Haleakala National Park Kipahulu Section

Description

Located twelve miles beyond the tiny, historic town of Hana, the Kipahulu District of the Haleakala National Park is a lush tropical oasis that is home to the 'Ohe'o gulch (also known as the Seven Sacred Pools,) Maui's iconic bamboo forest, three hiking trails, sweeping coastal views, and unique displays of Hawaiian history and culture. While the volcano section (wilderness and summit) of Haleakala National Park features a stunning collection of ruggedly sculpted landscape, cold temps, and dry desert air, the Kipahulu District ushers visitors in to an entirely different world of verdant rainforest with frequent rainfall, impressive cascades of mountain-sourced water, and powerful waves crashing over jagged lava.

AT A GLANCE:

The park has three hiking trail options of various lengths and terrain. The Pipiwai Trail is a 4-mile roundtrip hike that leads through a scenic freshwater stream and lush forest area with views of a few different waterfalls. Approximately halfway up, visitors will enter a dense bamboo forest that continues to the top of the trail, where a massive waterfall awaits. The trail is moderately strenuous and has uneven terrain.

The Kuloa Point Trail is a short, 1/2 mile roundtrip hike that leads past a Hawaiian cultural demonstration area to Kuloa Point, which is at the mouth of 'Ohe'o Gulch. This trail is non-challenging and has minimal elevation change.

The Kahakai Trail is also a short, 1/2 mile hike leading from Kuloa Point to the Kipahulu Campground area. Visitors will pass by stunning ocean views and interesting archeological and cultural sites.

On calm days, visitors often swim in the waterfall pools at the 'Ohe'o Gulch. Due to the risk of flash flooding in the area (water can rise four feet in ten minutes,) this can be dangerous so be sure to heed all warning signs and go at your own risk. This part of Maui is very remote, and it can take emergency vehicles up to an hour to arrive at the park. Swimming in the ocean is not permitted here, due to a dangerous shore break, strong rip currents, the rocky shoreline, and sharks.

The Kipahulu Section of the Haleakala National Park has a drive-up campground. No permits are required, but guests must pay the park entrance fee ($10/vehicle) and can stay a maximum of three nights.

The entrance fee gets you into both sections of the Haleakala National Park for three days, so be sure to keep your receipt. It is recommended that you see the two sections of the park on separate days rather than trying to fit both into the same day, as there is such a huge amount to see in both areas and the drive between them is fairly long.

Price:
$10/vehicle

Hours:
The park is open 24 hours, daily. The visitor center is open 9am - 5pm. If you arrive during a time when the entrance station is closed, you can pay the park fee at the automated machine.

Phone:
808-248-7375

Website:
www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/kipahulu.htm

Amenities:
Camping, information, restroom facilities, water fountains, visitor center

Address:
Hana Highway, mile marker 42

Directions:
From Paia, head south on Highway 36 (Hana Highway). The Kipahulu section of the Haleakala National Park is located about twelve miles beyond the town of Hana, around mile marker 42. It will be on the left.

Map

Loading Map