Get here no later than 3 pm, so you have enough time to finish the hike before the gates close. Called the Kpahulu district, this section of the park is lush, green, and filled with waterfalls, plant life, and beautiful coastal scenery. ZION UT 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. We went last week and we made it from our condo in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Aloha Megan its typically not deep, but, as always, use your judgement, and if in any doubt, ask/see if others are having any difficulty crossing. The road is not nearly as bad as other sources make it out to be. The first part was under the heat and sun, but when you get deeper into the forest (and especially bamboo forests), then its more comfortable. They said they used their arms to . I left Paia at 8am and encountered minimal traffic. Both my husband and I are quite fit and are interested in doing one hike while we are here. Not only do I get to live in such a beautiful place, I get to pursue my passion of helping people buy and sell real estate. If you can find someone taking the southern route, youve got it made. We have done this in Feb 2015 and 2016. Kipahului District is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Love hiking the bamboo in a fine mist. 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. Aloha! If you are also doing Haleakala when you're here, buy the Tri-Park Pass instead of single admission. I was wondering how to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Check out Epic Experience Maui if you would like to consider some private tours! This narrow stretch of road on the northwest side of Maui is for the experienced driver, but a great alternative to Road to Hana. 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. Are there any other hikes that are more recommended we can do? 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. Sound-bite: [insert hollow percussive sounds of bamboo striking one another]. There is nothing specifically of danger to note if you stay on the trail, but things can happen in wilderness. Thanks! My wife and I will be in Maui Summer 2016 (without the kids!) The trail alternates between compacted dirt and boardwalk trails. That probably took close to 30 min. The waters from Waimoku Falls flow all the way down the mountain into the ocean here. Pipiwai Trail is 4 miles roundtrip, gaining 650-feet in elevation. Hiking shoes are ideal since they provide a lot of traction but you can also get by with running or walking shoes. Julie Last updated: January 27, 2023 United States 4 Comments. Pipiwai Trail: THIS is why I blow through a lot of the stops more towards the beginning of the Road to Hanaso I have time to hike the Pipiwai Trail. Your shoes WILL get dirty!! Are there any points in the trail that have a narrow point and dangerously close to edges. Unless you rented a truck or jeep this route is very hard to navigate and a little scary at times. Is it worth it to travel to? Just past the third section of bamboo is the breathtakingly lovely Waimoku Falls with its steep fern-covered walls. This 1.8-mile route offers one of the best hikes in East Maui. Ive been reading that its now closed, though, but I see this page was last updated just a few weeks ago, so Im hoping its current. 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. The hike brings you to Waimoku Falls, a breathtaking 400-foot waterfall then you turn around and return to the start. youll probably be satisfied with these falls as your end-point. PRO HIKING TIP: This trail can be extremely muddy if it has recently rained. Practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace. There are only a few choice people Id advise to attempt jumping here (and it isnt because theyre skilled jumpers!). To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Latitude: 20.66387241 You still end up in Kahului and then have to drive to Kihei. Waihe'e Ridge is a good alternative. 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. It gains 650 feet in elevation in just under 4 miles of trail. Sitting back and riding in comfort? On a windy day, the bamboo stalks sound like wind chimes as the breeze knocks them together. Just note that you could be violating the terms of your rental car agreement if you drive Highway 360. No--you need to do the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Or perhaps you'd rather lace up the hiking boots and hit the trail. At least one of the stops was at a waterfall, lol. LANAI Eat at Thai by Pranee in Hana after the hike. Bamboo Forest Maui Guide: Fun Hike to the Massive 400 Foot Waterfall I see some guide services offer rapelling. Hana airport is the closest, however, if youre not flying in from another island to stay in Hana specifically, youll likely want to drive from where you stay. This website's use is your expressly conditioned acceptance of the terms, conditions, and disclaimers found within our Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability page without any modifications. Right near the main parking lot and Kipahulu Visitor Center, youll find the start of the trail. Side Trip: Infinity Pool 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 entrance fee is $30 per vehicle. 