| Haleakala National Park, Hawaii |
 Trail Name:Pipiwai Summary: |
| Trail Description |
| The Kipahulu Valley drops 9,000 ft from the east rim of Haleakala’s huge summit basin to the ocean. It is a rainforest wilderness, home to numerous rare plants, birds and insects. To protect the fragile environment, most of the valley is classified a Biological Reserve and closed to public entry.
The lower part of the valley, however, can be visited on foot along the Pipiwai Trail, which climbs from the ocean through ‘Ohe’o Gulch to two majestic waterfalls. As a further incentive to head out on foot, the trail avoids the busiest part of the gorge – the popular pools and waterfalls of the lower stream below the highway bridge – and takes you upstream to more tranquil places. The higher you climb, the quieter it becomes. Take the short footpath from the visitor center towards Kuloa Point Loop and turn left to the highway. Cross the road about 200 yards south of the bridge. The trail follows the stream as it climbs through ‘Ohe’o Gulch. The first 0.5 mile/0.8 km heads up gently sloping meadows to an overlook of 184-ft Makahiku Falls. In another 0.5 mile you enter woodland of mixed ohi’a and koa, typical of these lower elevations. Cross the stream and continue for around 1 mile through lush tropical forests of introduced bamboo, mango and guava to the base of 400-ft Waimoku Falls. Beyond this waterfall, Kipahulu Valley is closed to entry and you must retrace your steps back to the ocean. On your return, there are lovely views of the Big Island from the meadows below Makahiku Falls. |
| FACT FILE |
| Location: Kipahulu area of Haleakala National Park, on the south-east coast of Maui.
Directions: From Kahului, take Hwy 36/360 to Hana, a slow, tortuous road along the stunning east coast. Beyond Hana, continue along the coast on Hwy 31 for around 7 miles to the parking area at Kipahulu. Trailhead: Kipahulu visitor center. Length: 4 miles / 6.4 km Trail Type: Out and back Elevation Change: 800 ft / 244 m Duration: 2 hours Trail Condition: Maintained, but can be muddy and slippery. Features: Gorge, tropical forests, waterfalls, swimming holes, ocean views. Climate: Subtropical – warm to hot temperatures, humid with rain at any time of year. Accommodation: Kipahulu campground has free tent and RV sites on a first-come, first-served basis (no permit required, no water). Access to the trail is via the short coastal Kahakai Trail and Kuloa Point Loop. Outside the Park, the nearest accommodation is in Hana. Trail Notes: Bring insect repellent, sunscreen and water -there is no drinking water in this area. Heed warnings of flash flooding after heavy rain. |
Popularity: 67% [?]
