This 185-foot waterfall gives hikers just a taste of whats to come. We went last week and we made it from our condo in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. EVERGLADES FL I hope you have a great trip. You will wait in line in front of the entrance gate until a space becomes available. The Kpahulu District is located on the south coast of Maui. Are there any other hikes that are more recommended we can do? 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. Thank you! Thank yoU! Along the Kahekili Highway, see the Nakalele Blowhole, hike the Ohai Loop Trail or Waihee . Keonehe'ehe'e (Sliding Sands) Trail and Halemau'u Trail into the crater open for day hikes. The false looked like Niagara. In 45 minutes, you can reach the Kpahulu district, getting here first thing in the morning, when crowds are low. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Continue on the path (and up more stairs before the terrain levels out) to immerse yourself in the bamboo forest. It will probably be easier to find someone heading your direction from Hana anyway. Getting to the Pipiwai Trail requires a drive down the famed Road to Hana. In fact, when youve reached the end, youre smack at the base of the falls, and can walk right up and stand under them. 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. At this point in the hike, you've reached the bamboo forest at the Pipiwai Trail. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. You can take a hike! HAWAII EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS 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. Im in Hana now. The Waimoku Falls hike passes the 185-footMakahiku Fallswhich is also beautiful. We will be staying in Kihei. Thank you! 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. Mountain apples are oddly attached to the trees on which they grow. Mile Marker: #42 (Hana Hwy aka Hwy 31 *After Hana markers go back down) 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 waters from Waimoku Falls flow all the way down the mountain into the ocean here. Cheers, Julie, Hi! Cecilia. However, if you want to see the sunrise on Haleakala, you need to get a reservation in advance. Riper (to the point where the skin begins to crack and become damaged) is better. The east side of Maui is lush and green because it rains frequently. I will warn, the road is windy at some places and not everyone can handle doing this trip more than once. Instead of being on a stem that terminates from a minor branch, like most fruit, mountain apples grow on a small stem directly out of the main branches (and even the trunk) of the `ohi`a `ai tree. 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. I dont beleive the mailing address for the park is at this location. 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. 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. These mighty thundering falls will probably be more than enough waterfall for most. Do you have to make reservations for this park? At the trail junction, go left to start the Ppwai Trail. Use the restroom at the visitors center before setting out on the hike; there are none on the trail. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88162698', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kihei? Read all of our articles about the United States in our United States Travel Guide. Hike the Pipiwai Trail. Highly recommend this hike if you have the time!! 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. There is also a national park campground in the Kipahulu district. MAUI Learn more about driving the Back Road to Hana, including photos of the road, in our Guide to the Road to Hana. The first half-mile is a little steep. Pipiwai Trail Reviews | U.S. News Travel What time does the park open to start hiking the Pipiwai Trail? This includes packing out what you bring to the hiking trail, be considerate of other hikers, and leaving archaeological artifacts as you found them. 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. I am going to Maui the third and forth week of march 2015. This 200 foot (61 m) waterfall has carved out the valley below. The Ppwai Trail is located in the Kpahulu District of Haleakala National Park in Maui. Faster coming down. You will start off on the Haleakala/Hana Highway, then stay straight when you reach the turn to go to Haleakala and Upcountry instead. Hi Jackson mom--I grew up in Clinton, but haven't been back in a while! We overnighted here so wed be able to relax and enjoy the trip. Do you reccommend going alone or paying for a guided tour? (It is actually past Hana town though technicalities!). If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. And in this part of Maui, it rains quite frequently. The dramatic diversity then suddenly morphs into the zen-oneness of an immense bamboo forest. Driving to the Oheo Gulch & Back in One day? | Maui Hawaii (No potable water.) Take your time on way back. Pipiwai Trail & Waimoku Falls | Maui Guidebook Aloha we will be in Maui next Christmas..we would like to take the Pipiwai trail. This means that its really not difficult to find the Pipiwai trailhead. Not nearly so hard to get to the hike. It took us about an hour to get to the falls with stops to read some signs and take pictures. See more about driving the Road to Hana in reverse. And don't forget a selfie stick to get amazing pics of your Valley Isle getaway! 