There is a lot to see on the RTH, before you get to Oheo Gulch, where the trailhead is located for the Pipiwai. Bring at least one liter of water per person but more is even better. Follow the trail for about 300 feet. I agree--if you leave any later than 5 or 5:30, it will easily take you 4 hours. What locations on the way to Pipiwai are good for bathrooms that early. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88162562', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Hana. This 1.8-mile route offers one of the best hikes in East Maui. We will be staying in Kihei. Download your copy of our So you have to pay 25.00 admission . Unless you rented a truck or jeep this route is very hard to navigate and a little scary at times. Bring more water than you think youll need. Tip: Take all warning signs seriously. How did your day go- and would you have changed anything? We are going with a few older companions who might not be able to hop across rocks and do not know how to swim. 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. Rocks frequently fall over this cliff face and the fall distance would make even a small pebble an unpleasant experience. I am an expereinced hiker and plan to take a 14 month old with me, obviously I would have her in a backpack carrier. Back on the Pipiwai Trail, youll pass though a gate and come to another highlight a gigantic banyan tree with a footprint the size of a decent-sized house! To give the Road to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Subscribe to receive discounts, updates and other news! 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. Kipahului District is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. There is also a national park campground in the Kipahulu district. Do you reccommend going alone or paying for a guided tour? 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. Driving from Paia to Pipiwai Trail took me a little under 2.5 hours. We did it in about 2 hours at a leisurely pace, but avid photographers and those who are less active will need more time. It's 30.00 and is good for a year. 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. This can be confusing because Haleakala National Park is actually split into two parts. Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve. My fiance and I want to hike the Pipiwai Trail on Wed 6/12/19. Lahaina is a town located on the western coast of the island and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Maui. So once you enter the Haleakala National Park Kipahulu area, youll just continue to follow the signs to the parking! Google maps would be helpful to ease your mind so youll know when youre getting closer. SLEEPING BEAR DUNES MI 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. This trail does have some shade but there are sections where you will be exposed to the sun. I would recommend most people take the clockwise (north) route to Hana and just dont stop at too many stops along the way of you plan to visit this trail. Once you arrive you'll have to go through an entrance station where a fee of $30 per vehicle is required. You will still get a taste of the spectacular scenery and views of a beautiful natural waterfall without completing the entire trail. Book now. Even at a safe distance youll be cooled and refreshed by the mist and wind created by the falling water. The trail continues on the opposite side of the road. There is a google map on this article with the location. WATCH THE SUNRISE AT HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK. Continuing along the trail youll notice the scenery changing to bamboo. I highly recommend wearing hiking shoes or a pair of shoes that you dont mind getting muddy. Can you tell me how far the steepest elevation change is and what degree of incline that part of the trail would be? Since this is part of the Haleakala National Park . See more about driving the Road to Hana in reverse. My husband has a bad knee (it hurts to walk), but I can get him to walk around the neighborhood. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. Is it worth it to travel to? Otherwise, you can take the Northern route and simply get out when most people turn around. I hope you have a great trip. That would be 2 long car days. . The most difficult part of the hike occurs within the first half mile with a couple of steep areas. On the summit side is where you will find the Haleakala summit (of course) and the famous Haleakala crater hike. Your email address will not be published. Took us just north of two hours to get back, there was some traffic only in the very end. As always, we also discourage visitors from swimming beneath the falls. Your online price: 375 USD. Can you confirm if the trail is in fact still closed? Farther along the trail, around another mile, reach the trail's turnaround point at Waimoku Falls. At the four way stop in town make a right on to Olinda Road. Over time, these majestic trees gained their own special place in Hawaiian myths and legends. They really need to do something about the road to the Black sand beach, seriously. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Thank you! Hi Jackson mom--I grew up in Clinton, but haven't been back in a while! What time does the park open to start hiking the Pipiwai Trail? Its a great hike. Because of the marshy ground, wooden boardwalks have been built to make hiking easier. Weird question, I know. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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. 