From the trailhead, it is a 0.5 mile walk to the first viewpoint of the hike, the Makahiku Falls Viewpoint. You will probably have to cross the stream in two places before you can get right up under the falls. From inside the pool you will observe why the guidebook name makes sense views from the pool emulate that of a resort-style Infinity pool and are jaw-dropping (to say the least) as the deep blue of the ocean appears to meet the edge of the pool. Hi would i want to plan a separate trip to hike this or can i do it on the same day as my road to Hana drive? Took us just north of two hours to get back, there was some traffic only in the very end. The show is a mesmerizing journey through various types of Polynesian culture presented in a fun and engaging format. NORTH DAKOTA The out-and-back hike is located in the Kipahulu region of Haleakal National Park. Past the Banyan, another side-trail will present itself (hint: the Park Service has placed a TRAIL arrow here pointing away from it (and toward the main trail.) and you should give yourself at least a couple hours if you plan to enjoy yourself, add another hour if you stop a lot and/or arent a regular walker/hiker. Maui's Hana Highway is sixty miles of scenic but curvy coastal road, reportedly featuring 620 curves and 59 bridges, most of which are single-lane bridges. Through storytelling, audience participation and remarkable . WHAT TO WEAR HIKING, 2023 Flashpacking America | US outdoor travel blog, national park campground in the Kipahulu district, no interest in driving the back road to Hana, How to spend one day in the West Maui Mountains, swim shirts with UV protection like these, Why a personal swim buoy is an essential for snorkeling and swimming in the ocean. Is it shallow enough to walk in the stream to get to the waterfall? All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. If you are also doing Haleakala when you're here, buy the Tri-Park Pass instead of single admission. The trail continues on the opposite side of the road. Parking is $10 per vehicle and is valid for 3 days at any of the Haleakala National Park areas, so save your receipt if you've already gone up to the crater or plan to. There are myriad trails offering sweeping ocean and mountain views, as well as lush jungle routes through rainforests. If you get here too late in the day, not only will large crowds which make parking challenge, but the park may not even be open. Ive seen elsewhere were they have closed access to the pools and you cant get close to the water to see the falls. (It is actually past Hana town though technicalities!). If we leave at 5 in the morning, we are going to need at least one potty stop. Download your copy of our Near trailhead is the Oheo Gulch Visitor Center, Oheo Gulch (part of Haleakala National Park), Maui's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Maui's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures, Maui Kayak Adventures - Tours & Activities. This can be confusing because Haleakala National Park is actually split into two parts. The seven sacred pools are 20 minutes in the opposite direction- but that is just tourist bs- this hike is the real deal. It gains 650 feet in elevation in just under 4 miles of trail. Visitor Info: $10 for parking, swimmable but with caution. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88162532', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Pipiwai trail from Kihei? But if youre capable, we want you to know better: this is just an appetizer to ready you for the much more impressive journey to come. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. Flash-flooding, rock falls and cliff/bridge jumping have taken several lives, and many natural dangers occur suddenly without warning. If you plan on taking it all in, its just way too much to do in one day. You will sweat. So you have to drive the RTH to reach it. I saw that your post was just in August 2020 and wondering if they have the 7 scared pools open at the time. They said they used their arms to . WATCH THE SUNRISE AT HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK. The National Park Service recommends starting this hike no later than 3 pm, in order to give yourself enough time to complete the hike and exit the park before the gate closes. It looks vastly different than the barren, almost Mars-like appearance of the Haleakala crater. That said, in order to fully enjoy your hike you need proper equipment to keep you safe and comfortable. Hike the Pipiwai Trail. Good advice from IdreamofMaui - important to note that they left at 5:30am. To give the Road to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The U.S. national park