anyone know if Waihee Valley Trail is still closed??

according to maui revealed website it%26#39;s now closed. ridge trail is open though.

anyone know if Waihee Valley Trail is still closed??

Current Status as of Aug %26#39;07 - From Maui News '; ... hikers the impression they’re free to go on the hike, when in fact they’re trespassing';, said Wailuku Agribusiness President Avery Chumbley. Chumbley said liability was the main reason he was concerned about trespassers on the Waihe%26#39;e Valley trail. The company has posted “No Trespassing” signs and was planning to post additional signs warning of rockfalls, flash floods and other dangers in the area. People may hike [... the swinging bridges part of the ...] trail with permission from Wailuku Agribusiness, but many don’t bother to get the permit. Since the majority of the hike takes place on land owned by Wailuku Agribusiness, those not going on a tour with Maui Eco-Adventures do need to secure a permit from WA at their headquarters in Wailuku FIRST.

Cautions - Be aware that flash flooding is possible. If it is raining, do not hike in this area; will have to cross the stream 4 times, twice on the SWINGING Bridges.

Trailhead of this popular – but private – hike, also known as the “swinging bridges” hike, is on conservation land owned by Wailuku Agribusiness. Since 2004, there has been controversy, and at times in the past there has been a fruit stand near trailhead or locals, trying to charge admission.

Do not block the road or park unless you have permission from local landowners; some may be out asking for parking fee. Do not hike the swinging bridges trail, unless you already have a permit.

Trail description - Waihe%26#39;e Valley is a narrow, stream-fed canyon with steep vertical walls, cutting into the West Maui Mountains, while Haleakala, the volcano of East Maui rises above the clouds in the far distance. The trail, located on the north shore of West Maui, about a 20 minute drive from Kahului, winds gently through the lush, tropical rain forest and crosses two long swinging bridges over the Waihe%26#39;e River. The hike winds up the canyon past bamboo forests, huge banyan trees and views of narrow waterfalls cascading over the steep canyon walls. Trail has an initial, gradual 300 foot climb and then the trail levels out. At the end of the trail are the %26#39;Ali%26#39;ele Falls, a man-made pool. Most say Moderate hike, no major uphill required; however if streams are running high, you may need to turn back or ford them very, VERY carefully. Good topo / trail map at http://www.reith.ca/gps/waihee.html

A good, thorough article can be found at …about.com/od/mauiland/ss/waihee_hike_10.htm

To reach the trail, proceed just past the little town of Waihe%26#39;e, look for Waihe%26#39;e Valley Road, just before the 5 mile marker on Hwy 340. The pavement ends 1/2 up the road. There is a small parking lot among the houses before you reach the end of the pavement. If you have a 4-WD or high-riding vehicle, may drive further along the unpaved road. Go right along the unpaved road to start your way into the valley; continue up the road until you reach an abandoned car; keep following the dirt road past the gate on the LEFT. You will see the No Trespassing signs. Go to the RIGHT and keep hiking.';

anyone know if Waihee Valley Trail is still closed??

Bump - any updates for Sept 2007?

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