We were on this greatest of all islands for our honeymoon in 03. This is still an unpaved dirt trail with exposed roots that can get dusty, rocky, or muddy for a majority of the way, so be sure to bring sturdy hiking shoes or boots. We have done this in Feb 2015 and 2016. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. The traditional road to Hana is amazing and full of eye candy and begs you to stop and explore. IDAHO If you have any questions about how to hike the Ppwai Trail, or if you want to share your experience, let us know in the comment section below. My husband and I are over 65, fairly active, and would like to hike this trail this February. The pools were closed. I have taken all four of my children on this hike countless times from the time they were little babies in carriers. So, you can also choose to make the Pipiwai Trail a part of your Road to Hana day trip. 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). 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). Bamboo Forest Maui Guide: Fun Hike to the Massive 400 Foot Waterfall Even at a safe distance youll be cooled and refreshed by the mist and wind created by the falling water. You may want to download offline google maps before you go (its free), as you will likely not have data for most if not all of your drive on the Hana Highway. Be sure to take a close look at their roots, which grow from the branches down to the ground and expand outward. Nov. 2 9- 2014.knock me over w/ a featherThis hike is a Fait Accompliwhat else should we put on the Must Hit list? Basically, the hike to Waimoku is the Makahiku hike extended about 1 1/2 miles. How much time should we allocate to do this hike? Getting to the Pipiwai Trail requires a drive down the famed Road to Hana. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. Aloha we will be in Maui next Christmas..we would like to take the Pipiwai trail. Farther along the trail, around another mile, reach the trail's turnaround point at Waimoku Falls. Pipiwai Trail is 4 miles roundtrip, gaining 650-feet in elevation. You cross two bridges over the Ppwai Stream, climb some rock steps, and entire the cool, moist air of the bamboo forest. As the trail continues winding, if you pay careful attention the bamboo will begin to thin and trees will start coming back. The out-and-back hike is located in the Kipahulu region of Haleakal National Park. You will probably have to cross the stream in two places before you can get right up under the falls. I recommend parking on the upper loop of the parking lot as it's closer to the Pipiwai Trailhead. Assume that you will be walking through mud, so wear a pair of shoes that you dont mind getting dirty. There is also a no parking sign along the road. Read all of our articles about the United States in our United States Travel Guide. Once out of the pool, if youre an off-trail kind of hiker who hasnt had enough off-trail, you can continue your side-trip upstream along the streambed (be ready to do some swimming and climbing) and check out some more worthy pools and waterfalls. Is it worth the 2 hour trip out? Once you emerge from the bamboo forest, you cross a few more bridges, climb a few more sets of stone steps, and come to the end of the trail. As many have said, its more about the journey than the destination, but we think both in this case are pretty awesome! We sincerely want our customers to have a great experience on our island! more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. See all photos from David N. for Road to Hana. The National Park Service has blocked this path as yet another casualty of a popular guidebook that doesnt properly educate visitors as to the dangers in the places it sends them. Here are driving distances and times from other locations in Maui, via the Road to Hana (these times do not take in account any additional time for stops along the way): As you can see, staying in Hana is ideal. This site has been very helpful. They said they used their arms to . You may want to have a poncho, umbrella, hat, and/or a backpack to protect your camera if it rains. GRAND CANYON AZ This 400 foot waterfall is one of the tallest in Maui. Once you emerge from the bamboo, you are getting close to the end of the trail. Jan 13, 2023 | Sight Seeing on Maui, Things to do on Maui. Its also the hottest, since it is the sunniest part of the trail. On way back. We did it in about 2 hours at a leisurely pace, but avid photographers and those who are less active will need more time. Also, is there an address for the park? Bamboo Forest ~ Pipiwai Trail If you are going to drive to Hana, the Bamboo forest is a trail worth taking. GRAND TETON WY It is a well maintained trail with two shallow stream crossings at the very end (after the bamboo.) Take a look at our calendar and join us for a ranger program. So once you enter the Haleakala National Park Kipahulu area, youll just continue to follow the signs to the parking! Is this still a worthwhile trip and hike? Key Info: (for trailhead @ HNP Kipahulu.) If you can find someone taking the southern route, youve got it made. 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. Me and my girlfriend started in mid-afternoon and really enjoyed it. During normal conditions, the water flows over only the far side; the near side of this pool has taller, thick rock lip that will keep anyone with sense enough to stay on the pool-side from a one-way date with gravity. Kipahului District is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. It is approximately a half-mile from the trailhead. There were Heaney rains. You can access all kinds of info about Hana by looking at the Top Questions on the right hand side of this page, same for the Hana Forum. At the four way stop in town make a right on to Olinda Road. I'm thinking for me to get an early start, quick stop at Aunt Sandys for banana. 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. There are two parking lots: an upper lot and a lower lot. The park service has been known to close down the Pipiwai Trail during particularly wet periods since the hike is in a high-risk flood area. Happy hiking, wherever you choose to go! Shortly after starting the Ppwai Trail, you will cross Hana Highway. Answer 1 of 9: I was wondering how to get from Pipiwai trail from Kihei? I would like to hike the bamboo Forrest. 