Waihou Spring Trail is a 1.8 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Makawao, Maui, Hawaii that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Moderate trail that is part of the Na Ala Hele state trail system. Easy loop through pine forests. Lower spring trail is generally steep through a series of switch backs. It can be slippery after rain. Waihou Spring is accessible at the end of the trail. Trail follows the Waihou Springs State Forest Reserve tree plantation road. After making a loop around the upper section, the trail follows a ridgeline to an overlook and returns the same route. Monterey cypress and eucalyptus trees can be seen, as well as the native tree species alaa, halapepe, and koa. The trail ends on a ridge top offering scattered views of the Central Valley. As you traverse down the cliff edge via the Spring Trail, this will take you to Waihou Spring for views of small lava tubes and waterfalls.
Parking on the right hand side of Olinda Road on the way up, just at the trail head. Area open from sunrise to sunset only.
Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, 2270 Kalakaua Avenue, Suite 801 , Honolulu, HI, 96815, Phone: 800-GOHAWAII, Fax: 808-924-0290
Directions from Waihou Springs Forest Reserve gate: This is about 0.25 miles above the Olinda Endangered Species Propagation Facility on Olinda Road. Parking is available on Olinda Road outside the Forest Reserve gate.
January 14, 2021
December 30, 2020December 23, 2020the springs are dried up right now
December 21, 2020Beautiful! Easy. Great family hike.
December 18, 2020Nice trail with some steepness down to the spring. Trail is open!
December 5, 2020November 27, 2020October 29, 2020It was so peaceful, quiet and beautiful trees. Spotted birds along the path.
October 19, 2020came here as a side trip from Haleakala. Very shady due to trees, nice relief from sun. the final leg to falls is still closed due to covid. would only come again if open all the way to falls.
October 17, 2020Dry & beautiful
October 11, 2020October 11, 2020Could’ve been more challenging but it’s a good family hike.
August 21, 2020Mellow and peaceful loop trail with young redwoods
August 8, 2020Really nice trail for a quiet walk or jog away from cars and traffic. Well maintained. Lots of loose pine needles and tree roots to watch out for while walking- wouldn’t be good for anyone unsteady on their feet. Lots of shade and stays cooler longer into the day. Sadly the lower trail to the spring is closed due to COVID
May 17, 2020what a fun hike. let your imagination run free while checking out the caves/tubes/aqueducts/dwellings. would've loved playing here as a kid. the hike itself is easy, on well maintained trails. the way down to and around the springs can be slippery. the climb up isn't as bad as you may think it will be on the way down. overall it's a happy little hike.
May 9, 2020Fat guy advice ~ loop is a nice walk, going down to spring is where it’s at. It’s a family and pet friendly hike with a lot of people, the loop is a nice gradual slop and gets the legs ready for the lower spring trail. As you’re going down you are regretting it very much and wondering when it stops. The further straight down you go the more you think of the journey back up. Once at the bottom it is pretty cool and worth the hike. You can hunch over and walk in a couple of them. Now the climb back up...... it’s actually not that bad and seems quicker going back up than it did going down. Not what you were expecting huh... Have fun.
April 19, 2020Nice and easy loop but the switch backs to and from the spring falls are a bit arduous. Definitely do not do after rain. The locals do the hike in sandals and bare feet. I admire them. It is beautiful and surreal without yelling kids. When you can find that time.
March 12, 2020Aloha!! Yes the loop trail is easy and has minimal grade changes. The switchbacks to the spring is moderate to hard. HOWEVER. once at the spring be cautious. The “lava tubes” as quoted above are not such. They are old channels for sewage and drainage dug into the rock face. If you approach them closely you can immediately see they are man made and far from actual lava tubes. The views are beautiful everywhere. You can smell the keava trees (Hawaiian cedar) not pine. There is also Koa trees and a hidden ancient rainbow eucalyptus tree. There are planted redwoods on Maui. However not here. Enjoy the hike!! But take it slow and LEARN about the area and it’s species before you post!! Mahalo!!
March 7, 2020Perfect walk for old peeps and families with kids
February 24, 2020Old folks and dogs enjoy this trail on mondays
February 1, 2020Well marked trail through a gorgeous pine Forest makes this unique scenery for Maui. The lava channels and water are only accessible by taking a steep, optional trail done with switch backs. This part is not part of the loop, so I would only recommend this for those seeking a more challenging hike.
November 16, 2019Loved this trail. Felt like the mainland mountains, but in Hawaii. Great shaded trail, the loop part is an easy stroll, down to the spring is moderate and steep.
November 1, 2019This listing only covers the loop through the redwoods which is peaceful, fragrant and absolutely beautiful. If you are feeling adventurous, you can go past warning signs and take a steep series of switchbacks to the spring below. Miss covered rocks, trickling water and lava tubes make the extra hiking worth it.
October 30, 2019We enjoy this walk as a getaway from the heat and crowds. Eucalyptus and pine smells are a treat. You can keep it easy and wander through the woods or get a little workout in by descending down the switchbacks to the springs.
September 11, 2019The drive up is definitely worth the trip alone. Makawao’s countryside is one of my favorite drives. Keep on the lookout for goats (that are very nicely groomed, btw) and all the monkeys (stuffed animals) hanging at the turn. Very aloha. The trail, as mentioned by others is short and shady. I hiked alone and felt a little underwhelmed and maybe a little creeped out but that’s part of the adventure right? There’s nearly zero foot traffic and no tourists around but if you’re looking for a “ta-da” moment, I’d save that for a different destination. There’s a spring trail but very little water. The scent of the woods otherwise, does beat the stench smell of rotting fruit in the rainforest!
September 1, 2019August 31, 2019Not a lot of water in the springs right now but still a nice hike.
August 26, 2019Shorter circular trail with an offshoot that takes you downward to some springs and small caves. Gorgeous and shady hike.