annual pass is also valid at Haleakala National Park. It is here that you have a view of the elegant Waimoku Falls. :) and its free! The trailhead for the Ppwai Trail is located to the left of the Visitor Center. Have a blast! We had similar results, left (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Phone: 808-572-4400 It took us about an hour to get to the falls with stops to read some signs and take pictures. Maui Tourism Maui Hotels Free shipping for many products! The road is narrow with one lane bridges, but in that respect its similar to the Road to Hana. The east side of Maui is lush and green because it rains frequently. What you might not know that there is a smaller section of Haleakala National Park on the southern coast of Maui. The bamboo will become thicker, and the ambiance and hollow percussive sounds of bamboo striking one another, will begin to transport you to an Asian nether-world. The powerful waterfall flows from 400 feet up, spraying cool mist from yards away. Are there any points in the trail that have a narrow point and dangerously close to edges. Called the Kpahulu district, this section of the park is lush, green, and filled with waterfalls, plant life, and beautiful coastal scenery. This includes packing out what you bring to the hiking trail, be considerate of other hikers, and leaving archaeological artifacts as you found them. The pools were closed. The Ppwai Trail is located in the Kpahulu District of Haleakala National Park in Maui. Bring more water than you think youll need. Cecilia. I agree--if you leave any later than 5 or 5:30, it will easily take you 4 hours. If over on West side/Kaanapali leave at 630 am or 6. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88162835', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car insurance if you do, and it doesn't save you any time. Haleakal National Park: The Complete Guide, The 7 Best Hikes in Haleakal National Park, The Complete Guide to Driving Maui's Road to Hana, 12 Best Things to Do With Teenagers on Maui, 17 of the Most Beautiful Places in Hawaii, Joshua Tree National Park: The Complete Guide, The 10 Best Hikes in Smoky Mountains National Park, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park: The Complete Guide, 10 National Parks Tied to Asian/Pacific American History. Stop at the visitors center to get more information about the trail conditions for the day, check out some maps, and learn more about the area. Get here as early as possible, ideally by 10 am, to avoid waiting for a parking space. Twin Falls is another waterfall along the Road to Hana drive in the jungle of East Maui. LANAI Pipiwai Trail is part of Haleakala National Park and is located above Oheo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools). We're committed to your privacy. Either lot is fine but the lower lot is closer to the visitor center and restrooms. Thanks, Aloha Joanne it depends how used to hiking or fit the children are. It takes about 1h00-1h30 on the way up. Hours: 9 am to 5 pm; last entry at 4:30 pm. The 2-mile Pipiwai Trail inside the park is perfect if you want to go on a hike and see more of the stunning wonders around you. This is valid for 3 days and it includes both the Kpahulu District and the Haleakala crater. Are there benches anywhere? You could (A) do it tour bus style in your own car, meaning you do the road to Hana, stopping for like 5-10 minutes per location and moving on, then do the big hike at the end to Waimoku Falls and stop to see 7 pools on the way back. I am going to Maui the third and forth week of march 2015. I left Paia at 8am and encountered minimal traffic. We recommend wearing shoes with good grip that you dont mind getting wet as there is a stream section you will have to cross to get a closer view of the waterfall. Alternatively, you can drive Highway 37 along the south coast to get to the Kpahulu District. The problem with hitch-hiking is, although everyone wants to drive to Hana, most people will not drive the Southern route where streams over the road and often wash them out. You can go to Pipiwai Trail and the Kipahulu district as a part of the popular Road to Hana drive. Can you tell me how far the steepest elevation change is and what degree of incline that part of the trail would be? The park is open 24-hours. Is it worth the 2 hour trip out? In this guide, we cover everything you need to know to hike the Ppwai Trail. It's a very long way back if you do get injured;so just use caution when approaching the falls. I'm thinking for me to get an early start, quick stop at Aunt Sandys for banana. If youre lucky enough to be here in summer, youre in for a refreshing treat. Depending on fitness level, the hike can take anywhere from two to five hours to complete (though we recommend taking your time to enjoy the sights and snap some photos). Continuing along the trail youll notice the scenery changing to bamboo. The NPS has even built a boardwalk to span the muddy sections and have been adding more stone steps in the steeper grade areas in the past couple years oooh the luxury! Most people are familiar with the summit section where you can watch the sunrise from above the clouds, but theres a coastal section of the park in a town called Kipahulu, about 12 miles from Hana town. If you dont have the time or arent up for a longer hike, turn around at Makahiku Falls and head back from there. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-110509432', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kihei at 6:15, one bathroom break, and got to the park at almost exactly 9:00. The waters from Waimoku Falls flow all the way down the mountain into the ocean here. This along with the Waihee Ridge Trail were our two favorite hikes in Maui! Throughout the hike youll spot several warning signs; take them seriously. Alternatively, you may use. Various implementations of stone steps, all appearing to date from different periods in ancient pre-history, augment the scene to where running across some Sleestacks hunting dinosaur eggs wouldnt look out of place in the least. Or stay a night in Hana and wrap back around through Haleakala National Park, hiking the Pipiwai Trail. So really, about the same time hiking (I take just over two hours on the Pipiwai for the return trip), but the drive to Waihe'e Ridge is easier. As it is now rainy season here in Maui, and the trail crosses a stream it sounds like, does the water level ever get too dangerous and high to pass during April/May? Past Hana. Take a look at our calendar and join us for a ranger program. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Due to its location, this is the typically the final stop of the day, as most people drive the Road to Hana out and back, starting in the north. HAWAII VOLCANOES HI Best bet is to check the Haleakala National Park website the day prior to your trip for real-time closure info. Aloha Mamalu check out this post: http://mauiguidebook.com/adventures/itinerary-shelbys-kipahulu-day/, Aloha, would the trail through the bamboo forest be suitable for a 5 and 3 year old. Thanks so much for sharing this info! Before or after the hike (if theres time) do the half-mile loop to Oheo Gulch from the visitors center to view the Seven Sacred Pools. Being a Realtor on Maui is a dream come true for me. There is also a no parking sign along the road. On the summit side is where you will find the Haleakala summit (of course) and the famous Haleakala crater hike. This idyllic 1.8 mile trail unfolds alongside a string of (many more than seven) pools and waterfalls framed by the lush green diversity of the lush tropical rainforest. Keep in mind that your doing so is against the National Park Services prohibition which could potentially carry a court date and quite significant fines. No stops were planned , but had to stop twice - one of the kids was very nauseous. We've updated both travel guides with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and those who've been a time or two as well). Here's a good online guidebook: http://mauiguidebook.com/things-to-do/road-to-hana-region/. Kihei Rent A Car96 Kio LoopKihei, Maui, HI 96753, 2023 Kihei Rent-A-Car Inc., All Rights Reserved . In 2021, an individual pass costs $30 per vehicle. This is the absolutely stunning precipice of Makahiku waterfall, a sheer lava-rock cliff face that drops almost 200 into the valley below. At the trail junction, go left to start the Ppwai Trail. There is the normal parking lot right by the Kipahulu Visitor Center, and there is also an overflow parking lot. I hiked this trail back in May 2017, but didnt know of the side trails at that time! Thank you! You will hike through a bamboo forest!! Have fun! A lot of people choose to drive straight through to Oheo Gulch, do the hike, and then drive back the way you came, making extra stops along the way. I would just plan to leave Lahaina before sunrise if you can, and take your time enjoying yourselves. The false looked like Niagara. If they can walk 3-4 miles then they should be fine doing the whole thing there is a lot of interesting scenery (even for kids!) My fiance and I want to hike the Pipiwai Trail on Wed 6/12/19. Is this a steep incline, putting more pressure on his knee? By the time we reached the parking lot (at 11:15) the parking lot was completely full and a long line of cars were lined up in front of the entrance