Pipiwai Trail bamboo forest boardwalk. Eat at Thai by Pranee in Hana after the hike. See more about driving the Road to Hana in reverse. Bamboo forest is magical. 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. Kahekili Highway. 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. 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. Pipiwai Trail is part of Haleakala National Park and is located above Oheo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools). 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. So it costs $30 to hike the Pipiwai Trail, but with the fee comes the possibility of exploring more of Haleakala National Park! The location of the Ppwai Trail and Kpahulu District is important, because this part of the national park has operating hours. Hiking shoes. The town has a rich history, dating back to ancient times when it was a center for Hawaiian royalty. MAUI You probably dont want to hike it in the dark though! This includes Pipiwai Trail and Kuloa Point Trail. The park opens officially at 9 but they were letting people in early when we arrived. HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK: Get a list of the best things to do in Haleakala National Parkand how to hike the amazing Sliding Sands Trail and Halemauu Loop. Once you emerge from the bamboo, you are getting close to the end of the trail. There is a lot to see on the RTH, before you get to Oheo Gulch, where the trailhead is located for the Pipiwai. This narrow stretch of road on the northwest side of Maui is for the experienced driver, but a great alternative to Road to Hana. 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. 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. 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. Also--the trail is in the National Park. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. How would you like to experience this beautiful area of Maui? No stops were planned , but had to stop twice - one of the kids was very nauseous. Also, is there an address for the park? 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. 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. 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. Or perhaps you'd rather lace up the hiking boots and hit the trail. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. Driving from Hana to Pipiwai Trail: Hana Highway, less than 5 minutes away from Haleakala National Park Kipahulu area. . The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle. We have done this in Feb 2015 and 2016. We are going with a few older companions who might not be able to hop across rocks and do not know how to swim. Practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace. When we were on the Pipiwai Trail, it was hot and muggy during the first part of the hike, got cooler in the Bamboo Forest, started sprinkling once we reached Waimoku Falls, and then a heavier downpour on our way back through the forest. The Kpahulu District is located on the south coast of Maui. I am going next year with a large group of all ages. 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). The trail continues on the opposite side of the road. It traverses the youngest lava flow on Maui, and rewards with ancient cultural sites and great pools for snorkeling and fishing. That's being a little generous to allow for road work and traffic delays. You basically walk up through a bamboo forest to a truly amazing waterfall. Driving from Paia to Pipiwai Trail took me a little under 2.5 hours. Keonehe'ehe'e (Sliding Sands) Trail and Halemau'u Trail into the crater open for day hikes. The Kpahulu District is open from 9 am to 5 pm. It's a four mile round trip hike that takes you through Hana's famed bamboo forest and ends at the spectacular 400 foot Waimoku Falls. Side Trip: Infinity Pool Get here as early as possible, ideally by 10 am, to avoid waiting for a parking space. Pipiwai Trail is 4 miles roundtrip, gaining 650-feet in elevation. If it has recently rained, the trail will be muddy. I have taken all four of my children on this hike countless times from the time they were little babies in carriers. It can get hot on the hike, especially on a sunny day. There is the normal parking lot right by the Kipahulu Visitor Center, and there is also an overflow parking lot. This gets you here quicker, but it is a more rugged, remote road than Highway 360 (the Hana Highway). Although the hike has plenty of covered areas, be sure to pack sunscreen and dont forget the bug spray. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. I hiked this trail back in May 2017, but didnt know of the side trails at that time! 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. Maui Tourism Maui Hotels Find parking at the Kipahulu Visitors Center at Haleakala National Park for $25 per car. Can I drive to the Oheo Gulch and back in one day? I am an active 20 year old male who has an extra day in Maui and read so many wonderful things about this trial. You will hike through a bamboo forest!! If you're visiting during the rainy season, call ahead to the visitors center to make sure that the trail is still open. Taking into account the easy accessibility, the Pipiwai Trail offers, hands-down, the all-around best of East Maui's most dramatic stream and waterfall hikes. Aloha we will be in Maui next Christmas..we would like to take the Pipiwai trail. 