What to know about the 13 crossings hike in Maui Hawaii to see waterfalls and bamboo forest

ALOHA!

If you’re looking for a solid waterfall hike on Maui, 13 crossings might be the hike for you!

If you’re looking for a waterfall hike on Maui that’s more off-the-beaten path, then these might be the waterfalls for you!

If you are looking to see a bamboo forest that’s not on the Road to Hana… then this hike might be for you!

For this hiking trail, you basically follow the Makamakaole Stream in the West Maui mountains.

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And, you will be CROSSING the stream!

Many times.

The trail changes sides every now and then, and the way to follow the trail is to cross the stream!

Waterfalls in West Maui mountains aka Waterfalls NOT on the Road to Hana

And by taking the 13 crossings trail, you have the chance to see more than one set of waterfalls!

Most of the easy-access waterfalls are on the Road to Hana, which is in East Maui.

If you won’t be doing the Road to Hana drive, then the waterfalls on Makamakaole Stream might be the waterfalls you want to go for!

This waterfall trail is about an hour from both Kaanapali (West Maui) and Wailea (South Maui).

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Bamboo forest in West Maui mountains NOT on the Road to Hana

And you’ll pass through a small bamboo forest too!

This not THE famous bamboo forest of Maui.

For that, it’s also a Road to Hana stop, being a national park hike on the Hana Highway.

Compared to the famous bamboo forest, this bamboo forest that you’ll pass by along the Makamakaole Stream is a pretty small area, but you will be surrounded by bamboo trees!

The “crossings” part of the 13 crossings trail!

So the 13 crossings trail along the Makamakaole Stream would not necessarily be considered an easy hike. But most people probably wouldn’t consider this an extremely difficult or strenuous hike. It does requires a lot of climbing over rocks though. So, moderate hike it is. 😉

The trail is locally called 13 crossings because…

You are quite literally crossing the stream a TON of times! I didn’t count, but maybe there are 13 stream crossings to make. 😉 

The “trail” is sometimes the rocks to cross the Makamakaole Stream!

There are (at least) 2 sets of waterfalls you can go to by taking the 13 crossings trail and following the Makamakaole Stream.

You’ll eventually come across a kind of fork type area, and there are waterfalls in both directions. 

How much time do you need for the 13 Crossings Trail?

As I was heading to the waterfalls, I was REALLY slow as I tried to navigate over the rocks to cross the stream.

On the way back I was much quicker as I figured out a way that made me more comfortable to cross over more quickly, rather than overly cautiously taking steps afraid I was going to slip and fall.

I was mostly afraid to lose my balance and/or slipping off the rocks. (Wet rocks tend to be extra slippery!)

It really wasn’t all that bad, but I am quite a fearful person so I was being overly cautious which means it took me extra time. 

In total, I spent a little over 2 hours on the 13 crossings trail. Your time on this waterfall hike may vary based on how fast or slow you take on the trail itself, and how long you spend at the waterfalls! 

What to wear for the hike to Makamakaole waterfalls

For the stream crossings, there’s a chance that your shoes can get wet.

So it could be helpful to wear waterproof hiking shoes, sturdy water shoes for hiking, or hiking sandals. This may help you to feel more confident in walking across the rocks so you don’t have to be so worried about getting your shoes wet.

I was happy to be wearing waterproof hiking shoes.

Getting to 13 crossings trailhead

The trailhead has been known as being a difficult trail to find. But as long as you know what you’re looking for, and how to locate it on a map, it’s not really hard at all. The start of the trail is right off the main road, Kahekili Highway.

There’s a section of the Kahekili Highway that is considered scary and dangerous. Getting to the 13 crossings trail is basically the start of the back road (aka the dangerous part) of the Kahekili Highway on the southern end.

When driving from the south, you will drive a kind of narrow road (considering it’s for traffic going in both directions) to get to the trailhead, but you won’t encounter the part that’s considered truly scary or dangerous.

That is further up the road. If you are considering driving from the north side, it will be best to evaluate the situation to decide whether you want to go for it.

That section is one that many car rental companies won’t cover if something happens to your car. (The back road to Hana is another section that’s not covered.)

See more about parking for the trail.

And finally…

The boring safety message

Hiking in Hawaii can be dangerous!

Flash flooding along streams in Hawaii is a thing. Rising waters along the Makamakaole Stream is a thing. 

And one of the dangers of waterfall hiking and stream hiking is rising water and flash flooding.

There have been people who had to be rescued from Makamakaole Stream because the water level was too high to cross the stream.

Along rivers and streams in other parts of Maui, there are people who have died from flash flooding.

Do this hike, and all hikes, at your own risk! It can be best to ask locals about current conditions before you go. (Like the staff at the hotel you’re staying at when you get to Maui.) Local news sometimes puts out warnings about this kind of thing too.

And that’s a bit about hiking to see waterfalls in West Maui!

Make it a hiking day in the West Maui mountains!

The 13 Crossings Trail is located pretty near the Waihee Ridge Trail. So if you’re looking for a multi-hike day, it can be reasonable to pair these hikes together. See pictures from the ridge hike.

Some people may think that doing both of these trails in one day is a bit much. So it will be best to consider your ability before deciding to do both in one day. Just doing one of these hikes can be plenty for some people.

I did do both on the same day though, so if you’re reasonably active in everyday life, I think it can be just fine!

Whether you do one hike or 2 hikes, be sure you’re prepared with Hawaii hiking essentials, which at the very minimum means WATER and SNACKS!

Also see more of the best hikes around Maui.

And…

Have you been camping on the Road to Hana?!

• Have a look at the campgrounds on the Hana Highway (aka campgrounds with ocean views!) 
• Also take a look at this Road to Hana camping itinerary for some ideas of things to do!
• See the list of tons of things to do on the Road to Hana… or just look at the East Maui waterfalls list or the East Maui beaches list

You can go camping on Lanai too, and there are a few hikes on Lanai as well that you could do as part of a day trip or overnight trip.

HAPPY HIKING TO WATERFALLS ALONG THE MAKAMAKAOLE STREAM!