14 . Aloha Mark, You get to try lots of great Hawaiian food and see traditional Hawaiian dancers. You may want to have a poncho, umbrella, hat, and/or a backpack to protect your camera if it rains. Have fun! 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. I have googled it but have heard to not trust the google maps drive times when it comes to RTH! For more information, check out our privacy policy. It's 30.00 and is good for a year. This site has been very helpful. 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. Hi Chis I dont know anything about repelling however I do know that many of our cliffs are quite prone to fracturing and breaking apart, so my advice would be not to try this without a guide who is very familiar with Maui. The difficulty will be in making the decision on what part of your Road to Hana drive you want to make this! Is it worth the 2 hour trip out? Nov. 2 9- 2014.knock me over w/ a featherThis hike is a Fait Accompliwhat else should we put on the Must Hit list? At 0.5 miles you reach the overlook of the Makahiku Falls. im planning a visit to maui in october. Easy yet challenging. I recommend parking on the upper loop of the parking lot as it's closer to the Pipiwai Trailhead. The Waimoku Falls hike passes the 185-footMakahiku Fallswhich is also beautiful. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. Getting to the Pipiwai Trail requires a drive down the famed Road to Hana. Transportation At $175 / Small Group (6 & under) 175 $. This trail is part of the Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve. We BARELY survived the hike back out of Sliding Sands Trail back then, but discovered our love of hiking together. If you want to go here now, youre going to have to squeeze under or around the fence wherever other trespassers before you have bent it back. So it costs $30 to hike the Pipiwai Trail, but with the fee comes the possibility of exploring more of Haleakala National Park! Is it worth it to travel to? The Kpahulu District is open from 9 am to 5 pm. Good advice from IdreamofMaui - important to note that they left at 5:30am. Take your time on way back. Maui Tourism Maui Hotels Many visitors ask us about where to go hiking on Maui. Waimoku Falls via Pipiwai Trail is a unique and very special waterfall hike in Haleakala National Park where your adventures begin even before you reach the trailhead. We saw people getting by with flip flops and running shoes, but their feet and legs were covered with mud by the time they finished the hike. The trail is safe, well maintained, and the steeper grade during the first half mile or so is really the only part that is less than easy if youve not been off the couch in a while. 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. Continuing along the trail past a couple of bridges, youll start to notice scattered groves of bamboo, which will eventually turn into a thick bamboo forest. Aloha Donna the trail does not close, though I would not suggest doing it in the dark! 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. 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 4 mile trail runs along a section of the King's Highway. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. WIND CAVE SD To reserve call 808-248-7375. 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. It traverses the youngest lava flow on Maui, and rewards with ancient cultural sites and great pools for snorkeling and fishing. Highly recommend this hike if you have the time!! 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. **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. Enjoy the Hana drive. What time does the park open to start hiking the Pipiwai Trail? Ive really enjoyed reading about these wonderful hikes in Maui. This is valid for 3 days and it includes both the Kpahulu District and the Haleakala crater. At the entrance booth you will pay the park entrance fee. HAWAII VOLCANOES: In our article Best Things to Do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, we cover the must-have experiences. Also located in the Kpahulu District is a walking trail that leads to the Seven Sacred Pools at Oheo. OAHU: Top experiences on Oahu include a visit to Pearl Harbor and hiking the Diamond Head Summit Trail. On google maps, there is Ppwai Trailand the Kipahulu Visitor Center. But you may also consider making the Pipiwai Trail your first major stop, and making the majority of your other big stops on the way back. On the bicycle adventureof a lifetime? We did it in about 2 hours at a leisurely pace, but avid photographers and those who are less active will need more time. 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. You can get here by driving the Road to Hana. There were Heaney rains. You cross two bridges over the Ppwai Stream, climb some rock steps, and entire the cool, moist air of the bamboo forest. (Again, 5 minutes per destination except the last hike). This 1.8-mile route offers one of the best hikes in East Maui. Answer 1 of 18: I'm planning a 1 full day 10-12 hour trip up the road to Hana and I am interested in your trips there. 