A mere half-hour or so from Kahului, the Kings Garden Maui is a private heritage site near the start of the Road to Hana. It offers a popular two-hour guided hike through lush rainforest to waterfall lookouts and seals the deal at the end with a chocolate-making demo and tasting.
Given how easy it is to reach from the airport, the Kings Garden is marketed as a convenient taste of the world-famous Road to Hana that doesn’t involve a long drive. Some might choose it if they don’t have the time to spare for the full Road to Hana experience. Others incorporate it into a longer adventure on this stunning coastal drive. The Road to Hana is famous for its waterfalls, and the Kings Garden Maui property offers looks at some of the first along the way.
It’s a rather unique ecotourism experience that doesn’t charge a fee but requests a charitable donation for the restoration and upkeep of what’s called an ancient heritage zone. (The company associates these rainforest gardens with King Kalakaua, a 19th-century Hawaiian monarch.) Tipping is expected (and some even say pressured) for the legitimately excellent guides, so the tour ends up being on the pricey side.
But many will consider it worth it for the insights offered by the Kings Garden Maui guides. Don’t expect to get close to the waterfalls, let alone swim in a plunge pool. Temper your expectations on the waterfall front, and you’ll likely be more satisfied with the walk.
The jungly rainforest is impressive indeed. With its towering tropical hardwoods and tree ferns, it’s an immersive place that belies the relatively small acreage of the property. The tour operator compares the scenery to a blend between Jurassic Park and Fern Gully.
Your guide will identify many of the plants along the way while explaining some of the history ingrained in this luxuriant jungle-scape. You’ll see some archaeologically significant sites, including a cave connected to the Native Hawaiian lizard deity Moo. And you’ll learn a few Native Hawaiian words along the way. The Kings Garden Maui guides pack a lot of information into the walk and lighten the mood with jokes and interactive games.
You’ll want to wear hiking boots or other closed-toe shoes for the walk, which is nothing strenuous. Insect repellant is often provided by the guides, but you’ll likely want to bring your own bug spray just in case: Mosquitoes can be thick indeed here. And make sure you’ve got some rainwear along.
The walk concludes with a demonstration of chocolate-making and the opportunity to taste some different kinds of chocolate (Note: Visitors warn the chocolate tasted is not made on site). That’s the culinary highlight, though a few snacks are provided for the hike itself.
The dreamy rainforest atmosphere and the knowledge and enthusiasm of the guides make the Kings Garden Maui Waterfall Hike & Chocolate Tour worth doing. It’s not a substitute for a full dose of the Road to Hana’s wonders, but at least a sampler—and an educational one at that.
Insider Tip:
There isn’t any bathroom available during the Kings Garden Maui Waterfall Hike & Chocolate Tour, so make sure you take care of any of that business before heading out.