Popular Maui hiking trail closed for Improvements

The Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) said it recently closed one of Maui’s most popular hiking trails, the 2.5 mile Waihe’e ridge trail, in order to make improvements that will enhance the trail’s stability.

Owned and operated by the DLNR and the Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), the trail was originally created to give state forestry staff access to areas where they needed to plant trees. Now, the trail is part of the Na Ala Hele Trails and Access Program and offers views of East Maui and the Waihe’e valley.

The improvement project bears an estimated cost of $27,000. The government agencies have tapped contractor Trails Unlimited LLC to complete the work, with help from the Maui DOFAW Na Ala Hele Trails and Access Program staff. The work includes enhancing stability, which is threatened by drainage problems and erosion, as well as stormwater management and enhancement of some of the trail’s viewpoints. The project will also allow the agencies to install benches and picnic tables, brining it up to standards maintained at other trails in the state.

The trail will remain closed until Feb. 28.