The Makamakaole Falls is one of the best hidden gems in Maui, Hawaii! The short and relatively easy Makamakaole Stream (13 Crossings) Trail has it all, a bamboo forest, banyan tree, two waterfalls, and a pool to swim in.
There are even some rope climbs for the more adventurous hikers! Keep reading to discover everything that you need to know before hiking this trail.
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Everything You Need to Know Before Hiking the Makamakaole Stream Trail
Table of Contents
- Makamakaole Stream (13 Crossings) Trail Information
- What is the difference between the Upper Makamakaole Falls and Lower Makamakaole Falls?
- How to get to the Makamakaole Stream Trail
- Best time to hike to the Makamakaole Falls
- Can you swim in the Makamakaole Falls?
- What to expect when hiking the Makamakaole Stream Trail
- What to bring when hiking the Makamakaole Stream Trail
Makamakaole Stream (13 Crossings) Trail Information
- Length: 2 miles out and back
- Difficulty: Moderate due to the stream crossings and uneven terrain
- Elevation Gain: 524 feet
- Fee: No entrance fee required
- Dog Friendly: Yes, but dogs must be kept on a leash and waste must be carried out.
- Kid Friendly: This trail is kid friendly under the right conditions. However, it can be muddy and slippery with dangerous stream crossings if it has been raining.
- Facilities: There are no restroom facilities located at the trailhead, so plan accordingly.
- Notes: Avoid hiking if it has been raining or there is rain in the forecast. This area is prone to flash flooding and high water levels at the stream crossings during inclement weather.
What is the difference between the Upper Makamakaole Falls and Lower Makamakaole Falls?
The impressive 270-foot Makamakole Falls consists of multiple cascading tiers. It is not possible to see the waterfall in its entirety as it is hidden behind dense vegetation in the West Maui Mountains.
The top portion above the highway is considered the “Upper Makamakaole Falls” and the portion below the highway is the “Lower Makamakaole Falls”.
The best viewpoint for the Lower Makamakaole Falls can be seen from the highway just past mile marker 8 down in the valley to your right.
The best viewpoint for the upper falls can be seen from the nearby Waihe’e Ridge Trail around the 1-mile mark.
However, if you would like to hike to the falls there are trails leading to both the upper and lower Makamakaole Falls.
It can be a bit confusing distinguishing between the two trails, but to reach the lower falls you’ll follow the Makamakaole Falls Trail. This trailhead is located just up the road from the Makamakaole Stream Trail.
The Makamakaole Falls Trail is only 0.5 miles out and back, but the trail is steep and often muddy. We have not hiked this trail, so for more information refer to the All Trails link.
To reach the upper falls, you’ll take the Makamakaole Stream Trail, also known as the 13 Crossings Trail.
This guide will give you all the information you need to hike the Makamakaole Stream Trail to the upper Makamakaole Falls.
How to get to the Makamakaole Stream Trail
The Makamakaole Falls are located within the West Maui Forest Reserve in Wailuku.
To reach the Makamakaole Stream trailhead leading to the Upper Makamakaole Falls, take the Kahekili Highway north from Kahului. It is located about 8 miles north of town near mile marker 8.
The road will begin to narrow as you wind your way up the mountain, so just use caution.
The trail is unmarked, but if you put Makamakaole Stream into your GPS it will show where the stream intersects with the highway. This is where the trail begins.
Your GPS may also show a Makamakaole Stream Trail located on Hana Highway, but that is a different trail.
Soon after you pass the parking lot for the Waihe’e Ridge Trail, you’ll find a small parking area on your left before the bridge. This is the parking area for the Makamakaole Stream Trail. There is only space for a few cars, so you may need to park a little further up or down the highway.
Just use caution if you need to park further and walk alongside the road, as it is quite narrow and winding.
Also, be sure to not leave any valuables in your car. This is a known area for ‘smash and dash’ where thieves will smash your window and grab anything they can.
From the parking area, you’ll find a dirt path leading through a small opening in the trees on the right just before the bridge. This is the Makamakaole Stream trailhead.
The trail can also be accessed if you are coming from the West Maui Mountains on the north and driving south. However, this road is extremely narrow with steep drop-offs and no guard rails, so it is advised to reach the trail via Kahului.
Best time to hike to the Makamakaole Falls
The Makamakaole Stream is prone to flash flooding and rising river waters, so it is best to visit during dry conditions.
Heavy rains upstream can trigger flash floods that wash down this creek, wiping out anything and anyone in its path.
The best time to hike the Makamakaole Falls Trail is during the summer months from May to August when Maui averages less than a 1/2 inch of rain per month.
The rainy season in Maui runs from Mid-November through late March.
However, even during the dry months, there can still be heavy rains so be sure to check the forecast before heading out on the hike.
If the trail is wet, it also becomes quite muddy and slippery. The river can also rise rapidly and with so many river crossings it can be dangerous.
When the trail is dry and the river is low, it is easy to cross the stream over boulders and stepping stones without getting your feet wet at all.
Just keep in mind that you are hiking at your own risk so please use caution and common sense. Cell reception is limited and rescues can be difficult so do not attempt to hike the trail during or after heavy rainfall.
Can you swim in the Makamakaole Falls?
There are two waterfalls along the Makamakaole Stream Trail.
The waterfall to the left of the fork is too shallow to swim in. However, the waterfall to the right of the fork is deep enough where you can cliff jump and swim.
What to expect when hiking the Makamakaole Stream Trail
The Makamakaole Stream Trail is one of Maui’s best hidden gems. You will likely only encounter a few other hikers while on the trail. Enjoy the peace and solitude on this beautiful hike!
The beginning of the trail is easy to follow as it leads through a native forest and guinea grass.
