Waikamoi Nature Trail
The Waikamoi Nature Trail on the Hana Highway in Maui, Hawaii is an easy 0.5-mile loop trail that leads through an old growth eucalyptus forest and features some small lookout points.The trail first begins at the parking area and heads up a small hill to a picnic area and a view of the ocean below. Continuing on from the first picnic area, this hike stays left at the fork in the trail and follows the Waikamoi Ridge Trail (labeled on the Na Ala Hele trail sign).
The trail continues up a gradual hill and passes old growth eucalyptus trees, bird-of-paradise flowers, and other native tropical plants. The entire trail smells amazing as you make your way past the giant eucalyptus, but note that these trees also have massive roots that litter the ground. Watch your step as you hike through the large roots.
At the top of the hill, you'll find a bench with a lookout point - this lookout point can be overgrown at times. Continuing on, you'll reach another fork in the trail - if you stay right, you'll head back down hill toward the first picnic area and parking. If you stay left, you'll head up to the second picnic area (not included in the map here).
After heading back down hill, you'll pass even more bird-of-paradise flowers and giant old growth eucalyptus trees before reaching the parking area.
Lookout points: The trail map at the parking lot shows two lookout points before the spur trail leading to the picnic area, but we only found one lookout point on this hike. The only lookout point we found had a bench for resting, but the lookout itself was overgrown. There may be a better lookout point at the picnic area off of the spur trail (see the pictures for more details).
Pets: Dogs are allowed if on leash and their waste must be carried out.
Parking: There's a small parking lot at the parking coordinates provided. There's enough space to fit about five cars.
Picnic spots: This trail has a picnic area next to the parking lot and there's a second picnic area about 1-mile into the forest at the end of the spur trail off of the main loop. This is a great spot to stop for lunch on the road to Hana.
Waterfalls: This trail does not have access to waterfalls; however, if you continue east on the Hana Highway, you'll reach Waikamoi Falls, a must-see on the road to Hana.
Respecting the Land
Hawaiian land is considered sacred to native Hawaiians and many locals, so please stay on-trail, take nothing but photos, and leave nothing but footprints. Respect the locals - don't stay for long and have a backup hike planned in case the parking lot is full.
