Bring a lightweight rain jacket; ponchos are also provided if showers roll through.
   
4. Sun Protection – Bring a hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen. Although much of the hike is shaded, ridgelines and viewpoints can be exposed to strong Hawaiian sun.
   
5. Reusable Water Bottle – Water is available, but bring your own refillable container. Containers are also available for purchase if needed.
   
6. Insect Repellent – Helpful for hiking through shaded and damp forest areas.
   
7. Small Backpack – Useful for carrying your water, rain layer, sunscreen, and personal belongings while keeping your hands free on the trail.
   
8. Camera or Phone – Bring something to capture the forest, plants, and panoramic views from the ridgeline. Protect electronics from unexpected rain.