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. I recommend parking on the upper loop of the parking lot as it's closer to the Pipiwai Trailhead. Pick up your hiking poles, boots, travel books, and more right here. Alternatively, you can drive Highway 37 along the south coast to get to the Kpahulu District. On just one hike, you can see several waterfalls, an enormous Banyan tree, and hike through a bamboo forest. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. Minuses: Youll be sharing the trail with lots of other folks. Observe the streams from the Ppwai trail and see if you can spot the freshwater shrimp and rock-climbing goby. FLORIDA, U.S. NATIONAL PARK SITES Required fields are marked *. The Kpahulu District is open from 9 am to 5 pm. 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. (more info: Canoe Plants of Ancient Hawaii). Once you cross the bridge, youll enter the Bamboo Forest, which starts with a stone pathway and quickly becomes a nice boardwalk. If youre interested in Pipiwai Trail, then you may also be interested in these top activities on Maui: ROAD TRIP AMERICA Can you give me an idea of what kind of physical activities give you difficulty? From Kihei it took us about seven hours to get to Hana stopping for a hike in the bamboo forest to the first 2 waterfalls and a swim (about 2 hours) and a stop at Twin Falls for another swim (about 1 hour.) GPS Coordinates: 20.661458,-156.045299 The Ppwai Trail is located in the Kpahulu District of Haleakala National Park in Maui. LANAI This 185-foot waterfall gives hikers just a taste of whats to come. A few pounds lighter now, we cannot wait to take on the challenge and reward of a few of the hikes in and around Hana. Even though most of the photos youll see from this trail show wooden walkways within the bamboo forest, dont let that fool you! Today, Lahaina is known for its beaches, Jan 6, 2023 | Beautiful Maui Scenes, Sight Seeing on Maui. I am wondering if you know of any public access areas that would be available for use if we brought our own equipment. I don't mind buying something where we stop! Thanks so much for sharing this info! YELLOWSTONE WY Is this hike safe enough to carry a toddler in? Over years, a banyans aerial prop roots form into new trunks of their own, expanding continually outward. 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. Hours: 9 am to 5 pm; last entry at 4:30 pm. ARIZONA Very muddy. Aloha Mark, I saw 2 people who were walking gingerly down the trail in bare feet carrying their flip-flops. Aloha Donna the trail does not close, though I would not suggest doing it in the dark! Or stay a night in Hana and wrap back around through Haleakala National Park, hiking the Pipiwai Trail. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Pipiwai trail is a great adventure if you are willing to brave the possibilities of slick and muddy trails and mosquitoes. For the next half mile, you walk through this mystical bamboo forest. You may want to have a poncho, umbrella, hat, and/or a backpack to protect your camera if it rains. Driving directly from Wailea to Pipiwai Trail might be a little under 3 hours with minimal traffic, by way of Paia. My husband has a bad knee (it hurts to walk), but I can get him to walk around the neighborhood. Mile Marker: #42 (Hana Hwy aka Hwy 31 *After Hana markers go back down) Be sure to take a close look at their roots, which grow from the branches down to the ground and expand outward. 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. Going straight leads you up through Paia and on up to Hana. Is this hike super hard? Are there any other hikes that are more. The falls here are surrounded by greenery ranging from massive ferns to bamboo and vines. It definitely looks Dr. Seus-ish to the uninitiated. If you drive straight to the trail your be missing so much. 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.) Called the Kpahulu district, this section of the park is lush, green, and filled with waterfalls, plant life, and beautiful coastal scenery. My wife and I will be in Maui Summer 2016 (without the kids!) The trail will cross over the Hana Highway. They are located in Lahaina, Kihei, and Paia. The trail and the waterfalls were very nice, but I have to say the 9 miles from Hana are in bad shape, potholes abound. Most Internet sources say it takes 2 1/2 5 hours to hike. Whats the best route to take to get to trail head from Lahaina? Were a couple who are fit for someone who doesnt go to the gym. That would be 2 long car days. Haleakala National Park Summit District open daily with limited access to attractions. The Pipiwai Trail is easy to access on the south end of Haleakal National Park, is exceptionally well-maintained, and takes hikers past a wide range of unique sights. were planning to visit the park during Thanksgiving week but with COVID19 restriction, not sure its worth the drive since some of the area will be closed especially the 7 scared pools. To give the Road to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Kihei Rent A Car uses the information you provide to us to contact you by email about our relevant content and updates. There are only a few choice people Id advise to attempt jumping here (and it isnt because theyre skilled jumpers!). Shortly after starting the Ppwai Trail, you will cross Hana Highway. WIND CAVE SD Tip: Take all warning signs seriously. Maybe avoid the side trails. