MauiGuidebook.com 
Not the most dramatic Maui waterfall, but fun to swim in nonetheless!
In a nutshell: CLOSED. Hike into windward West Maui Mountains across suspension bridges, small waterfalls and end at a pool.
Minuses: CLOSED.
Sound-bite:“I’m trespassing, but I paid the fee!?!”
UPDATE: AS OF SEPTEMBER 2011 THIS HAS BEEN COMPLETELY CLOSED
A strong razor-wire lined gate has been placed on the trail/access road. Sorry, it is actually a very sore spot among native Hawaiians, residents and visitors alike, but no one can go here any more.
More information in this excellent Maui Time article.
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This is an interesting hike, and many local families love to come here with their keiki. Kids love crossing the swinging suspension bridges and the end of the hike has a man-made concrete diversion dam and waterfall that cascades into a refreshing swimming hole.
The valley is peaceful and beautiful, with some side treks into absolutely magical forest possible. That said, I’m going to have to say that this is a better option for residents because most visitors have limited time and there are better (and many more) options for waterfall and jungle hikes along the Road to Hana.
One of the swinging bridges.
The bridges aren’t exactly up to the safety standards of the big city. While they’re not extremely high, the bridges do move and swing – with plenty of open spaces for the uncoordinated (or unlucky) to fall through – so those afraid of heights or worry warts about the kids probably won’t like them one bit. (A bit of perspective: more adventuresome folks won’t consider the bridges even the least bit adrenaline inducing, and as long as streamflow is low, anyone afraid can easily cross the streams by foot.)
The trails are easy to follow, are relatively level, and run along interesting Wailuku Water Company ditches (essentially, the EMI of Na Wai Eha.) There is also a safe area for parking where you gain access to the trail at Waihe’e Valley Plantation – the Plantation charges a nominal fee to access this area, though the majority of the hike is not on their land, and if you don’t have a permit (which Wailuku Water no longer issues) you’re technically trespassing. (More perspective: there is no enforcement for trespassing here and 100 or more people a day take this hike.)
Consider Swinging Bridges if you live here and are looking for something new, or if find yourself around West Maui’s North Shore ahead of schedule. I personally prefer the hike just a mile away which is along the ridge of this valley: Waihee Ridge Trail. You can pick based on your taste and ability – the ridge hike has sweeping views, but no water and is also more strenuous.
A note in getting here: Around mile marker 4.9 is Wahe’e Valley Rd, turn onto the road and follow looking for singes for Waihe’e Valley Plantation. Pull in, pay and park.
Key Info:
Mile Marker: #4.9 (Kahekili Hwy aka Hwy 340), turn onto Waihe’e Valley Rd.
GPS Coordinates: 20.94131,-156.524502
Facilities: None.
Fee: $6 Adults; $2 Children; $3 Kama’aina
Get directions
View Swinging Bridges in a larger map
Mickie Ross says:
We are residents and very senior. “swinging Bridges” kept us walking and in shape for walking for many years. It’s cool enough to even walk even in the summer. Not so for years now. We would work hard to concur the trail again if you would let us. We are happy for just some of the trail. Maybe stop at the bridges. Please show aloha and open again to residents or just seniors to keep trail not overused? We will pay the entry cost. Mahalo
Marta says:
Me and my boyfriend hiked this trail today. It was insane. Very strenuous. Only for advanced hikers. Definitely not for families with kids. Word of advise: make sure you pack plenty of water, a bug spray, and good sturdy water shoes as you will be walking though mud.
