Maui’s Remote Kipahulu

Keoni, an Alaka’i (guide), leads us into the rainforest in the remote section of Kipahulu on Maui. I am riding Makani Kulupe, a Quarter Horse Thoroughbred cross whose name means North Wind. Like all of the horses at Maui Stables, Makani Kulupe, has been trained by Keoni.

We snack on mango and papaya picked right off the trees, as we trek to a beautiful waterfall in a part of the forest where vehicles are not allowed. Keoni’s ancestors lived off the land here, venturing into the forest for fresh fruit and to gather plants with medicinal properties. The setting itself was beautiful, but what made the ride even more special was listening to the tales of Keoni, who has strong ties to this land, and seeing a part of ancient Hawaii that few tourists experience.

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