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-110507016', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kihei to the park entrance to the trail in just over 3 hours. One of the easiest ways to access the pools is via the Pipiwai Trail. Nov. 2 9- 2014.knock me over w/ a featherThis hike is a Fait Accompliwhat else should we put on the Must Hit list? For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We are visiting from Washington in April. Its a great hike. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Google maps would be helpful to ease your mind so youll know when youre getting closer. JEWEL CAVE SD, HAWAII TRAVEL PLANNING The waters from Waimoku Falls flow all the way down the mountain into the ocean here. . (No potable water.) A fun sightseeing mini road trip to Hana. Our pictures seriously dont do it justice. 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. Would love to do this but if it isnt suitable for young children, we wait on it. Many visitors ask us about where to go hiking on Maui. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. Have fun! Winding along a string of dramatic pools and waterfalls, you'll encounter a giant Banyan tree, dense bamboo forests, and a grove of mountain apple . This along with the Waihee Ridge Trail were our two favorite hikes in Maui! Im staying in Lahaina. BIG ISLAND 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 show is a mesmerizing journey through various types of Polynesian culture presented in a fun and engaging format. Bring more water than you think youll need. 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. Farther along the trail, around another mile, reach the trail's turnaround point at Waimoku Falls. I left Paia at 8am and encountered minimal traffic. The first part of the trail is covered in roots. 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. We did this and its a beautiful drive. This is valid for 3 days and it includes both the Kpahulu District and the Haleakala crater. There is also a national park campground in the Kipahulu district. Along the Kahekili Highway, see the Nakalele Blowhole, hike the Ohai Loop Trail or Waihee . Is it worth it to travel to? You get to try lots of great Hawaiian food and see traditional Hawaiian dancers. It's one of the most iconic experiences in Hawaii: watching the sunrise from the summit of Haleakala. Julie Last updated: January 27, 2023 United States 4 Comments. To finish the hike, retrace your steps to the Visitor Center. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88162597', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Hana Highway. Learn about the best time to visit Maui . Use the restroom at the visitors center before setting out on the hike; there are none on the trail. The Pipiwai Trail is one of the last places of interest on the Road to Hana, but its one stop, in our opinion, that is worth it. Follow the trail for about 300 feet. If youre lucky enough to be here in summer, youre in for a refreshing treat. Leave No Trace. Unless you rented a truck or jeep this route is very hard to navigate and a little scary at times. My husband and I did this hike today and it was awesome! My Family and I love rock climbing as well as hiking. This is a different visitors center than the one at the top of Haleakala Crater, so dont get the two confused if you have your heart set on this hike. You still end up in Kahului and then have to drive to Kihei. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88162532', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Pipiwai trail from Kihei? 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. 1 year ago Save Just did this today - left northernmost Kihei at 6:40, got to the Pipiwai at about 10. There are several great waterfalls along the route; thedestination beingWaimoku Falls,which drops400ft. down a sheer lava rock wall shaped like a horseshoe. Basically, the hike to Waimoku is the Makahiku hike extended about 1 1/2 miles. and a great banyan tree for climbing right on the trail about 1/3 of the way up. Cheers, Julie, Hi! Reservations for sunrise 3 to 7 a.m. daily accepted. Many people are familiar with the Haleakal crater, which is famous for its sunrises and hiking trails that lead into the crater. Here's a good online guidebook: http://mauiguidebook.com/things-to-do/road-to-hana-region/. Because of the marshy ground, wooden boardwalks have been built to make hiking easier. I am going to Maui the third and forth week of march 2015. 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. My fiance and I want to hike the Pipiwai Trail on Wed 6/12/19. At this point in the hike, you've reached the bamboo forest at the Pipiwai Trail. You will start off on the Haleakala/Hana Highway, then stay straight when you reach the turn to go to Haleakala and Upcountry instead. 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. 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. 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.