The Forest is Calling: Discover Maui’s Hidden Wilderness with Helewai Eco Tours

Helewai Eco Tours

Journey into Maui’s Wild Heart

Deep within the lush landscape of West Maui lies a world few visitors ever see — the Pu‘ukukui Watershed Preserve, the island’s largest conservation area and a sanctuary for native flora and fauna. With Helewai Eco Tours, travellers have the rare opportunity to explore this protected wilderness while learning how Maui’s people are working to preserve it for future generations.

Helewai Eco Tours isn’t just about hiking; it’s about understanding the connection between people, water, and the land. Guests are guided through Maui’s delicate ecosystems and introduced to the ongoing efforts to protect native species from invasive threats. Each step along the trail is a chance to discover one’s own path to mālama ‘āina — to care for and respect the land.

The Honolua Ridge Hike: An Unforgettable Experience

The signature Honolua Ridge Hike offers a unique blend of adventure, education, and inspiration. Located above the world-famous Kapalua Resort in Lahaina, this 2-mile guided journey begins at 9am and lasts around three hours. For $125 per hiker, participants ascend through lush forest ridgelines and experience breathtaking views across the Pu‘ukukui Watershed Preserve.

Helewai Eco Tours

Highlights of the hike include swinging from banyan tree vines, exploring ancient coffee farms, discovering the historic Maunalei Arboretum, and gaining a deeper understanding of how waterfalls form and flow through Maui’s mountains. Along the way, expert naturalists share captivating stories about the island’s ecology, geology, and cultural heritage.

Perfect for families and visitors of all ages, the Honolua Ridge Hike is more than a scenic trek — it’s an interactive lesson in conservation and Hawaiian values. Private tours are also available for those seeking a more personal experience.

Mālama ‘Āina: Protecting Maui’s Most Precious Resource

Helewai Eco Tours is driven by a powerful purpose — to protect Maui’s most valuable resource: water. Through immersive eco-tours, the company connects guests to the watershed that sustains the island, fostering awareness of how ecosystems, rainfall, and human activity are all interlinked.

The tours are designed to inspire both visitors and locals to take part in preserving Maui’s natural beauty. Guides are passionate naturalists who weave together storytelling, history, and science, helping guests see the island not just as a destination, but as a living, breathing home that deserves protection.

Meet the Visionary Behind Helewai

Founder Kevin Schenk created Helewai Eco Tours out of a deep love for Maui’s history, ecology, and future. His mission is simple yet profound — to connect people with a side of Maui few ever experience.

“Not only do you get to hike through one of the most beautiful forests on the island,” Kevin explains, “but you also learn the stories that deepen your appreciation for this cherished place. Our hope is that every guest leaves inspired to help protect it.”

Explore, Learn, and Give Back to Maui

Helewai Eco Tours

By booking a Helewai Eco Tour, travellers don’t just explore — they become part of Maui’s conservation story. Each tour helps fund ongoing efforts to restore native habitats, protect endangered species, and maintain the watershed that provides fresh water to the island’s communities.

So, when the forest calls, answer with purpose. Step into the heart of Maui, listen to its stories, and discover how you can help protect one of Hawai‘i’s most vital ecosystems.

Helewai Eco Tours

Website: https://www.helewaiecotours.com/
Email: aloha@helewai.com
Telephone: (808) 205-6032
Location: 800 Office Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761

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