gate. You can choose either to navigate you to the start of the Pipiwai Trail. To Makahiku Falls Viewpoint From the trailhead, it is a 0.5 mile walk to the first viewpoint of the hike, the Makahiku Falls Viewpoint. I am an active 20 year old male who has an extra day in Maui and read so many wonderful things about this trial. Assume that you will be walking through mud, so wear a pair of shoes that you dont mind getting dirty. The pools are closed often and without much notice; Your best bet is to visit the Haleakala National Park website the day prior to your visit for updated closure information. can we swim in the pools at the base of the falls? There is also a national park campground in the Kipahulu district. If you drive straight to the trail your be missing so much. PRO TRAVEL TIP: If you plan to drive the Road to Hana and hike the Ppwai Trail, you might want to save some stops on the drive for the return trip, just to make sure you have enough time to hike the trail before the national park closes for the day. Super recommended to download the Shaka Guide app for insightful history and helpful tips for sightseeing spots. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. It has absolutely been my favorite part of the vacation so far. JEWEL CAVE SD, HAWAII TRAVEL PLANNING You still end up in Kahului and then have to drive to Kihei. Plunging almost 200 over a verdant cliff covered with bamboo, prehistoric-looking ferns and Tarzan-worthy jungle vines melting into the postcard-perfect Hawaiian rainforest valley below the scene is breathtaking. From the somewhat challenging summit of the Haleakala volcano to the awe-inspiring views along the Pipiwai Trail, Maui offers hikers of all levels something to enjoy. Mountain apples are oddly attached to the trees on which they grow. Looking at this tree in front of you, with new trunks sprouted out along the far-reaching branches, ever further from their source, you can see why Hinduism considers the banyan the symbol of eternal life. We went last week and we made it from our condo in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Our pictures seriously dont do it justice. Water. This includes Pipiwai Trail and Kuloa Point Trail. That said, being cited and fined are unlikely, but youd certainly better be sure that you fully understand your abilities, the physical risks and the current conditions. Cheers, Julie, Hi! |. The difficulty will be in making the decision on what part of your Road to Hana drive you want to make this! This trail does have some shade but there are sections where you will be exposed to the sun. The trail goes through a beautiful bamboo forest and ends at. These 2 districts are not connected by road. Not to hike the Pipiwai Trail or visit the Kipahulu District, although you should get here early to get a parking space. Whats the best route to take to get to trail head from Lahaina? The park's most popular trail, Pipiwai, is actually at sea level, meandering 4 miles (roundtrip) along Maui's southeast coast. Facilities: National Park Rangers, Information Facility, Camping (no permit reqd), grills, picnic tables and toilets. Do you have any pictures of the cave/pool/waterfall? Also stopped at an arboretum (about 30 minutes) and a few stops for lunch and smoothies (maybe another 1.5 hours.) Pipiwai Trail is 4 miles roundtrip, gaining 650-feet in elevation. Getting caught in restricted areas could result in hefty fines or a court date. I saw 2 people who were walking gingerly down the trail in bare feet carrying their flip-flops. The trail begins just across the road from the parking lot, and you dont have to walk very far (just over a half mile) before you come to the first set of large and impressive waterfalls: the Falls at Makahiku. Mahalo! They really need to do something about the road to the Black sand beach, seriously. Find parking at the Kipahulu Visitors Center at Haleakala National Park for $25 per car. We have had tons and tons of rain in the past couple months. The Kpahulu District is open from 9 am to 5 pm. Back On The Trail ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88163100', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kahului. The parking lot was about 1/3 full and I was actually surprised at how many cars were already here. Makahiku Falls is at 185 foot falls, which is one of the most beautiful on Maui. BRYCE CANYON UT Try to get there by 10 am or earlier for heat comfort. The restrooms at Kamahina State Wayside Park were open at 6 also the RR at Ke'anae will be open around that time too. The trail will cross over the Hana Highway. Sitting back and riding in comfort? This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Hiking shoes are ideal since they provide a lot of traction but you can also get by with running or walking shoes. If the parking lots are full, you will not be permitted to enter the park. You may want to have a poncho, umbrella, hat, and/or a backpack to protect your camera if it rains. