Upper Makamakaole Stream, West Maui

Soon after exploring some of the lower accessible waterfalls of Makamakaole, the crew (Katie, Ryan, Christian and I) was eager to venture to a another set of waterfalls along the upper part of the stream called “13 Crossings.”

We first started following a faint swath through “double head-high” guinea grass… or california grass. I wasn’t paying attention, I was too excited to see waterfalls.

We soon came to several stream crossings,

I’m assuming we’d encounter 13 of them on the way to the series of waterfalls further back in the valley.

There were only some minor elevation changes while on some contours along the riparian zones, but always remained close to the stream channel.

A short while later, we were walking through a small bamboo forest…

and several,

more,

stream,

crossings, haha.

Until we came to point where we could no longer hike easily along the steep stream banks.

Which also tipped us off that we’d likely encounter some waterfalls soon.

With our felt bottomed foot wear, scrambling along the slick rock of the waterfall wasn’t a problem.

Above this waterfall was another with two chutes, spilling into a shallow pool.

Navigating around this one was a little more challenging, as the footing was unstable and the contour was overgrown with thorny thimbleberry plants. First topping out without using the existing ropes,

I checked to see if the anchor was secure at the top and that the rope could at least hold my body weight before the others used it below.

After everyone safely made it up, we turned around to another pool and small waterfall.

Which was far more manageable to contour than the prior.

The last waterfall was two-tiered, and the largest of any that we encountered. There are likely many, many more above this though…

But with the flash flood advisory for that afternoon in the back of our minds, we felt it was time we should head out, so we wouldn’t be “those hikers” who end up being stranded or get in over their heads and need rescue.

I can only imagine how dangerous this place can get with the stream only a foot or two higher. The discharge volume would be insane!

Under better circumstances and favorable weather, I hope to explore this area further. I hear we can even connect this route to another popular nearby trail! As for now, a scenic coastal drive around West Maui and catching some fresh fish for dinner was on my mind, haha. Such an amazing day so far, and it wasn’t even noon yet. Stay tuned for our coastal adventure at Chutes and Ladders later that afternoon!

As with any hike or outdoor adventure here in the islands, please know when you are in over your head and know when to turn back. Please properly prepare yourself and hike with others who are capable and who you can trust. Be sure to check the weather forecast for heavy rain or inclement alerts. Please stay safe on the trails out there and have fun!

Aloha and mahalo nui for visiting… Come back again soon!