There are quite a few guava trees lining the path that give off a heavenly scent, you can even eat the fruit straight from the tree if it is ripe.
Shortly after beginning the trail, you will reach the stream where the trail is not as well-defined. Some hikers tend to get confused at this point.
However, just keep in mind that the river is flowing from the waterfalls so if you just follow alongside the river then you won’t get lost. If the trail comes to an end, then just hop across the stream and continue the trail on the other side.
Are there really 13 river crossings?
You will be required to cross the river multiple times, more precisely 13 times, according to its name.
There are stepping stones at the river crossings so it is possible to keep your feet dry if the river is low enough.
If the water level is higher, just use caution as the rocks become slippery and it is easier to lose your footing. A hiking pole is strongly recommended.
Do not attempt this hike if the water is dangerously high or running too swiftly.
Bamboo forest
After about 0.5 miles, you’ll come to the Makamakamole Stream bamboo forest.
While this bamboo forest is much smaller than the bamboo forest on the Road to Hana’s Pipiwai Trail, it is much easier to access if you are unable to make it to the Pipiwai Trail.
However, if you do have time I would highly recommend hiking the Pipiwai Trail, it is our favorite waterfall hike in all of Maui!
Despite only being a few hundred feet in length, it is still such a serene experience to walk through the towering bamboo shoots.
Banyan tree
Shortly after the bamboo forest, you will reach a banyan tree.
Banyan trees are a fascinating feature of the Hawaiian landscape. The canopy of branches hangs heavy with roots shooting into the ground that resembles new tree trunks.
While this is smaller than some of the other banyan trees you’ll encounter in Hawaii, it is still a cool landmark along the trail.
At the banyan tree, be sure to follow the trail to the left to connect back to the stream.
Fork in the trail
After 0.85 miles, the stream forks with a trail leading in both directions.
It is not a very definitive fork so some hikers get a little confused at this point. However, there is no wrong way to go.
If you follow either trail for about 0.1 miles, they will both dead-end at a waterfall. Both waterfalls are unique and I would highly recommend visiting both.
*Related Post: The majority of Maui’s waterfalls can be found along the Road to Hana. Check out our guide for the 15 Best Stops on the Road to Hana!
Left fork waterfall
If you follow the stream to the left, you’ll walk through a narrow ravine with towering sheer cliffs covered in rich vegetation.
As if this wasn’t beautiful enough, at the end you’ll come to a 50-foot waterfall cascading into a shallow pool.
While the pool isn’t deep enough to swim in, you can still relax and cool off in this natural grotto.
For the more adventurous hikers, you’ll find an attached rope that you can use to scale up the face of the waterfall and rappel back down.
It goes without saying, but I will say it anyway…climbing up a slippery waterfall using a thin rope that has not been professionally anchored with only a shallow pool below you is not a safe decision.
With that being said, many adrenalin junkies still attempt to climb to the top of the waterfall where they are rewarded with even more cascading falls.
*Related Post: Discover the Best Beaches in Maui!
Right fork waterfall
Make your way out of the ravine and back to the fork in the trail. From here, follow the fork to the right for another 0.1 miles to reach the second waterfall.
This is considered part of the “main falls”. Initially, this waterfall is not quite as impressive. It is smaller in size but still has plenty to offer.
For starters, the pool at this waterfall is actually deep enough to swim in.
If you climb the rocks on the right you can even cliff jump into the base of the waterfall. Just check the depth and the location of any submerged rocks before you jump in.
And if you’re looking for more waterfalls to swim in, check out our guide to 9 of the Best Waterfalls in Maui!
If you continue up the rocks on the right, you will see a rope that you can use to climb up and over the top of the waterfall.
This will lead you to another waterfall that is even more spectacular than the first.
From here, you can continue to follow the rope up to yet another tier of the waterfall.
I can imagine there are even more cascading tiers as you continue higher up, but I wouldn’t recommend going further past the third set of waterfalls.
Reaching these falls can still be a bit treacherous, use extreme caution if you choose to attempt the rope climb. As always, you are hiking at your own risk and rescues can be difficult.
Once you have enjoyed your time at the waterfall, make your way back to your parked vehicle the same way that you came.
And while you are in the area, be sure to check out these guides:
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What to bring when hiking the Makamakaole Stream Trail
- Water shoes: Wear sturdy water shoes with good traction as the trail can often be slippery and muddy. You’ll also get your feet wet during the river crossings or while swimming in the falls.
- Hiking poles: These will come in handy during the river crossings, especially if the water level is higher.
- Go Pro: With the possibility of getting wet, you won’t want to risk this hike with expensive camera equipment. The Go Pro Hero 8 is our favorite camera for capturing waterfall hikes and cliff jumping.
- Hydration Backpack: Hydration backpacks are essential for hiking. You’ll be able to stay well hydrated on your hike without packing bulky water bottles. It also has extra zippered pockets to hold snacks and belongings.
- Dry Bag: As with any water hike, it’s always a good idea to carry a dry bag to secure your keys, phone, and any valuables you don’t want to get wet.
- Bug Spray: Mosquitos can be quite pesky on the trail, so be sure to use bug spray and wear long sleeves and pants if possible.
- Towel: These Turkish towels are highly absorbent but are thin enough that they don’t take up much space in a backpack.
- Swimsuit: Wear a swimsuit under your clothes if you plan to swim in the waterfalls.
- Plastic bags: Bring plastic bags to leave in the car for muddy shoes or clothes. Be sure to also pack an extra set of dry shoes, socks, and clothes.
I hope this guide has helped you prepare to hike the Makamakaole Stream Trail to the Upper Makamakaole Falls. It truly is one of Maui’s best hidden gems!
*Related post: If you’ve worked up an appetite after your hike, be sure to check out these 11 Best Places to Eat in Maui!
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