There is no place to park your car as the whole area has “private” and “towed away at owner’s expense” signs. Be aware that the whole trail has “no trespassing” and “you will get arrested” signs. So do this only at your own risk. There is Irrigation ditch water system running though most parts of the trail. After about 2 miles you will see a high barb wired fence gate with, once again, sign “do not trespass” there is a way around it though – down the hill, very steep, be careful! If I haven’t discouraged you already from not taking this trail (which would be wise), read on…
There are two pretty cool suspension bridges on the trail. Even though they were probably not inspected since the trail closed back in 2011, they look pretty sturdy and all the wiring remains intact. However, be advised that the stairs leading up to them are beaten up. In some places, the concrete has fallen off. There is also a high risk of the rocks falling off from the cliffs above the trail. Make sure you watch for that as you probably do want to come out of this trail alive… The trail leads through a bamboo forest. It was beautiful. There is also a lot of exotic flowers on the trail. We noticed some banana trees on our way as well. The trail ends at a small, man made waterfall.
The whole idea behind us taking this trail was not the suspension bridges (although they were very cool) but to reach the Honokahau Falls (as filmed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8T80XMWdd9Q) which everyone says are inaccessible by trail. We took our chances and followed the river upstream. All together we hiked about 5 hours one way, for a total of 10 hours. We ended up coming up very close to Honokohau Falls, however because it was already 1:30 PM, we decided to turn back as we didn’t want to come back at nightfall. Maybe if we followed all the way though the stream, we would finally come to the spot where the waterfall collapses… The route upstream is extremely dangerous. Easy to slip and break a leg. Considering everything I wouldn’t recommend hiking this way. The falls are beautiful, but still not worth the effort. Take the helicopter instead.
River says:
Aloha, its been almost 10 years since you submitted this, but i have a couple of questions. What time did you start the hike? What time did you first get to the plantation gates and begin? Did you have to get there super early so no one would see you? Was there a lot of workers/people around when you went? Also do you still have the footage of your trip? when i click on the link it says its no longer available but i really want to watch it. I know the answers to these questions can be forgotten with time but thank you for any help
Ryan K says:
So I’m wondering… is there still a gate that says its closed and people just go anyway or is the gate gone and the path officially open? I did this hike about two years ago and liked it a lot. http://alohamiles.com
Mark says:
Unfortunately, it is still closed. Waihee Ridge Trail (http://mauiguidebook.com/adventures/waihee-ridge-trail/)is just above this valley, and is a nice hike but no water. If you want waterfalls, Road to Hana has countless options. Aloha!
Matt Austin says:
My girlfriend and I hiked it today…. It is great. Caught one of the Waihee Valley Plantation gentlemen at the gate and invited us to come take a look at the plantation. What an awesome thing they are doing. We walked the paved road and finally hit the large black fence with razor wire atop and around it. You can get around the gate, but it is a sheer drop off. It is well worth it.
The two swinging bridges are awesome and we kept on going along a path that is a path, however seldom used. We didn’t make it to a waterfall, crossing through the stream 3-4 times. After that the foliage which was already extreme got even more extreme we decided to turn around.
Overall a great hike and we only saw 2 other people on the trail. They were leaving as we were entering.
jin says:
in Jan 2013, we visited Maui and hiked this trail. we heard from Bull frogs guide that it was “recently reopened” so we took a chance. we had v young kids 3 and 5 yrs old but reviews that its a ‘family hike’ prompted us to go for it. its a challenge. by way of some lucky encounters and goodwill by chance, we found the diversion route. its very dangerous steep down hill for young ones or anyone not used to slippery, muddy, bashing through the vegetation type of ‘hike’…..+ mosquitoes attack in the thick foliage. on the way back, instead of the long diversion, we decided to risk the razor wire. possible but very dangerous! if you are young, do high risk sports, good at hiking (off road) in the wilderness, you would think this is thrilling. what we did was absolutely crazy. we dont encourage families but its such a fun hike that tourism board really should do something to this closure. its too selfish for whatever proprietor reasons to shut this from the rest of the world.
Mark says:
Where is the diversion route?
Gregory says:
When it will be re-openned?
Marjorie says:
This hike has been CLOSED! 10/08/11
Kawik Gomes says:
I think Oprah Winfrey bought the property fro Mr Thompson. Wants no liability . Don’t blame her. She could lose billions.