Waikolu Valley Overlook

"Three Waters"

Maunahui Road,
Central Molokai

The road to the lookout is unpaved, rough, and only meant for 4-wheel drive vehicles or hikers. It winds through the wooded, lush interior of Molokai, through tall Norfolk pines and lush green ferns. Ignore the many small roads that branch off the main road.

Along the road to the lookout is a wood-carvers cabin. His handiwork can be seen alongside the road - everything from "the old man in the tree" to a snake, coiled and ready to strike. Hanging on his gate is a metal embossed sign of the trails throughout the forest and a grim reminder not to get lost! Another interesting site along the way is the Sandalwood Pit.

At the lookout, 3600 feet above sea level, you will have a spectacular view of the valley, the gulch, sea cliffs, numerous waterfalls, offshore islands, and the ocean. In the afternoon, the view may be obscured by low lying clouds descending on the valley.

Beyond the Waikolu is the entrance to the Kamakou Preserve - a fragile native rain forest with paths that lead through the Pepeopae Bog to the Pelekunu Valley Overlook.

Useful Information:

4-wheel drive vehicles only can access this road - DO NOT attempt this drive if the road is muddy or it is raining
Sierra Club offers hikes to the area as well as some excursion companies bring visitors - check with the tourist office in Kaunakakai for more information (800-800-6367)· Restrooms at lookout
No drinking water available
Picnic facilities
Bring water and snacks
Wear hiking shoes
Bring rain gear
Bring insect repellent
Camping available - contact Waikolu Lookout Campground, P.O. Box 1015, Wailuku, Maui, HI 96793· No open fires allowed

DIRECTIONS:From the airport toward Kaunakakai, turn left onto Maunahui Road, located immediately after the bridge just after Mile Marker #4. The paved road will end and become a dirt road just after the Homelani Cemetery. Follow the road for 13 miles to the lookout.