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. Both my husband and I are quite fit and are interested in doing one hike while we are here. PRO HIKING TIP: This trail can be extremely muddy if it has recently rained. This includes Pipiwai Trail and Kuloa Point Trail. That said, I hope to be able to do it in my 80s and I know a few very fit 80-year old people that can still do these sorts of things! Driving Directions: From Haleakala Highway turn left on to Makawao Ave (State Hwy 400). If you do choose to return the way you came, driving the Hana Highway at dark isn't something you want to do, trust us. Our pictures seriously dont do it justice. 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! At the trail junction, go left to start the Ppwai Trail. Try to get there by 10 am or earlier for heat comfort. This 4 mile trail runs along a section of the King's Highway. 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! Luckily, the trail is long enough and diverse enough to provide hikers with plenty of space to explore. What time should we leave our resort to avoid as much traffic/crowds as we can? 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 will be visiting again this December and would be so sad if I couldnt see the bamboo again :), Yes, the Pipiwai Trail is open, I just confirmed that on the NPS website. Aloha Jen it really is wonderful year-round. Your humor and descriptive writing are perfect! You can choose either to navigate you to the start of the Pipiwai Trail. The road is narrow with one lane bridges, but in that respect its similar to the Road to Hana. Many visitors ask us about where to go hiking on Maui. Yes, it is an absolutely gorgeous spot but certainly not a safe place for every tourist regardless of age and physical condition. Water. Just a bit further and some rock-hopping over a usually tame stream, and this scenery-packed hike culminates at the base of sheer 400 cliffs, with spectacular Waimoku Falls quite literally falling to Earth right in front of you. Pipiwai Trail is part of Haleakala National Park and is located above Oheo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools). Throughout the hike youll spot several warning signs; take them seriously. Easier (downhill) but just as rewarding with a new angle from which to view the scenery. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-110506590', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kihei area to the Pipiwai Trailhead, if we don't make any other stops along the road to Hana? The trail can be slippery at certain areas due to the on and off rain, so make sure you bring proper hiking shoes, or shoes that have some decent traction. We live in south Kihei and took the back road to Hana (highly recommend if you are able to). Cecilia. Answer 1 of 12: Approximately how long might it take to drive from Kihei straight to Pipiwai trail (no stops)? BADLANDS SD Can anyone tell me about how long it will take us to drive from the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? On a windy day, the bamboo stalks sound like wind chimes as the breeze knocks them together. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88163443', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Hana any justice, you will need 12 hours, including the time for the Pipiwai Trail. The trail is just mauka the Hana Hwy at Haleakala National Park Kipahulu (Seven Sacred Pools.) There are no benches. GULF ISLANDS FL So youre off to hike the Pipiwai Trailthat is one of the best hikes on Maui! Katherine is a freelance writer who covers Hawaii and California travel for Tripsavvy. Even if the pools are closed below, this hike is exceptional. Maybe avoid the side trails. Mahalo! Follow until you see dirt parking on your right. Check out our full guide to hiking the Pipiwai Trail below. To avoid waiting in line, try to plan your arrival by 10 am. LANAI It looks vastly different than the barren, almost Mars-like appearance of the Haleakala crater. You will start off on the Haleakala/Hana Highway, then stay straight when you reach the turn to go to Haleakala and Upcountry instead. Begin the hike by accessing the trailhead across the road from the parking lot, and after about half a mile youll be in sight of Makahiku Falls. HALEAKALA HI The Pipiwai Trail- with its stunning waterfalls, huge bamboo forest, idyllic stream, and more beauty than you can imagine- is simply one of the best hikes on Maui. 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. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. Can I drive to the Oheo Gulch and back in one day? For more things to do in Haleakala National Park, with recommendations on how to plan your time, read our, Read all of our articles about the United States in our. NATIONAL PARKS: In our Guide to the US National Parks, get the full list of national parks with important travel planning information, such as things to do in the parks and sample itineraries. I am wondering if you know of any public access areas that would be available for use if we brought our own equipment. Your shoes WILL get dirty!! Not worried about the distance. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88173006', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Hana anyway, the Pipiwai trail is one of the best and moderate hikes on Maui. 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. That's being a little generous to allow for road work and traffic delays. It has absolutely been my favorite part of the vacation so far. You will hike in and out of the trees and walk over lots of tree roots. Getting There The Pipiwai Trail is located near the end of the Road to Hana drive on Maui, about 12 miles past Hana town near mile marker 42. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. PICTURED ROCKS MI Or stay a night in Hana and wrap back around through Haleakala National Park, hiking the Pipiwai Trail. We are staying at the Grand Wailea resort. How would you like to experience this beautiful area of Maui? There are many that are pretty much right along the Hana Highway. In 2021, an individual pass costs $30 per vehicle. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. Enjoy the Hana drive. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. At the entrance booth you will pay the park entrance fee. In 45 minutes, you can reach the Kpahulu district, getting here first thing in the morning, when crowds are low. Pipiwai trail is a moderate, 4 mile (roundtrip), hike located in Kipahulu, that starts at the 'O'heo Gulch and ends at the awe inspiring Waimoku Falls. Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve. There is a google map on this article with the location. Are there any other hikes that are more. Places of shade and cool breezes. The powerful waterfall flows from 400 feet up, spraying cool mist from yards away. Although Pipiwai Trail is relatively simple to navigate, knowing what to expect before setting out will make it even easier to make the most of your time. Hope that answers your question! If over on West side/Kaanapali leave at 630 am or 6. We hiked the Ppwai Trail and then the trail to the Seven Sacred Pools at Oheo. I left Paia at 8am and encountered minimal traffic. No--you need to do the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Our luau is less than one quarter the size of the average luau in Hawaii. Even though most of the photos youll see from this trail show wooden walkways within the bamboo forest, dont let that fool you! Getting to the Trail Getting to the Trail The Pipiwai Trail is in the Kipahulu district of Haleakal National Park. Along the way you'll be able to explore a dense bamboo forest, a grove of ancient banyan trees, and the spectacular 400-foot Waimoku Falls. The Hanna airport is the closest, but getting a commercial flight there is probably going to be difficult. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. If youre interested in Pipiwai Trail, then you may also be interested in these top activities on Maui: ROAD TRIP AMERICA It takes me an hour and 15 minutes to get to the top. I was wondering how difficult it is to cross the stream? I saw 2 people who were walking gingerly down the trail in bare feet carrying their flip-flops. Pipiwai means "sprinkling water" in hawaiian, and right away you'll understand where the trail gets its name as you walk along the stream past the "Seven Sacred Pools." Here are the driving distances and times from other locations in Maui, via Highway 360 (these times do not take in account any additional time for stops along the way): WHAT WE DID: We drove Highway 360 directly to the Kpahulu District, arriving at 9:30 am. This state park, located upcountry As a family-owned business, we understand the budget challenges of vacationing in Hawaii. There are basically 2 sections to Haleakala National Park. Just so you know what to look for they dont call em mountain apples for nothing theyre (mostly) red and are shaped like a cross between an apple and a pear. I am going next year with a large group of all ages. There is a lot to see on the RTH, before you get to Oheo Gulch, where the trailhead is located for the Pipiwai. Tip: Take all warning signs seriously. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. On the summit side is where you will find the Haleakala summit (of course) and the famous Haleakala crater hike. Easy yet challenging. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. I was wondering how to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Im in Hana now. Minuses: Youll be sharing the trail with lots of other folks. I wish there was an easy way to post photos on this site. Is it worth it to travel to? Download your copy of our Once youve cooled down and are ready to continue, you reverse the path from where you came. I hiked this trail back in May 2017, but didnt know of the side trails at that time! Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Subscribe to receive discounts, updates and other news! The proper name of this attraction is 'Ohe'o (Oh-Hey-Oh). Many rental car companies use to prohibit traveling on that road. Thank you. The park's most popular trail, Pipiwai, is actually at sea level, meandering 4 miles (roundtrip) along Maui's southeast coast. You will hike through a bamboo forest!! 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. What to . One of the easiest ways to access the pools is via the Pipiwai Trail. Learn more about driving the Back Road to Hana, including photos of the road, in our Guide to the Road to Hana. Going straight leads you up through Paia and on up to Hana. Practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace. Rangers are available at the Visitor Center to answer questions, offer suggestions, and talk story. Good for anyone relatively active and healthy. The trail alternates between compacted dirt and boardwalk trails. Can you confirm if the trail is in fact still closed? 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. It can be accessed by driving 12 miles past the town of Hna, on the famous Hna Highway that circumscribes the northeast coast of the island of Maui. The last entry into the park is at 4:30 pm (get updated hours before you go on the National Park Service website). **Park closure was extended from January 2023 to February 2023 For updated information go here: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/maui/iao-valley-state-monument/ Iao Valley is a lush, tropical valley located in the West Maui Mountains on the island of Maui in Hawaii. Nov 28, 2018 | Beautiful Maui Scenes, Sight Seeing on Maui, Things to do on Maui. This can be confusing because Haleakala National Park is actually split into two parts. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. Along the Kahekili Highway, see the Nakalele Blowhole, hike the Ohai Loop Trail or Waihee . 13 Amazing Things to Do in Haleakala National Park, Maui Bucket List: 20 Best Things to do in Maui, Hawaii, Ultimate Maui Itinerary: How to Plan Your Perfect Trip to Maui. Here's a good online guidebook: http://mauiguidebook.com/things-to-do/road-to-hana-region/. Considering the variety of scenery and maintenance of the pathway, Pipiwai Trail is often hailed as one of the best hikes on Maui. 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. Both my husband and I are quite fit and are interested in doing one hike while we are here. Bamboo forest is magical. There are restrooms at the Visitor Center but none along the trail. Past Hana. MOUNT RUSHMORE SD