Kīpahulu is a part of the Haleakalā National Park, a lush scenic wilderness with beautiful, bright green forests of tropical plant life that includes canoe plants and orange-flowered African tulip trees.
Make a plan to see the Waimoku Falls, the largest waterfall on Maui. The water cascades down a 400-foot (120-meter) fern-covered rock wall into a pool below.
To get there, take the Pipiwai Trail, a 4-mile (6.5-kilometer) round-trip hike that starts at the Kīpahulu Visitor Center. Along the route you will pass several waterfalls, including the Makahiku Falls, and then enter into a bamboo forest. Depending on how long you pause to admire your surroundings, expect to spend between two and five hours on the trail.
Dedicate some time to visit the Seven Sacred Pools (also known as the Pools of O’heo) below the Pipiwai Trail. This striking natural wonder is composed of a string of pools that flow into each other over a series of waterfalls. This is a popular spot for swimming, although during heavy rains the area is closed off due to the risk of flash floods.
You can trek through the jungle landscape on your own or join a guided hike. There is a daily program of walks and nature talks with park naturalists from the Kīpahulu Visitor Center. For an up-to-date schedule, check the Haleakalā National Park website.
While you are in the Kīpahulu region, visit the grave of Charles Lindbergh, the legendary American aviator renowned for his solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean. He spent his final years on Maui and is buried in the grounds of Palapala Ho’omau Church.
Located about 10 miles (16 kilometers) south of Hana, Kīpahulu is reached by taking the Hana Highway. The road is one of the most popular drives in Hawaii, as it crosses through forests and passes by beaches, waterfalls and eucalyptus groves. The section after Hana is particularly narrow and curvy, but if you can find a safe place to pull over, it’s worth stopping to enjoy the views over the Pacific Ocean.
Kipahulu
Visit Kipahulu
Reviewed on May 29, 2024
Reviewed on Jun. 1, 2024
Reviewed on May 27, 2024
Reviewed on Jun. 1, 2024
Reviewed on May 18, 2024
Reviewed on May 15, 2024
Popular places to visit
Waianapanapa State Park
If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Waianapanapa State Park might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Hana. Wander the seaside and gardens in this relaxing area.
Black Sand Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Black Sand Beach during your trip to Hana? Stroll along the beaches or discover the sunrises in this relaxing area.
Hana Forest Reserve
Explore the great outdoors at Hana Forest Reserve, a lovely green space in Hana. Wander the beaches and seaside in this romantic area.
Red Sand Beach
Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Red Sand Beach during your travels in Hana? Discover the sunrises in this romantic area, or seek out the yoga studios.
Maui Garden Of Eden - Botanical Gardens & Arboretum
Explore the great outdoors at Maui Garden Of Eden - Botanical Gardens & Arboretum, a lovely green space in Hana. Wander the beaches and seaside in this romantic area.
Hamoa Beach
If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Hamoa Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Hana. Amble around this relaxing area's seaside, or seek out the yoga studios.