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Subscribe to receive discounts, updates and other news! See more about driving the Road to Hana in reverse. We did it in about 2 hours at a leisurely pace, but avid photographers and those who are less active will need more time. We will be staying in Kihei. If you're visiting during the rainy season, call ahead to the visitors center to make sure that the trail is still open. It takes anywhere from 2 1/2 - 5 hours to hike;dependinghow much nature loving you do. The trail and the waterfalls were very nice, but I have to say the 9 miles from Hana are in bad shape, potholes abound. This is likely not a good hike for the vast majority of octogenarians as it has a steep incline (especially at the start) and also has challenging footing for most older people. Julie Last updated: January 27, 2023 United States 4 Comments. There is no other parking near the Pipiwai Trail, so you need to enter the national park in order to hike the Pipiwai Trail. Sound-bite: [insert hollow percussive sounds of bamboo striking one another]. This road is also referred to as the Back Road to Hana or the Backside of Haleakala. The first part of the trail is covered in roots. Located above theOheo Gulch(Seven Sacred Pools),Pipiwai Trail is 4 miles roundtrip andgains650ft. ofelevation. As one of Mauis most popular hikes, complete solitude is hard to come by on Pipiwai (the encompassing Haleakala National Park regularly sees more than 1 million visitors per year). About one mile into the hike, the landscape is about to make a dramatic change. Read all of our articles about the United States in our United States Travel Guide. Getting to the Pipiwai Trail requires a drive down the famed Road to Hana. This 200 foot (61 m) waterfall has carved out the valley below. We BARELY survived the hike back out of Sliding Sands Trail back then, but discovered our love of hiking together. Is this hike super hard? We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Maui Revealed by Andrew Doughty (2021, Trade Paperback, Revised edition) at the best online prices at eBay! For the next half mile, you walk through this mystical bamboo forest. Make bee-line for State Park. This is an absolutely beautiful falls and well worth the hike to access. Use the restroom at the visitors center before setting out on the hike; there are none on the trail. They are located in Lahaina, Kihei, and Paia. Distance: 4 miles out and back Time: Plan for about 2-4 hours, depending on how muddy the trail is and how much time you take at the waterfall and along the way. Aloha Mark, Easy yet challenging. There are two parking lots: an upper lot and a lower lot. Both my husband and I are quite fit and are interested in doing one hike while we are here. In 45 minutes, you can reach the Kpahulu district, getting here first thing in the morning, when crowds are low. Book now. FLORIDA, U.S. NATIONAL PARK SITES GRAND TETON WY Were a couple who are fit for someone who doesnt go to the gym. Side Trip: Infinity Pool Overall, it took about 2 hours in total for us from start to finish, did the short .5 mile loop to check out the 7 sacred pools, and we got back to Kihei around 4:00. We left around 7:30, got gas at Costco, and arrived at the Haleakala National Park in Hana around 10:30 (we stopped to take some photos along the way since this was the first time we did this road). So youre off to hike the Pipiwai Trailthat is one of the best hikes on Maui! Once the bamboo begins to thin out, youll pass some mountain apple trees and a small stream before emerging from the trees into a crescent-shaped rock wall in full view of Waimoku Falls. Its located at the end of the Road to Hana, and the last point where people would typically turn around and drive the Road to Hana as an out-and-back if they choose to go this far. $. