Haleakala National Park

Photo Essay: Hiking the Andes with Mountain Lodges of Peru

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The Kipahulu Valley is a land of mountain valleys, rainforest, waterfalls, and sweeping views of the surrounding Pacific Ocean. The Upper Kipahulu Valley, kapu (taboo) as in prehistoric times, is a sanctuary for native plants and animals and a scientific reserve closed to the public. However, the Kipahulu Coastal area offers hiking, camping, and swimming (when the streams are calm).

From the Kipahulu Ranger Station, trails lead upstream to the larger waterfalls, rainforest and stream overlooks. Downstream, Kuloa Point Loop Trail leads to spectacular views of the rugged coastline, ruins and archeological sites and the lower falls of Palikea Stream The stream near Kuloa Point is a popular swimming area when it is not flooding. (The rocky ocean shore within the National Park is beautiful to look at but never safe to swim in.)

When the first Europeans arrived, the picturesque lands of Hana, Kipahulu, and Kaupo were densely populated. Thousands of Hawaiians chose this productive land for their homesites. To preserve the cultural and natural heritage of Kipahulu, Congress added the upper Kipahulu rainforest to Haleakala National Park in 1951. Through the efforts of Laurence S. Rockefeller, Charles A. Lindbergh, The Nature Conservancy and others, the coastal lands were donated to the Park in 1969, extending the Park from 10,000+ feet to sea level.

More than 8000 acres of rainforest drain through the Park's streams. Two streams, Palikea and Pipiwai are entirely within Park boundaries, and dozens of their waterfalls are accessible to visitors. Palikea, nominated for National Wild & Scenic River status, and starting nearly eight miles above the Ranger Station, is Maui's longest perennial stream.

Kipahulu abounds in traditional Hawaiian culture, seen in the remains of old agricultural terraces, shelter sites, fishing shrines, temples, canoe ramps, and rock walls. Working to restore the historic scene through re-establishment of native plants and animals, and control of alien species invading the Park, the National Park Service is attempting to pass on the wonders of Haleakala, unimpaired, to future generations. During your visit you may see park employees and volunteers planting native plants, reconstructing Hawaiian thatched houses, farming traditional crops, or demonstrating native crafts.

At Kipahulu, all trails start at the Ranger Station. Check at the station for current trail and swimming conditions. Be alert to water conditions as flash flooding may occur within minutes. Obey posted warning signs. The Kaloa Point Trail is an easy half mile loop towards the ocean along pools and waterfalls and back to the ranger station. Kaloa Point is a windy bluff overlooking Oheo Gulch. Crashing surf and views of the Island of Hawaii are a five minute walk from the Ranger Station. Enjoy a picnic on the grass next to the remnants of an ancient fishing shrine and house site. Explore a Lau Hala thatched building and envision an earlier time.

The Papwai Trail is a moderately difficult four mile (round trip) hike through the rain forest up to Waimoku Falls. The trail ends upstream, near the base of 400 foot Waimoku Falls. Take a picnic lunch, snack, insect repellant and water along on this three hour hike.

Ranger programs include a one mile hike to the Bamboo Forest and a 4 mile round trip hike to Waimoku Falls.

Hiking

All trails start at the trailhead at the Ranger Station. Check at the Ranger Station for current trail and swimming conditions.

Pipiwai Trail

This trail will take you along the lower mile of Palikea Stream past dozens of unnamed waterfalls, and ruins of the 1800's Sugar Hill dam, irrigation system and cane flumes.

When the stream is flowing its worth even a 1/2 mile hike on this trail to see the 184 foot falls at the Hakahiku Overlook.

Continuing on another 1/2 mile the trail crosses Palikea and follows Pipiwai Stream one more mile to Waimoku Falls.

The trail passes by ancient Hawaiian farm sites and through an alien (non-native) bamboo forest. Mud, rain, alien mosquitoes, slippery mosses, stream crossings, and high humidity are the normal conditions that challenge the hikers who tackle the second mile of Pipiwai Trail through the rainforest. Memories of the scenes and experiences of the forest replace the thoughts of the hardships for those who complete the 4 mile round trip.

Do not attempt this hike or any stream crossings when streams are swollen with flood waters. Stay on trails; numerous cliffs and streams present dangers to unwary explorers. Hikers will want to have sturdy boots, water, boots, water, raingear, and mosquito repellent.

Kuloa Point Loop Trail

An easy 0.5 mile walk down to spectacular views of the ocean; past prehistoric ruins; looping along lower Palikea Stream past overlooks on several waterfalls and returning to the trailhead.

Camping: You will find a primitive campground in a secluded field near the ocean.

Swimming

Because swimming in the park is unsupervised, everyone entering the water should be aware of the special hazards found in and about Hawaiian mountain streams and the rugged Kipahulu seashore.

The streams of East Maui are subject to flash flooding. If you see the water level rising, get out fast! Never swim alone and never during high water. Park Rangers have seen the water in Park streams rise 4 feet within 10 minutes: Check at the Ranger Station for current trail and stream conditions and obey warning signs posting flood, dangers.

Move on to:
Summit District | Hosmer Grove | Kuapo Gap | Kipahulu Area