Hiking Waihee Ridge and 13 Crossings in Maui 2022

I went to Maui for my first time in July 2022 for a wedding, and extended the trip to explore the island. There are a lot of beautiful paths along the coast in western Maui, but I was eager to find hikes that take you through the jungle to a waterfall or up a ridge. Waihee Ridge and Makamakaole Stream: 13 Crossings are a couple of the hikes that do exactly that!

Waihee Ridge and 13 Crossings are located in northwestern Maui only a few minutes apart. I did both in the same afternoon because they offer such different experiences and neither is that long.

Further waterfall on the Makamakaole Stream: 13 Crossings hike

Hiking Waihee Ridge Trail in Maui

Waihee Ridge trail is a 4 mile out and back trail located near Wailuku. The trail follows a ridge and provides awesome views of northern Maui. The trailhead is easy to find by driving up Maluhia Rd until you reach the parking lot.

The very beginning of the hike takes you up a steep hill which becomes more gradual as you approach a forest. Pretty quickly the trail opens up and the rest of the path is along the ridge. Early on there is a lookout area where you can see a distant waterfall. From there keep following the path upward.

My partner and I did this hike on a Tuesday afternoon in mid July and were lucky with somewhat clear skies when we started the hike. We had great views for most of the way up, but eventually the clouds rolled in. We knew we were close to the peak but decided to turn around after hiking for about 5 minutes in a cloud whiteout knowing the visibility wouldn’t improve.

Length: 4 miles round trip (out and back)
Parking: Parking lot with a porta potty and overflow parking
Notes: Clouds can obscure visibility
Tips: We had no problem with parking on a Tuesday around 3pm

Waihee Ridge parking lot view — Waihee Ridge – View from upper parking lot

Waihee Ridge trail Maui — Waihee Ridge trail

Waihee Ridge Trail — Going into the clouds

Views of northern Maui on Waihee Ridge Trail — Views of northern Maui

In the Clouds on Waihee Ridge Trail — In the clouds

views looking north Waihee Ridge Trail — Views looking north

Hiking 13 Crossings in Maui

13 Crossings is a flat, 2 mile hike that follows the Makamakaole Stream to two waterfalls. There is no parking lot, so you have to park on the side of the road. The trailhead might be easy to miss if there aren’t other cars parked.

The trail was pretty straight forward weaving across the stream 13 times. About halfway to the waterfall the trail goes through a really cool bamboo grove. After 13 crossings you’ll find yourself at a fork. About 1 more minute to the right is a waterfall and swimming hole, and to the left is another waterfall about 10 minutes further down the trail. The further waterfall does not have a swimming hole but brave (and risky!) people can climb up a rope hanging down the falls. I recommend going to both waterfalls!

I did this hike on a Tuesday afternoon after hiking Waihee Ridge trail. I wore cheap water shoes I bought at the market; sandals like Chacos or Tevas would work great too. While water shoes are not required (many rocks at each crossing), I thought it was nice not to worry about keeping my feet dry.

Length: 2 miles round trip (out and back)
Parking: Parking on the side of the road
Notes: The further waterfall has a rope you can climb (at your own risk!)
Tips: Wear water shoes!