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. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. We left Kihei at 5:30 and made one stop for a bathroom break along the way. Gilligans' Island Luau is an intimate luau experience and is the only luau in Kihei on Maui. Hours: 9 am to 5 pm; last entry at 4:30 pm. I have taken all four of my children on this hike countless times from the time they were little babies in carriers. MICHIGAN Through storytelling, audience participation and remarkable . They really need to do something about the road to the Black sand beach, seriously. Pick about three or four stops you want to see, and then anything else you have time for is a bonus! I hiked this trail back in May 2017, but didnt know of the side trails at that time! Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve. Soaring over The Valley Isle with a birds-eye view? Drive Yourself. Driving from Hana to Pipiwai Trail: Hana Highway, less than 5 minutes away from Haleakala National Park Kipahulu area. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. I am wondering if you know of any public access areas that would be available for use if we brought our own equipment. Cheers, Julie, Hi! We saw all sorts of natural treasures including guava, coffee trees, mango, lilikoi, and this hibiscus flower. can we swim in the pools at the base of the falls? YELLOWSTONE WY 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. 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. Lots of fun waterfalls, the black sand beach, family-owned convenience shops, and fruit stands along the road. Thanks, Aloha Joanne it depends how used to hiking or fit the children are. We live in south Kihei and took the back road to Hana (highly recommend if you are able to). The trail follows the Pipiwai Stream and is a fantastic hike on Maui. yes it is safe as long as you have a good hold on them along the trail. Fee: $15 NPS Info: https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/kipahulu.htm PICTURED ROCKS MI You probably dont want to hike it in the dark though! About one mile into the hike, the landscape is about to make a dramatic change. Or you can choose to stay several days on the Road to Hana to take your time with the waterfalls and beaches that are along the Road to Hana! The pools were closed. I would like to hike the bamboo Forrest. And dont miss the Kilauea Iki Trail, one of the best hikes in the park. 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. Its a great hike. The National Park Service has done a fantastic job maintaining the trail, but venturing off of the designated path can be hazardous due to flash flooding, rock falls, and other natural dangers. On way back. Rangers are available at the Visitor Center to answer questions, offer suggestions, and talk story. Thanks for any advice you can give! 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. Hope that answers your question! 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. If you're visiting Maui soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Maui Visitor Guides. (click to open full HNP map from nps.gov in new window). This is the absolutely stunning precipice of Makahiku waterfall, a sheer lava-rock cliff face that drops almost 200 into the valley below. It looks vastly different than the barren, almost Mars-like appearance of the Haleakala crater. For the next half mile, you walk through this mystical bamboo forest. Approaching the Pipiwai Trail parking from the backside of Haleakala aka from the back road to Hana. Not nearly so hard to get to the hike. Because of the marshy ground, wooden boardwalks have been built to make hiking easier. Once released from the bamboo, youre dropped at the very base of a towering sheer-cliff waterfall worthy of a slow-motion Imax fly-by. Then 45 mins way back. Getting to the Trail Getting to the Trail The Pipiwai Trail is in the Kipahulu district of Haleakal National Park. Hi Mark, There is also a no parking sign along the road. If you have no interest in driving the back road to Hana, then you will want to make sure that google maps routes you along the Hana Highway that goes past Paia. The U.S. national park annual pass is also valid at Haleakala National Park. Not to hike the Pipiwai Trail or visit the Kipahulu District, although you should get here early to get a parking space. At the trail junction, go left to start the Ppwai Trail. Thanks Megan. Facilities: National Park Rangers, Information Facility, Camping (no permit reqd), grills, picnic tables and toilets. 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. Aloha Jen it really is wonderful year-round. DETAILS: 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. We endeavor to offer the best, personalized service and quality vehicles, for the lowest rates we can. It was awesome but it did add to the danger. The dramatic diversity then suddenly morphs into the zen-oneness of an immense bamboo forest. Contact us today to make your reservation! Once you cross the bridge, youll enter the Bamboo Forest, which starts with a stone pathway and quickly becomes a nice boardwalk. Pipiwai Trail hike information. Bring more water than you think youll need. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88162698', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kihei? 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. The restrooms at Kamahina State Wayside Park were open at 6 also the RR at Ke'anae will be open around that time too. 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. To avoid waiting in line, try to plan your arrival by 10 am. You may use these HTML tags and attributes: document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Original info & content 2009 to 2023 Maui Guidebook.com, LLC, Maui, Hawaii. What locations on the way to Pipiwai are good for bathrooms that early. We will be staying in Kihei. The location of the Ppwai Trail and Kpahulu District is important, because this part of the national park has operating hours. Thank you. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88162562', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Hana. Located above the Oheo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools), Pipiwai Trail is 4 miles roundtrip and gains 650 ft. of elevation. 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. At over 10,000 feet above sea level, the views . This side trail soon takes you to a view of cave, pool & waterfall combination that my words (or photography) have not yet been able to do justice. As the trail continues winding, if you pay careful attention the bamboo will begin to thin and trees will start coming back. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Since the Pipiwai Trail is a part of Haleakala National Park, an entry fee is required. Have a blast! For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We are visiting from Washington in April. Do you have to make reservations for this park? This first part of the trail is one of the steepest sections of the hike. Many people are familiar with the Haleakal crater, which is famous for its sunrises and hiking trails that lead into the crater. Are there benches anywhere? At least one of the stops was at a waterfall, lol. In 2021, an individual pass costs $30 per vehicle. The Kpahulu District is located on the south coast of Maui. Or stay a night in Hana and wrap back around through Haleakala National Park, hiking the Pipiwai Trail. The east side of Maui is lush and green because it rains frequently. However, if you want to see the sunrise on Haleakala, you need to get a reservation in advance. Do you reccommend going alone or paying for a guided tour? Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. 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. This 200 foot (61 m) waterfall has carved out the valley below. Its also the hottest, since it is the sunniest part of the trail. Answer 1 of 12: Approximately how long might it take to drive from Kihei straight to Pipiwai trail (no stops)? There are many that are pretty much right along the Hana Highway. Your email address will not be published. Bamboo Forest ~ Pipiwai Trail If you are going to drive to Hana, the Bamboo forest is a trail worth taking. What are they like in October? HALEAKALA HI Answer 1 of 9: I was wondering how to get from Pipiwai trail from Kihei? It takes about 1h00-1h30 on the way up. If youre a nature lover, please plan out your drive to give yourself enough time to get here and hike this trail. 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. SLEEPING BEAR DUNES MI Since the Pipiwai Trail is a part of Haleakala National Park, an entry fee is required. If youre not fit enough to continue another mile (the hike back is all downhill, so we wont count that!) That would be 2 long car days. SNORKELING SHIRTS In this guide, we cover everything you need to know to hike the Ppwai Trail. From Khei it didnt take more than half an hour or so to get to the trailhead. The road leading to the entrance of Haleakala National Park is the narrow Hana Highway with pretty much no shoulder space. Im in Hana now. We are going with a few older companions who might not be able to hop across rocks and do not know how to swim. My Family and I love rock climbing as well as hiking. 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. The park is open 24-hours. Easier (downhill) but just as rewarding with a new angle from which to view the scenery. When is the best month to hike the trail and what airport is closest? Mahalo! On just one hike, you can see several waterfalls, an enormous Banyan tree, and hike through a bamboo forest. Kihei Rent A Car uses the information you provide to us to contact you by email about our relevant content and updates. 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. It is definitely a value at the price of a few extra steps. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. Location: 6300 Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708. 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. So youre off to hike the Pipiwai Trailthat is one of the best hikes on Maui! It can get hot on the hike, especially on a sunny day. Pipiwai trail is a great adventure if you are willing to brave the possibilities of slick and muddy trails and mosquitoes.