Would you believe I have only driven the Road to Hana twice? Sig and I aren’t keen on windy roads, but one of our sons loves this day trip. This past week we did a mother-son trip out to Hana and hit a few of our bucket list items.
A few years ago we attempted the Pipiwai Trail hike, but the path was muddy and his slippah broke before we even got to the bamboo. To be fair, slippahs are not the footwear you should be wearing on this hike, but it is what it is.
We left Kihei around 7:30 AM and made it to mile marker 0 in Haiku by 8:10 AM. My son’s tactic is to drive all the way to Hana, or Oheo Gulch at most, and then hit favorite stops on the way back. We made it to the trailhead at Kipahulu Visitor Center (Haleakala National Park) by 9:40 AM.
Note: please do not drive the full loop, the back-side. The road is in poor condition, frequently closed for repairs. Please be respectful to the locals who live in that remote part of Maui.
Pipiwai Trail
This is a well-marked 2-mile (one way) trail in the Kipahulu district, starting ocean-side at Makahiku Falls, and going to Waimoku Falls. It’s a steady incline to Waimoku Falls, across tree roots, rock steps, past a banyan tree and through about a mile of bamboo forest. The path is partly shaded. Then you turn around and come back down again (4 mile total).
Haleakala National Park admission
You have a couple options
- I bought the annual pass for $55. I love driving to the summit, and the pass will pay for itself if I do that within the year. In actuality, I’ll likely go several times this next year. The park ranger said if I were to take my annual pass to the US mainland, I can show it at the gate and get a one-time credit towards the America The Beautiful National Park Pass. Do verify this when purchasing, but it’s an interesting option.
- Bring your America The Beautiful National Park Pass along and enter for free
- Purchase a Haleakala National Park admission, valid for 3 consecutive days permit for $30. Plan accordingly if you are driving to Haleakala summit, and see both within 3 days on the same permit
Another thing….
After the hike, we headed down to see the black sand beach. This beach is best viewed from the viewpoint. The swells and currents can be dangerous. This is NOT a swimming beach.