Adventures on Maui

Jungle Canyoning at its Best

Jan 9, 2009

The aloha spirit is a little tarnished, but Hawaii still contains some of our best wilderness. Canyoning is relatively new there, and Maui is a good place to start.

Online discount ticket websites frequently have bargain fares or airfare/car rental packages. For most of the year Maui is very cheap and easy to get to. There are few hassles.

Canyoneering and other Supplies in Kahului

Gas and groceries can be 50% or more costly than on the mainland. Those on a budget can take advantage of the Kahului Walmart, Kmart, and the many fast food restaurants. There are no climbing or canyoning equipment shops.

Hassles & Dangers

Local Department of Land and Natural Resources agents have recently been restricting canyoneering in lower Makamaka'ole and Puohokamoa valleys, though to date no one has been arrested. Away from the main cities, locals can be very unfriendly to outsiders. Canyoneers in the vicinity of Wailua have been threatened with physical harm. The sign across from the local church says "If you don't live here, you don't belong here." Warnings like these must be taken seriously.

Flash floods are common, especially after long or heavy rains have filled ponds and saturated the soil. Conditions can be very localized - what's happening on the north or west side of the island isn't always the same on the south or east. Canyoneers should check the forecast and stream flow conditions before entering their target canyon.

Rockfall can also be a problem, although it's generally no more prevalent than in the slot canyons of the Southwest. Helmets are a must.

There's lots of swimming in Maui canyons. Poor swimmers should consider wearing a PFD.

Even though it's Hawaii, hypothermia can sometimes be a problem. Full wetsuits are recommended in the winter months.

Makamaka'ole

Makamaka'ole (Maka for short), is located a few miles west of Kahului. From the highway to the ocean, it's rated 3C II-III. It consists of 6 major drops, most of them into deep pools.

Emergency exits can be found on canyon right (meaning the right side of the canyon when facing downstream) just above the 3rd drop and at an old engine block 75 yards downstream from the 4th drop.

From the final rappel the hike to the ocean will take at least 30 minutes. From there, trails up canyon left will lead to private property and a long driveway up to the main road. Cutting left (south) well before the rim is a difficult bushwhack but skirts the private land. Trespassing is not recommended.

Maka is the classic technical Maui canyon and probably sees more descents than any other because of its proximity to Kahului. However, it's not the longest or the most technical, nor is it the most beautiful. For those, canyoneers will want to visit East Maui's north coast by way of the Hana Highway.

The copyright of the article Adventures on Maui in Wilderness Backpacking is owned by David Black. Permission to republish Adventures on Maui in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.