Staying Safe On Your Maui Adventures

With 2 Maui hikers having gone missing the past few weeks (thankfully Amanda Eller was found and our prayers are with the Mina family), it is a must to revisit some hiking best practices and review everything you can do mitigate the risk of hiking.

Although the the Maui lifestyle is geared towards enjoying the outdoors and exploring its natural beauty, it can be risky to explore the desserts of Kihei, the shield volcano of Haleakala, and the rainy forests of Hana.

Not a state managed hike, but a very fun and safe trail managed by the Kapalua Resort

While hiking may be the best way to physically see Maui and experience what the island has to offer, it can get quite treacherous if you are a new to the island and its landscapes. There are hundreds of unmarked trails on the Valley Isle, but I always recommend using the state managed trails.

There are two phenomenal resources the state provides to the public for free and they highly encourage all to use it:

• The home page for all state managed trails on Maui: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/recreation/nah/maui-trail-and-access-maps/
• The state wide interactive map of all state managed hiking trails: https://hawaiitrails.hawaii.gov/trails/#/

Sayles Team Hiking Safety Tips

Amazing picture of Haleakala courtesy of Dominick Marino

Hike With a Partner

The last thing you want to do is hike alone. You never know when you may run into an accident and you will need your partner’s assistance. It may seem cool to unplug a little and leave your phone in the car, but always take it with you; if anything, you can always just turn it off and leave it in your bag.

Notify a Responsible Party

Always tell somebody exactly where you will be hiking; check in with them before you leave and after you return. Also, let them know when you anticipate to be back, so they have a reference point to know when you have been gone longer than you should have.

Essential Tools

As mentioned before, take your cell phone with you; it may lose service at some points, but it’s a good safety net to have. Carry a flashlight that is not your phone, you don’t want to be wasting your battery by using it as a flashlight. Of course a Swiss army knife is a good idea, even in everyday life. Bringing along a whistle will definitely help a rescue party if you get lost.

Hydration

Waihee Ridge Trail, jut 15 minutes from Wailuku

Always carry more water than you think you will need. Hiking can get exhausting and preventing dehydration is important, even on short day hikes. If you get lost, you can go a few days without eating, but becoming dehydrated is a bigger problem than being hungry. It is recommended to carry at least 2 liters per person.

Follow the Trail

I know it may be tempting to explore areas other than the trail in an attempt to find your own adventure, but it is very easy to get lost in certain areas. Even if you see other’s veering off trail, don’t always assume they know what they’re doing.

Study the Area

Before going hiking in a new place, it is a good idea to take a map with you and study the surrounding area to familiarize yourself with it. The sites mentioned above are great resources in doing so and even provide some tips specific to each hike. Also notice if the terrain is changing, the easiest way to notice is if the vegetation begins to change.

Stay by a Water Source

In the event that you get lost, find the nearest water source and stay there or along it. Rescue parties will be sure to check all water sources as they know missing hikers will eventually run out of water.

Contact a South Maui Real Estate Specialist

Please interview me to be your trusted Maui Real Estate and Lifestyle Advisor. I was born and raised on the island, and spend a considerable amount of time to inform my clients about the best deals currently on the market. Please do not hesitate to call me for your Maui real estate needs. I am more than happy to assist you in your home search.

Aloha,