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. Located above theOheo Gulch(Seven Sacred Pools),Pipiwai Trail is 4 miles roundtrip andgains650ft. ofelevation. can we swim in the pools at the base of the falls? The road leading to the entrance of Haleakala National Park is the narrow Hana Highway with pretty much no shoulder space. 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! Stop at Honolulu Coffee in Paia go restroom and breakfast . Its not a very long drive, at least in terms of distance, but because of the hundreds of turns and one-way bridges, it takes several hours to drive this stretch of road. Otherwise, it may route you on the back road to Hana. Hitting the trail is the perfect way to explore; in fact, it just might be our favorite! Kapalua Coastal Trail; Pipiwai Trail; Waihou Spring Trail . How did your day go- and would you have changed anything? The proper name of this attraction is 'Ohe'o (Oh-Hey-Oh). It takes about 1h00-1h30 on the way up. Since the Pipiwai Trail is a part of Haleakala National Park, an entry fee is required. Cheers, Julie, Hi! 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. Is it worth it to travel to? The location of the Ppwai Trail and Kpahulu District is important, because this part of the national park has operating hours. Kihei Rent A Car uses the information you provide to us to contact you by email about our relevant content and updates. The Ppwai Trail is a relatively short hike that is located in Haleakala National Park on the Road to Hana. 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. 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). SOUTH DAKOTA The pools were closed. Is it worth it to travel to? The road is not nearly as bad as other sources make it out to be. 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. We did it in about 2 hours at a leisurely pace, but avid photographers and those who are less active will need more time. The waters from Waimoku Falls flow all the way down the mountain into the ocean here. Luckily, the trail is long enough and diverse enough to provide hikers with plenty of space to explore. Not worried about the distance. My Family and I love rock climbing as well as hiking. As many have said, its more about the journey than the destination, but we think both in this case are pretty awesome! No--you need to do the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Approaching the Pipiwai Trail parking from the backside of Haleakala aka from the back road to Hana. This 1.8-mile route offers one of the best hikes in East Maui. 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. This first part of the trail is mostly uphill. Thank yoU! HAWAII VOLCANOES: In our article Best Things to Do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, we cover the must-have experiences. You can take a hike! So, every seat is a great view of the show. There is also a no parking sign along the road. Answer 1 of 9: I was wondering how to get from Pipiwai trail from Kihei? Thank you. Re: Distance from Kihei to Pipiwai Trail? 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. 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. 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. You will probably have to cross the stream in two places before you can get right up under the falls. Observe the streams from the Ppwai trail and see if you can spot the freshwater shrimp and rock-climbing goby. I am an expereinced hiker and plan to take a 14 month old with me, obviously I would have her in a backpack carrier. Getting caught in restricted areas could result in hefty fines or a court date. Sitting back and riding in comfort? Good for anyone relatively active and healthy. Mark. Mahalo! 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. GPS Coordinates: 20.661458,-156.045299 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. MAMMOTH CAVE KY Is this hike super hard? Not nearly so hard to get to the hike. You will hike in and out of the trees and walk over lots of tree roots. I left Paia at 8am and encountered minimal traffic. GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS TN NC Is it worth the 2 hour trip out? There are restrooms at the Visitor Center but none along the trail. The town has a rich history, dating back to ancient times when it was a center for Hawaiian royalty. 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. I have googled it but have heard to not trust the google maps drive times when it comes to RTH! The Ppwai Trail is located in the Kpahulu District of Haleakala National Park in Maui. If youre interested in Pipiwai Trail, then you may also be interested in these top activities on Maui: ROAD TRIP AMERICA So youre off to hike the Pipiwai Trailthat is one of the best hikes on Maui! Getting to the Trail Getting to the Trail The Pipiwai Trail is in the Kipahulu district of Haleakal National Park. Learn more about driving the Back Road to Hana, including photos of the road, in our Guide to the Road to Hana. Farther along the trail, around another mile, reach the trail's turnaround point at Waimoku Falls. I am an active 20 year old male who has an extra day in Maui and read so many wonderful things about this trial. Call ahead. 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. Reservations for sunrise 3 to 7 a.m. daily accepted. Here's a good online guidebook: http://mauiguidebook.com/things-to-do/road-to-hana-region/. Our website uses cookies. yes it is safe as long as you have a good hold on them along the trail. There was nothing different that day than any other day, a rock fell, as they do from time to time, and struck a child. I would just plan to leave Lahaina before sunrise if you can, and take your time enjoying yourselves. Easier (downhill) but just as rewarding with a new angle from which to view the scenery. NORTH DAKOTA Shortly after starting the Ppwai Trail, you will cross Hana Highway. When is the best month to hike the trail and what airport is closest? It definitely looks Dr. Seus-ish to the uninitiated. Answer 1 of 9: I was wondering how to get from Pipiwai trail from Kihei? 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. That probably took close to 30 min. Flash-flooding, rock falls and cliff/bridge jumping have taken several lives, and many natural dangers occur suddenly without warning. If you have planned to go to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? At least one of the stops was at a waterfall, lol. Its enjoyable either way and you wont feel regret. Jen. Continue on the path (and up more stairs before the terrain levels out) to immerse yourself in the bamboo forest. . Hi Mark, The drive is an adventure in and of itself! 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. The trailhead for the Ppwai Trail is located to the left of the Visitor Center. Both my husband and I are quite fit and are interested in doing one hike while we are here. 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). Is it shallow enough to walk in the stream to get to the waterfall? Not to hike the Pipiwai Trail or visit the Kipahulu District, although you should get here early to get a parking space. There are only a few choice people Id advise to attempt jumping here (and it isnt because theyre skilled jumpers!). This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. At the four way stop in town make a right on to Olinda Road. Wear comfy sneakers and clothes. I would like to hike the bamboo Forrest. That's being a little generous to allow for road work and traffic delays. There are a TON of stops along the Hana Highway you can make along the way to Pipiwai Trail. In 2021, an individual pass costs $30 per vehicle. 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. Driving from Hana to Pipiwai Trail: Hana Highway, less than 5 minutes away from Haleakala National Park Kipahulu area. That probably took close to 30 min. 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. Were a couple who are fit for someone who doesnt go to the gym. Find parking at the Kipahulu Visitors Center at Haleakala National Park for $25 per car. 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. Our pictures seriously dont do it justice. I wish there was an easy way to post photos on this site. I am wondering if you know of any public access areas that would be available for use if we brought our own equipment. 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. I have taken all four of my children on this hike countless times from the time they were little babies in carriers. The daily ticket is only good for 72 hours--meaning you would end up paying again if you didn't do the two areas back to back. Continuing along the trail youll notice the scenery changing to bamboo. There is a google map on this article with the location. 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. You can go to Pipiwai Trail and the Kipahulu district as a part of the popular Road to Hana drive. (Again, 5 minutes per destination except the last hike). 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. Do you have any pictures of the cave/pool/waterfall? Length: 5.5 mi. 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. Try to get there by 10 am or earlier for heat comfort. This is the absolutely stunning precipice of Makahiku waterfall, a sheer lava-rock cliff face that drops almost 200 into the valley below. (click to open full HNP map from nps.gov in new window). Witness a breathtaking bamboo jungle and dramatic cliffs. I'm thinking for me to get an early start, quick stop at Aunt Sandys for banana. 14 . more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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. Practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace. Also located in the Kpahulu District is a walking trail that leads to the Seven Sacred Pools at Oheo. There is no parking along Hana Highway. So it costs $30 to hike the Pipiwai Trail, but with the fee comes the possibility of exploring more of Haleakala National Park!