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. Alex, And dont miss the Kilauea Iki Trail, one of the best hikes in the park. Kahekili Highway. I am aware there is a guided tour option, are there any tour companies that have his trail part out their day tour? The east side of Maui is lush and green because it rains frequently. "It was terrifying," Valentine said. I am going next year with a large group of all ages. Are there any points in the trail that have a narrow point and dangerously close to edges. Ive also read that the water levels are very low or none existent. Are there any other hikes that are more. There is nothing specifically of danger to note if you stay on the trail, but things can happen in wilderness. It's one of the most iconic experiences in Hawaii: watching the sunrise from the summit of Haleakala. SOUTH DAKOTA This trail is part of the Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve. In 45 minutes, you can reach the Kpahulu district, getting here first thing in the morning, when crowds are low. Past Hana. If you dont have the time or arent up for a longer hike, turn around at Makahiku Falls and head back from there. youll probably be satisfied with these falls as your end-point. I see some guide services offer rapelling. The Pipiwai Trail is truly one of a kind as it takes you through a bamboo forest that ends spectacularly at the 400-foot Waimoku Falls. Photo Credit: Sue Salisbury Maui Hawaii. Get here no later than 3 pm, so you have enough time to finish the hike before the gates close. Is this safe for toddlers and infants of 7 months? I have googled it but have heard to not trust the google maps drive times when it comes to RTH! Is it worth the 2 hour trip out? If the parking lots are full, you will not be permitted to enter the park. NORTH DAKOTA It is a well maintained trail with two shallow stream crossings at the very end (after the bamboo.) Read all of our articles about the United States in our United States Travel Guide. WHAT TO WEAR SNORKELING As many have said, its more about the journey than the destination, but we think both in this case are pretty awesome! And don't forget a selfie stick to get amazing pics of your Valley Isle getaway! 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. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Free shipping for many products! 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 road is not nearly as bad as other sources make it out to be. Throughout the hike youll spot several warning signs; take them seriously. 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. You probably dont want to hike it in the dark though! The restrooms at Kamahina State Wayside Park were open at 6 also the RR at Ke'anae will be open around that time too. We hiked the Ppwai Trail and then the trail to the Seven Sacred Pools at Oheo. Mahalo! Back On The Trail For the next half mile, you walk through this mystical bamboo forest. I made one quick stop at Wailua Falls along the way. Practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace. 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. Aloha we will be in Maui next Christmas..we would like to take the Pipiwai trail. Have a blast! For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88162698', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kihei? The parking lot was about 1/3 full and I was actually surprised at how many cars were already here. This is valid for 3 days and it includes both the Kpahulu District and the Haleakala crater. At the trail junction, go left to start the Ppwai 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. 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. On a windy day, the bamboo stalks sound like wind chimes as the breeze knocks them together. That said, there is nothing other than your sensibility to enforce keeping your distance, and youll certainly observe plenty of people ignoring the sign. MOUNT RUSHMORE SD There is an incline, but it gets less once you pass the banyan (and normally doesnt phase active kidsout of shape adults are another story ). In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. About one mile into the hike, the landscape is about to make a dramatic change. 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. It's at the Kipahulu end of the Road to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Eat at Thai by Pranee in Hana after the hike. There is a lot to see on the RTH, before you get to Oheo Gulch, where the trailhead is located for the Pipiwai. The paddleboarders said the shark broke their paddle and punctured the board, but they managed to stay on and escape. The first half-mile is a little steep. NATIONAL LAKESHORES 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. This state park, located upcountry As a family-owned business, we understand the budget challenges of vacationing in Hawaii. So you have to drive the RTH to reach it. Take your time on way back. 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. At over 10,000 feet above sea level, the views . Pipiwai Trail is part of Haleakala National Park and is located above Oheo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools). Rangers are available at the Visitor Center to answer questions, offer suggestions, and talk story. It took us about an hour to get to the falls with stops to read some signs and take pictures. In 2021, an individual pass costs $30 per vehicle. Are there any other hikes that are more. Happy hiking, wherever you choose to go! Water. We left Kihei at 5:30 and made one stop for a bathroom break along the way. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I don't mind buying something where we stop! 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. At least one of the stops was at a waterfall, lol. There are a few short sections of unpaved road and several sections of extremely rough paved road, but regular cars will do just fine. 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. 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! While the regular road to Hana is crowded, it is scenic and full of interesting things to see. All Rights Reserved. If you relish your driving experiences then the Road to Hana alone is . To reserve call 808-248-7375. You will probably have to cross the stream in two places before you can get right up under the falls. If you are also doing Haleakala when you're here, buy the Tri-Park Pass instead of single admission. 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. Contact us today to make your reservation! Is it worth it to travel to? How much time will it take me to hike up to the 400 foot or last waterfall on the trail. Just did this today - left northernmost (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? "Seven Sacred Pools" is a name coined decades ago by the owner of what is now Travaasa Hana (previously Hotel Hana Maui) for the purpose of marketing this deservingly spectacular (but then unknown) remote location to tourists. We saw all sorts of natural treasures including guava, coffee trees, mango, lilikoi, and this hibiscus flower. Super recommended to download the Shaka Guide app for insightful history and helpful tips for sightseeing spots. We're committed to your privacy. Ive really enjoyed reading about these wonderful hikes in Maui. On just one hike, you can see several waterfalls, an enormous Banyan tree, and hike through a bamboo forest. 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.