3. Maui: Jungle and Waterfall Hiking Adventure
This is a moderately challenging/technical hike for experienced hikers or active and fit types only, including kids. Enjoy the sweet smell of yellow and white ginger flowers (seasonal), as you hike through a lush jungle in the West Maui Mountains. Part of this adventure is the road less traveled, and in lower season, the entire journey feels that way. You will begin with a hike through bamboo thickets to a dirt trail that weaves in and out of a rocky stream. This will lead, on a trail which involves lava-rock/boulder hopping, to an upper-tier waterfall and pool which is perfect for swimming. The stream flow can be higher or lower depending on the season, with a higher amount of rainfall occurring at higher elevations. Along the way, your guide will point out old native ruins, as well as native species such as Awapuhi Ginger (seasonal), which can be used to condition your skin and hair on the spot! You will also find Banyan trees, originally from India, with aerial roots that will leave you in awe of nature. After feeling refreshed from your first swim, we'll return to the original point of entry and begin your descent to the next phase of the journey. The 2nd phase is local style, and involves hiking through giant basalt formations while descending down to lower-tier waterfalls to explore and swim in the freshwater pools. The first tier has a natural waterfall slide that gushes into the pool, which is great for kids. You will then hike further down the rocky stream to an incredible banyan tree with giant roots for climbing down to a larger and more secluded 2nd-tier waterfall and pool, with the option of climbing into the fall. From here, you will stand above an even larger and steep 3rd-tier waterfall which gushes toward the ocean.