KAHULUI HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Under the Canopy: A South Maui Rainforest Hike Through Pools, Ledges and Cascading Falls
A guided, 5‑hour exploration of a private valley outside Kahului that visits 3–5 waterfalls (10–40 ft), with swimming, optional jumps, volcanic ledges and a guided naturalist commentary — essential prep for anyone booking transfers from South Maui hotels.
Under the Canopy: A South Maui Rainforest Hike Through Pools, Ledges and Cascading Falls.
Tucked along the Hana Highway, this Hike Maui outing threads two streams through an exclusive valley carpeted in rainforest, where three to five waterfalls tumble into clear pools. Over roughly five hours you’ll swim, optionally leap from volcanic ledges, climb short volcanic shelves and eat a nutritious lunch while guides explain the valley’s natural history — ending the day with a true Hawaiian waterfall “shower.”
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Three to five falls, each a distinct pool
Follow two streams to between three and five waterfalls ranging from about 10 to 40 feet high, each pouring into large, clear swimming pools that form the backbone of the route.
Swim, climb and (optionally) leap from volcanic ledges
The valley is an adventurous playground: swim beneath falls, climb volcanic shelves and, at three of the falls, leap roughly 10–15 feet from rock ledges into deep pools — all optional and guided for safety.
A private rainforest valley beside the Hana Highway
This popular, privately accessed valley features magical rainforest corridors and freshwater streams; trails are exclusive to the area and the hike includes a nutritious lunch and snacks mid‑day.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Expect a kinetic half‑day of moving between pools and cascades, punctuated by guided naturalist stops that explain the valley’s geology and ecology. The flow is a mix of short scrambles over volcanic shelves, slow swims in clear pools and moments of instruction before optional jumps — all woven together with a nutritious lunch and local context from the guides.
THE WATERFALLS
Three to five falls, each a distinct pool
Follow two streams to between three and five waterfalls ranging from about 10 to 40 feet high, each pouring into large, clear swimming pools that form the backbone of the route.
THE PLAYGROUND
Swim, climb and (optionally) leap from volcanic ledges
The valley is an adventurous playground: swim beneath falls, climb volcanic shelves and, at three of the falls, leap roughly 10–15 feet from rock ledges into deep pools — all optional and guided for safety.
THE SETTING
A private rainforest valley beside the Hana Highway
This popular, privately accessed valley features magical rainforest corridors and freshwater streams; trails are exclusive to the area and the hike includes a nutritious lunch and snacks mid‑day.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this hike — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The guided portion runs about 5 hours; allow an extra 30 minutes to 1 hour each way for roundtrip transfers to and from South Maui hotels.
Hiker rate is $169; roundtrip hotel transfers are additional to that base rate.
A nutritious lunch and snacks are provided as part of the outing.
Operated by Hike Maui in a popular, privately accessed valley along the Hana Highway near Kahului in South Maui.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the hike?
The guided hike itself is approximately 5 hours, plus an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour each way for hotel transfers.
How much does the hike cost?
The Hiker rate is $169; roundtrip hotel transfers are additional.
How many waterfalls will we see?
The route visits three to five waterfalls ranging roughly from 10 to 40 feet in height.
Can I swim and jump during the hike?
Yes — swimming is part of the experience and jumping from volcanic ledges is offered at several falls as an optional, guided activity.
Is food provided?
Yes. A nutritious lunch and snacks are included in the outing.
Where is the hike located?
The hike takes place in a privately accessed rainforest valley along the Hana Highway in South Maui near Kahului.