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. Required fields are marked *. not sure if that will always be the case. Through storytelling, audience participation and remarkable . 32 Best Things to Do in Maui: From the Mountains to The Sea Thank you. At over 10,000 feet above sea level, the views . This is valid for 3 days and it includes both the Kpahulu District and the Haleakala crater. While the regular road to Hana is crowded, it is scenic and full of interesting things to see. Many visitors ask us about where to go hiking on Maui. Hiking shoes are ideal since they provide a lot of traction but you can also get by with running or walking shoes. I highly recommend wearing hiking shoes or a pair of shoes that you dont mind getting muddy. It's a very long way back if you do get injured;so just use caution when approaching the falls. The Road to Hana runs along the east coast of Maui. 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. Reservations for sunrise 3 to 7 a.m. daily accepted. BADLANDS SD Maui Tourism Maui Hotels Taking into account the easy accessibility, the Pipiwai Trail offers, hands-down, the all-around best of East Mauis most dramatic stream and waterfall hikes. 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. You can go to Pipiwai Trail and the Kipahulu district as a part of the popular Road to Hana drive. Bamboo Forest Maui Guide: Fun Hike to the Massive 400 Foot Waterfall We BARELY survived the hike back out of Sliding Sands Trail back then, but discovered our love of hiking together. That said, in order to fully enjoy your hike you need proper equipment to keep you safe and comfortable. We endeavor to offer the best, personalized service and quality vehicles, for the lowest rates we can. YELLOWSTONE WY They really need to do something about the road to the Black sand beach, seriously. I have hiked this trail with children dozens of times. Is this hike super hard? There were Heaney rains. Once you cross the bridge, youll enter the Bamboo Forest, which starts with a stone pathway and quickly becomes a nice boardwalk. PEARL HARBOR HI Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve. Located above the Oheo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools), Pipiwai Trail is 4 miles roundtrip and gains 650 ft. of elevation. GPS Coordinates: 20.661458,-156.045299 I am an expereinced hiker and plan to take a 14 month old with me, obviously I would have her in a backpack carrier. You could (A) do it tour bus style in your own car, meaning you do the road to Hana, stopping for like 5-10 minutes per location and moving on, then do the big hike at the end to Waimoku Falls and stop to see 7 pools on the way back. 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. It takes about 1h00-1h30 on the way up. This first part of the trail is one of the steepest sections of the hike. Just did this today - left northernmost (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Do you have any pictures of the cave/pool/waterfall? Water. Hours: 9 am to 5 pm; last entry at 4:30 pm. 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 . I am not a hiker but I think I should be able to handle this trail. Have fun, stay safe, and let us know what you think! I recommend parking on the upper loop of the parking lot as it's closer to the Pipiwai Trailhead. It is a well maintained trail with two shallow stream crossings at the very end (after the bamboo.) Kapalua Coastal Trail; Pipiwai Trail; Waihou Spring Trail . 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. How long do you think it will take to get there from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Our website uses cookies. As the trail continues winding, if you pay careful attention the bamboo will begin to thin and trees will start coming back. Both my husband and I are quite fit and are interested in doing one hike while we are here. This NPS Map more accurately shows the trail and streams. 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. Not worried about the distance. This trail does have some shade but there are sections where you will be exposed to the sun. The trail continues on the opposite side of the road. Maui. What to . This is the absolutely stunning precipice of Makahiku waterfall, a sheer lava-rock cliff face that drops almost 200 into the valley below. The hike brings you to Waimoku Falls, a breathtaking 400-foot waterfall then you turn around and return to the start. The trail will cross over the Hana Highway. Follow until you see dirt parking on your right. 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. 