Believe it or not, you don’t have to have prior experience to walk down a waterfall backwards — and, even more surprising, just about anyone can do it.
Rappel Maui takes adventure seekers who are at least 10 years old to a private, five-acre site in Puohokamoa Valley, near Keanae along the Hana Highway in East Maui where they’ll rappel at three sites: a dry drop off a 60-foot cliff followed by descents on 30-foot and 50-foot waterfalls that flow into natural swimming pools (be prepared to get wet!).
Rappelling might seem scary, but the guides will tell you there’s nothing to it: As you move down, just remember to keep balanced by sinking your weight into your harness, lean back until your feet are firmly planted on the slope and make use of natural footholds such as spaces between rocks and “steps” formed by protruding rocks.
To get to the rappelling spots, you’ll hike 300 feet into the valley and hike back up—great exercise along a trail bordered by guava, heliconia, mango and more.
See website for reservation information.
Meeting place: Kihei Junction Park & Ride lot at the intersection of North Kihei Road and Honoapiilani Highway, Wailuku, HI 96793