We are visiting from Washington in April. It is definitely a value at the price of a few extra steps. This is likely not a good hike for the vast majority of octogenarians as it has a steep incline (especially at the start) and also has challenging footing for most older people. Hours: 9 am to 5 pm; last entry at 4:30 pm. Faster coming down. The waters from Waimoku Falls flow all the way down the mountain into the ocean here. The first half-mile is a little steep. Is this hike super hard? Pipiwai Trail Reviews | U.S. News Travel Believe it or not, the same nuts brave folks you saw jumping from the bridge at the highway sometimes come up here to get their adrenaline fix. 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. It can get hot on the hike, especially on a sunny day. Im looking for about a 2 hour hike somewhere beautiful thats not super hard. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. Pipiwai trail is a moderate, 4 mile (roundtrip), hike located in Kipahulu, that starts at the 'O'heo Gulch and ends at the awe inspiring Waimoku Falls. Do drive straight to Oheo Gulch first, do the hike then site see on your way back. My husband and I did this hike today and it was awesome! I am aware there is a guided tour option, are there any tour companies that have his trail part out their day tour? Pick up your hiking poles, boots, travel books, and more right here. Call ahead. At mile one you will enter the first of three bamboo forests. If we leave at 5 in the morning, we are going to need at least one potty stop. Past Hana. If over on West side/Kaanapali leave at 630 am or 6. Google maps is reccomending we take Haleakal highway to get there is this an option? Getting to the Trail - Pipiwai Trail 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. 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. Pick about three or four stops you want to see, and then anything else you have time for is a bonus! I highly recommend wearing hiking shoes or a pair of shoes that you dont mind getting muddy. Bamboo Forest ~ Pipiwai Trail If you are going to drive to Hana, the Bamboo forest is a trail worth taking. WATCH THE SUNRISE AT HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK. The park's most popular trail, Pipiwai, is actually at sea level, meandering 4 miles (roundtrip) along Maui's southeast coast. 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. We live in south Kihei and took the back road to Hana (highly recommend if you are able to). At the trail junction, go left to start the Ppwai Trail. 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. PIPIWAI TRAIL: Bamboo Forest, Banyan Tree, & Waimoku Falls . In fact, when youve reached the end, youre smack at the base of the falls, and can walk right up and stand under them. Either lot is fine but the lower lot is closer to the visitor center and restrooms. 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. 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. It is 4 miles roundtrip, gaining 650-feet in elevation. There are myriad trails offering sweeping ocean and mountain views, as well as lush jungle routes through rainforests. (Yeah, you can call it a mountain apple tree!) Stop at Honolulu Coffee in Paia go restroom and breakfast . UTAH Arrived at the park around 8:45. Length: 5.5 mi. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. Your shoes WILL get dirty!! Here you'll find information on area waterfalls, Haleakala National Park, driving tips, and more to help you get the most out of your Maui vacation. Most people are familiar with the summit section where you can watch the sunrise from above the clouds, but theres a coastal section of the park in a town called Kipahulu, about 12 miles from Hana town. At the trail junction, go left to start the Ppwai Trail. The Kpahulu District is open from 9 am to 5 pm. The dramatic diversity then suddenly morphs into the zen-oneness of an immense bamboo forest. aloha! Kihei Rent A Car uses the information you provide to us to contact you by email about our relevant content and updates. Im going back this May for my honeymoon and would love to explore the side trails this time! You still end up in Kahului and then have to drive to Kihei. You can choose either to navigate you to the start of the Pipiwai Trail. 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. It is here that you have a view of the elegant Waimoku Falls. That said, in order to fully enjoy your hike you need proper equipment to keep you safe and comfortable. That probably took close to 30 min. I was in no rush. 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. 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 will definitely want to bring water and some bug spray. This NPS Map more accurately shows the trail and streams. Also--the trail is in the National Park. Is it worth it to travel to? Visit the Pools of 'Ohe'o | The Seven Sacred Pools in Maui Aloha Mark, Have fun, stay safe, and let us know what you think! These mighty thundering falls will probably be more than enough waterfall for most. Bring at least one liter of water per person but more is even better. Driving directly from Wailea to Pipiwai Trail might be a little under 3 hours with minimal traffic, by way of Paia. SNORKELING SHIRTS Through storytelling, audience participation and remarkable . This first part of the trail is mostly uphill. Maui Parks & Hikes | Kihei Sands Beachfront Condominiums Is it shallow enough to walk in the stream to get to the waterfall? If you relish your driving experiences then the Road to Hana alone is . DATEBOOK/COVID-19 SCHEDULE CHANGES - PressReader Approaching the Pipiwai Trail parking from the backside of Haleakala aka from the back road to Hana. Riper (to the point where the skin begins to crack and become damaged) is better. That being said, you will probably need to fly into the Kahului Airport (OGG) and either rent a car or hitch-hike to the trail head. Is it worth it to travel to? (This is also where the boardwalk comes in and save you from having your shoes sucked off by thick mud.) 