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. Alternatively, you can drive Highway 37 along the south coast to get to the Kpahulu District. This is the only tour available that offers a hiking opportunity in the Kipahulu Section of Haleakala National Park. The park's most popular trail, Pipiwai, is actually at sea level, meandering 4 miles (roundtrip) along Maui's southeast coast. Answer 1 of 12: Approximately how long might it take to drive from Kihei straight to Pipiwai trail (no stops)? Is this hike super hard? You will need to use the "full site" if using a mobile device. Pipiwai Trail Information, Photos & More | Maui Hawaii Stop at Travaasa in Hana for restroom and gift store. Aloha Iris It is shallow enough to cross without swimming, however the stream bed is boulders and rocks, is quite slippery and footing may be difficult for your older companions depending on their agility. No stops were planned , but had to stop twice - one of the kids was very nauseous. There are no height issues on the trail Have fun! Even if the pools are closed below, this hike is exceptional. Kipahului District is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. If youre interested in Pipiwai Trail, then you may also be interested in these top activities on Maui: ROAD TRIP AMERICA Exploring Maui: Things You need to Know About As a New Resident! Otherwise, even without google maps, you will be able to get there just fine because again, you just keep driving on the Hana Highway. MOUNT RUSHMORE SD Mossy rough-hewn stone block steps evoke scenes out of "The Land of the Lost". PIPIWAI TRAIL - 1047 Photos & 201 Reviews - Yelp There was nothing different that day than any other day, a rock fell, as they do from time to time, and struck a child. The Kpahulu District is open from 9 am to 5 pm. Really want to do this hike but concerned about my level of fitness for incline hiking. 201 reviews of Pipiwai Trail "This is a trail that you can find in the lower section of the Haleakala National Park. You will definitely want to bring water and some bug spray. And then theres the coastal Kipahulu district with the popular bamboo forest hike aka Pipiwai Trail! I don't rec you take the "backside" from Kaupo to Ulupalakua, BTW. The other side is one lane for miles (with plenty of two way traffic), it is not well maintained and very very bumpy, it is prone to issues with debris in the road and washed out bridges which require a smidge of offroading. Or perhaps you'd rather lace up the hiking boots and hit the trail. The U.S. national park annual pass is also valid at Haleakala National Park. "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. . ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88162532', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Pipiwai trail from Kihei? Best bet is to check the Haleakala National Park website the day prior to your trip for real-time closure info. Learn about the best time to visit Maui . Yes, it is an absolutely gorgeous spot but certainly not a safe place for every tourist regardless of age and physical condition. Paddleboarders fend off 15-foot shark in 'terrifying' encounter 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. This 1.8-mile route offers one of the best hikes in East 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 youve already gone up to the crater or plan to. That said, there is nothing other than your sensibility to enforce keeping your distance, and youll certainly observe plenty of people ignoring the sign. Happy hiking! Your email address will not be published. So you have to pay 25.00 admission . This 1.8-mile route offers one of the best hikes in East Maui. Looked like Rapids . 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. My Favorite Road to Hana Itinerary, Maui - Lincoln Travel Co Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Jen. Lots of fun waterfalls, the black sand beach, family-owned convenience shops, and fruit stands along the road. how to get to pipiwai trail from kihei - elsalvadormissions.org The Complete Guide to Hiking the Pipiwai Trail - TripSavvy The trail and the waterfalls were very nice, but I have to say the 9 miles from Hana are in bad shape, potholes abound. For the next half mile, you walk through this mystical bamboo forest. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. 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. You get to try lots of great Hawaiian food and see traditional Hawaiian dancers. If the parking lots are full, you will not be permitted to enter the park. 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. Please use extreme caution when crossing the stream, especially if it's been raining. Getting to Pipiwai Trail parking - Flashpacking America 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. Witness a breathtaking bamboo jungle and dramatic cliffs. Pipiwai Trail from Kihei? Or other hikes we could do? - Maui Forum 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! Nov. 2 9- 2014.knock me over w/ a featherThis hike is a Fait Accompliwhat else should we put on the Must Hit list? From the trailhead, it is a 0.5 mile walk to the first viewpoint of the hike, the Makahiku Falls Viewpoint. All Rights Reserved. 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. Realtor conflicted selling family's precious land Aloha Mark, GRAND TETON WY We recommend wearing shoes with good grip that you dont mind getting wet as there is a stream section you will have to cross to get a closer view of the waterfall. 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! LANAI My husband has a bad knee (it hurts to walk), but I can get him to walk around the neighborhood. 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.