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Once you arrive you'll have to go through an entrance station where a fee of $30 per vehicle is required. What time should we leave our resort to avoid as much traffic/crowds as we can? Are there any other hikes that are more. This will get you a 3 day Haleakala pass, and you can use it to visit both the Kipahulu side and the summit side of the national park. Quite slippery so if you have hiking poles bringem, or pick up one of the many of the natural variety that seem to get left at the gate. Just looking for a rough estimate, thanks. Then 45 mins way back. I was in no rush. There are only a few choice people Id advise to attempt jumping here (and it isnt because theyre skilled jumpers!). I made one quick stop at Wailua Falls along the way. Unless you rented a truck or jeep this route is very hard to navigate and a little scary at times. HALEAKALA HI That said, an 8-year-old girl was tragically killed on this trail from a falling rock while we were hiking it in 2011. You basically walk up through a bamboo forest to a truly amazing waterfall. We really enjoyed the Waihee ridge trail that is sort of northwest of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. The trailhead for the Ppwai Trail is located to the left of the Visitor Center. The hike brings you to Waimoku Falls, a breathtaking 400-foot waterfall then you turn around and return to the start. Otherwise, even without google maps, you will be able to get there just fine because again, you just keep driving on the Hana Highway. This author (and a Park Service sign a safe distance from the falls) suggest you seriously consider how all the countless boulders youre standing in front of got there. Kahekili Highway. If you get to the Pipiwai trail hike too late to do it, I imagine you will have had a very satisfying day and wont be sorry! There are restrooms at the Visitor Center but none along the trail. WIND CAVE SD Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Im in Hana now. Luckily, the trail is long enough and diverse enough to provide hikers with plenty of space to explore. 3750 Wailea Alanui * Kihei, HI 96753. I see some guide services offer rapelling. These mighty thundering falls will probably be more than enough waterfall for most. All Rights Reserved. Call ahead. There are a few short sections of unpaved road and several sections of extremely rough paved road, but regular cars will do just fine. Distance: 3.8 miles out-and-back Difficulty: Moderate Total Ascent: 1,200 feet Elevation at the Trailhead: 100 feet Elevation at Waimoku Falls (end of trail): 875 feet Length of Time: 1.5 to 4 hours When to Go: The Ppwai Trail can be hiked year round. Most Internet sources say it takes 2 1/2 5 hours to hike. The trail alternates between compacted dirt and boardwalk trails. Really want to do this hike but concerned about my level of fitness for incline hiking. Answer 1 of 9: I was wondering how to get from Pipiwai trail from Kihei? When is the best month to hike the trail and what airport is closest? Love hiking the bamboo in a fine mist. We live in south Kihei and took the back road to Hana (highly recommend if you are able to). Because of the marshy ground, wooden boardwalks have been built to make hiking easier. See all photos from David N. for Road to Hana. You'll need about 2-3 hours to hike Pipiwai at a relaxing pace and get back again (or continue around the Pi'ilani Highway, which re-opened October 4, 2008). Aloha Donna the trail does not close, though I would not suggest doing it in the dark! The Ppwai Trail is a relatively short hike that is located in Haleakala National Park on the Road to Hana. Waihe'e Ridge is a good alternative. Take your time on way back. (Again, 5 minutes per destination except the last hike). Gilligans' Island Luau is an intimate luau experience and is the only luau in Kihei on Maui. The traditional road to Hana is amazing and full of eye candy and begs you to stop and explore. Over years, a banyans aerial prop roots form into new trunks of their own, expanding continually outward. Bamboo Forest Maui Guide: Fun Hike to the Massive 400 Foot Waterfall Basically, all you need to do to get to the trailhead is to get yourself on the Hana Highway and keep driving until you see the sign for Haleakala National Park! Just past the third section of bamboo is the breathtakingly lovely Waimoku Falls with its steep fern-covered walls. NATIONAL LAKESHORES Difficulty: The Pipiwai Trail is rated moderate due to the often muddy and uneven terrain. There are a TON of stops along the Hana Highway you can make along the way to Pipiwai Trail. On a windy day, the bamboo stalks sound like wind chimes as the breeze knocks them together. It is 4 miles roundtrip, gaining 650-feet in elevation. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. I have taken all four of my children on this hike countless times from the time they were little babies in carriers. I recommend parking on the upper loop of the parking lot as it's closer to the Pipiwai Trailhead. WYOMING Over time, these majestic trees gained their own special place in Hawaiian myths and legends. The Hanna airport is the closest, but getting a commercial flight there is probably going to be difficult.