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. (It is actually past Hana town though technicalities!). I made one quick stop at Wailua Falls along the way. As it is now rainy season here in Maui, and the trail crosses a stream it sounds like, does the water level ever get too dangerous and high to pass during April/May? How much time will it take me to hike up to the 400 foot or last waterfall on the trail. How long do you think it will take to get there from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Also, is there an address for the park? At this point in the hike, you've reached the bamboo forest at the Pipiwai Trail. 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. Nov. 2 9- 2014.knock me over w/ a featherThis hike is a Fait Accompliwhat else should we put on the Must Hit list? 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. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. The drive is an adventure in and of itself! Be sure to take a close look at their roots, which grow from the branches down to the ground and expand outward. Learn about the best time to visit Maui . Check the Haleakala National Park web page if you need to mail them something . It's 30.00 and is good for a year. Do you reccommend going alone or paying for a guided tour? Leave No Trace. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. The town has a rich history, dating back to ancient times when it was a center for Hawaiian royalty. Assume that you will be walking through mud, so wear a pair of shoes that you dont mind getting dirty. I saw that your post was just in August 2020 and wondering if they have the 7 scared pools open at the time. Not to hike the Pipiwai Trail or visit the Kipahulu District, although you should get here early to get a parking space. 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. Road to Hana: Best Things to Do, Map, Photos & is It Worth It? Kihei Rent A Car96 Kio LoopKihei, Maui, HI 96753, 2023 Kihei Rent-A-Car Inc., All Rights Reserved . Since this is part of the Haleakala National Park . ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88163100', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kahului. It was awesome but it did add to the danger. 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! 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. I hope you have a great trip. The difficulty will be in making the decision on what part of your Road to Hana drive you want to make this! 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. To give the Road to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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! 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. 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 did this today - left northernmost (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Jan 13, 2023 | Sight Seeing on Maui, Things to do on Maui. Right near the main parking lot and Kipahulu Visitor Center, youll find the start of the trail. The Kpahulu District is located on the south coast of Maui. The pool at the base is shallow people wade in and stand under the falls, though the park service now has a highly ignored sign in the middle of the trail when you approach stating not to pass the sign. Located above theOheo Gulch(Seven Sacred Pools),Pipiwai Trail is 4 miles roundtrip andgains650ft. ofelevation. The location of the Ppwai Trail and Kpahulu District is important, because this part of the national park has operating hours. Take your time on way back. Im staying in Lahaina. 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! The Oheo pools are very close to the visitor center but are still closed to swimming. I hiked this trail in 2018 and the bamboo forest was one of my favorite parts. HALEAKALA HI My husband has a bad knee (it hurts to walk), but I can get him to walk around the neighborhood. Once youre past the incline, it is relatively smooth-sailing from there. The first part of the trail is covered in roots. Being a Realtor on Maui is a dream come true for me. We went last week and we made it from our condo in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Thank you! 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. You will hike in and out of the trees and walk over lots of tree roots. Twin Falls is another waterfall along the Road to Hana drive in the jungle of East Maui. So youre off to hike the Pipiwai Trailthat is one of the best hikes on Maui! Just note that you could be violating the terms of your rental car agreement if you drive Highway 360. The east side of Maui is lush and green because it rains frequently. What are they like in October? The trail can be slippery at certain areas due to the on and off rain, so make sure you bring proper hiking shoes, or shoes that have some decent traction. Location: 6300 Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708. And then theres the coastal Kipahulu district with the popular bamboo forest hike aka Pipiwai Trail! This site has been very helpful. I will warn, the road is windy at some places and not everyone can handle doing this trip more than once. There are restrooms at the Visitor Center but none along the trail. In 2021, an individual pass costs $30 per vehicle. If you get here too late in the day, not only will large crowds which make parking challenge, but the park may not even be open. Dont let them wander. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88162562', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Hana. The paddleboarders said the shark broke their paddle and punctured the board, but they managed to stay on and escape. At the entrance booth you will pay the park entrance fee. Luckily, the trail is long enough and diverse enough to provide hikers with plenty of space to explore. Once you emerge from the bamboo forest, you cross a few more bridges, climb a few more sets of stone steps, and come to the end of the trail. My favorite time to hike the bamboo forest is in February. We will be staying in Kihei. That said, an 8-year-old girl was tragically killed on this trail from a falling rock while we were hiking it in 2011. ZION UT There is a lot to see on the RTH, before you get to Oheo Gulch, where the trailhead is located for the Pipiwai. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. 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). Here's a good online guidebook: http://mauiguidebook.com/things-to-do/road-to-hana-region/. Many rental car companies use to prohibit traveling on that road. Thank you! The Ppwai Trail is located in the Kpahulu District of Haleakala National Park in Maui. Maui Luau: Gilligans' Island Luau in Kihei 2023 - Viator Rocks frequently fall over this cliff face and the fall distance would make even a small pebble an unpleasant experience. You may want to have a poncho, umbrella, hat, and/or a backpack to protect your camera if it rains. I am wondering if you know of any public access areas that would be available for use if we brought our own equipment. Not worried about the distance. It traverses the youngest lava flow on Maui, and rewards with ancient cultural sites and great pools for snorkeling and fishing. The road is narrow with one lane bridges, but in that respect its similar to the Road to Hana. Over years, a banyans aerial prop roots form into new trunks of their own, expanding continually outward. And in this part of Maui, it rains quite frequently. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. ARIZONA The pools were closed. The trailhead for the Ppwai Trail is located to the left of the Visitor Center. There is the normal parking lot right by the Kipahulu Visitor Center, and there is also an overflow parking lot. Longitude: -156.0437936. Since the Pipiwai Trail is a part of Haleakala National Park, an entry fee is required. Love hiking the bamboo in a fine mist. Alex, You say you are in shape so climbing the equivalent of the sears tower in few miles should be doable! If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our Hiking Gear Guide. Banyans originate in India, and first came to the islands as gifts to Hawaiian royalty from Indian royalty. Mark. This can be confusing because Haleakala National Park is actually split into two parts. Beyond the Kpahulu District (to the west), the road becomes rougher and narrower and more remote, which is why many people turn around, rather than driving this section of the road. 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. Read all of our articles about the United States in our United States Travel Guide. Free shipping for many products! Learn more about driving the Back Road to Hana, including photos of the road, in our Guide to the Road to Hana. As you continue, youll notice a side path with signs and a recently erected fence barring you from heading in that direction. There were Heaney rains. MAUI PIPIWAI TRAIL - 1047 Photos & 201 Reviews - Yelp How much time should we allocate to do this hike? Do you have to make reservations for this park? Just a bit further and some rock-hopping over a usually tame stream, and this scenery-packed hike culminates at the base of sheer 400 cliffs, with spectacular Waimoku Falls quite literally falling to Earth right in front of you. Driving from Paia to Pipiwai Trail took me a little under 2.5 hours. A fun sightseeing mini road trip to Hana. The park is open 24-hours. For more information, check out our privacy policy. not sure if that will always be the case. It takes about 1h00-1h30 on the way up. 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 Kpahulu District is open from 9 am to 5 pm. 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. The road is not nearly as bad as other sources make it out to be. :) and its free! Wear comfy sneakers and clothes. Your humor and descriptive writing are perfect! 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. 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. Is this hike safe enough to carry a toddler in? Or perhaps you'd rather lace up the hiking boots and hit the trail. Use the restroom at the visitors center before setting out on the hike; there are none on the trail. Getting caught in restricted areas could result in hefty fines or a court date. 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. The trail continues on the opposite side of the road. 32 Best Things to Do in Maui: From the Mountains to The Sea Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. 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. There are only a few choice people Id advise to attempt jumping here (and it isnt because theyre skilled jumpers!). Latitude: 20.66387241 Our pictures seriously dont do it justice. It is a pretty quick change, starting around the time you cross two bridges. Plus, having something to look forward to will make all those steps more rewarding. You park at the Haleakala National Park Visitor Center (again this is a different Visitor Center than the one on the way to Haleakala Crater). You probably dont want to hike it in the dark though! Facilities: National Park Rangers, Information Facility, Camping (no permit reqd), grills, picnic tables and toilets. 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. WIND CAVE SD Otherwise, it may route you on the back road to Hana. On the way back a lot of traffic going the other way, with several drivers with a death wish Then, after lunch, we went to the black sand beach very very late for our reservation, and after that just went back, everybody was wiped out. 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. On way back. Go much later and your trip will probably take longer. This is an absolutely beautiful falls and well worth the hike to access. No matter how you choose to explore, our handpicked tours are sure to impress. Required fields are marked *. Both my husband and I are quite fit and are interested in doing one hike while we are here. All Rights Reserved. Katherine is a freelance writer who covers Hawaii and California travel for Tripsavvy. Maui Hiking: Pipiwai Trail - Kihei Rent A Car The U.S. national park annual pass is also valid at Haleakala National Park. 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. It looks vastly different than the barren, almost Mars-like appearance of the Haleakala crater. It took us about an hour to get to the falls with stops to read some signs and take pictures.