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Southeast Maui Region
Location: Southeast Maui
About 15 minutes past Hana, near mile marker 42 on the Hana Highway (Road to Hana) after it turns into Highway 31, is the ‘Ohe‘o Gulch at the east end of Haleakala National Park. In 1969, the land where the ‘Ohe‘o Gulch is situated (formally known as Kipahulu coastal area) was donated to the Haleakala National Park system so that the pools would forever be open to the public.
The ‘Ohe‘o Gulch today is known by many names. Some call it the Kipahulu Area, while others call it the location of the Seven Sacred Pools. However, there are far more than just seven pools, so the name is quite inaccurate. It originates from a 1940’s publicity campaign. There are actually dozens of pools and a multitude of waterfalls which flow through the ‘Ohe‘o Gulch into the ocean nearby. This is one of the best spots to visit on Maui and is well worth a few hours of your time.
About 15 minutes past Hana, near mile marker 42 on the Hana Highway (Road to Hana) after it turns into Highway 31, is the ‘Ohe‘o Gulch at the east end of Haleakala National Park. In 1969, the land where the ‘Ohe‘o Gulch is situated (formally known as Kipahulu coastal area) was donated to the Haleakala National Park system so that the pools would forever be open to the public.
The ‘Ohe‘o Gulch today is known by many names. Some call it the Kipahulu Area, while others call it the location of the Seven Sacred Pools. However, there are far more than just seven pools, so the name is quite inaccurate. It originates from a 1940’s publicity campaign. There are actually dozens of pools and a multitude of waterfalls which flow through the ‘Ohe‘o Gulch into the ocean nearby. This is one of the best spots to visit on Maui and is well worth a few hours of your time.
Location: Southeast Maui
Just beyond mile marker 45 on the Hana Highway after it turns into Highway 31 you’ll reach one of the most gorgeous falls in all of Hawai‘i, Wailua Falls. You will cross a bridge where its stream waters pass under the road. As noted, this falls in on Honolewa Stream and not Wailua stream. There is a parking lot immediately off to the makai side after you pass the falls. Wailua Falls gracefully cascades 80 feet through a lush setting in the surrounding vegetation just feet from the road.
There is a short path to the base of the falls, but it can be tricky so use caution. The water flow varies but is usually pretty at any rate throughout the year. Upstream exists Kekuapo‘owai Falls, but unfortunately it is only visible by helicopter.
Pua'a Lu'u Falls and another small waterfall (Hahalawe Falls) are both located a little farther down the road from Wailua Falls. There's a pullout on the side of the road past the bridge at Pua'a Lu'u Falls, and the short path (look for the giant tree) downstream to the falls is also worth a brief stop. The falls seen here to the right is Wailua Falls after a heavy rain.
Just beyond mile marker 45 on the Hana Highway after it turns into Highway 31 you’ll reach one of the most gorgeous falls in all of Hawai‘i, Wailua Falls. You will cross a bridge where its stream waters pass under the road. As noted, this falls in on Honolewa Stream and not Wailua stream. There is a parking lot immediately off to the makai side after you pass the falls. Wailua Falls gracefully cascades 80 feet through a lush setting in the surrounding vegetation just feet from the road.
There is a short path to the base of the falls, but it can be tricky so use caution. The water flow varies but is usually pretty at any rate throughout the year. Upstream exists Kekuapo‘owai Falls, but unfortunately it is only visible by helicopter.
Pua'a Lu'u Falls and another small waterfall (Hahalawe Falls) are both located a little farther down the road from Wailua Falls. There's a pullout on the side of the road past the bridge at Pua'a Lu'u Falls, and the short path (look for the giant tree) downstream to the falls is also worth a brief stop. The falls seen here to the right is Wailua Falls after a heavy rain.
Location: Southeast Maui
The Pipiwai Trail, above the `Ohe`o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools), is one of the best hikes on Maui. Pipiwai Trail is 4 miles roundtrip, gaining 650-feet in elevation. It takes 2 1/2 - 5 hours to hike, depending on how much nature loving you do. There are several great waterfalls along the route with the final destination fall being Waimoku Falls, falling 400-feet down a sheer lava rock wall shaped like a horse shoe. If it's been wet in the area recently, you can additionally find yourself surrounded by numerous small waterfalls on the surrounding cliff face. This is an absolutely beautiful falls and well worth the hike to get to it.
The Waimoku Falls hike passes the 185 foot Makahiku Falls (which is also beautiful). Basically, the hike to Waimoku is the Makahiku hike extended about 1 1/2 miles. At one mile you will enter the first of three bamboo forests. Because of the marshy ground, wooden boardwalks have been built to make hiking easier.
The Pipiwai Trail, above the `Ohe`o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools), is one of the best hikes on Maui. Pipiwai Trail is 4 miles roundtrip, gaining 650-feet in elevation. It takes 2 1/2 - 5 hours to hike, depending on how much nature loving you do. There are several great waterfalls along the route with the final destination fall being Waimoku Falls, falling 400-feet down a sheer lava rock wall shaped like a horse shoe. If it's been wet in the area recently, you can additionally find yourself surrounded by numerous small waterfalls on the surrounding cliff face. This is an absolutely beautiful falls and well worth the hike to get to it.
The Waimoku Falls hike passes the 185 foot Makahiku Falls (which is also beautiful). Basically, the hike to Waimoku is the Makahiku hike extended about 1 1/2 miles. At one mile you will enter the first of three bamboo forests. Because of the marshy ground, wooden boardwalks have been built to make hiking easier.
Location: Southeast Maui
Waimoku Falls is at the head of the Pipiwai Trail, above Seven Sacred Pools. The hike to Waimoku Falls passes the 185 foot Makahiku Falls (which is also beautiful) at about half a mile into the trail.
The trail follows the Pipiwai Stream and is one of the best hikes on Maui. It is 4 miles round-trip, gaining 650-feet in elevation. It takes 2 1/2 - 5 hours to hike, depending on how much nature loving you do. The final destination is the fantastic Waimoku Falls. This gigantic waterfall drops 400-feet down a sheer lava rock wall into a boulder-strewn pool; this is the tallest falls on Maui. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes. Muddy conditions are also probable. Use extreme caution when crossing the stream(s) as well.
This spot is absolutely beautiful and more than well worth the hike to get to it. The bamboo forest is about the mid way point, and believe me, you'll know when you're there. It's like you've left the island for Thailand because of all the bamboo.
Waimoku Falls is at the head of the Pipiwai Trail, above Seven Sacred Pools. The hike to Waimoku Falls passes the 185 foot Makahiku Falls (which is also beautiful) at about half a mile into the trail.
The trail follows the Pipiwai Stream and is one of the best hikes on Maui. It is 4 miles round-trip, gaining 650-feet in elevation. It takes 2 1/2 - 5 hours to hike, depending on how much nature loving you do. The final destination is the fantastic Waimoku Falls. This gigantic waterfall drops 400-feet down a sheer lava rock wall into a boulder-strewn pool; this is the tallest falls on Maui. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes. Muddy conditions are also probable. Use extreme caution when crossing the stream(s) as well.
This spot is absolutely beautiful and more than well worth the hike to get to it. The bamboo forest is about the mid way point, and believe me, you'll know when you're there. It's like you've left the island for Thailand because of all the bamboo.
Location: Southeast Maui
A half-mile easy loop trail leads from the Kipahulu Visitor Center down to the ocean at Kuloa Point past historic walls and pre-contact Hawaiian habitation sites. The trail passes a grove of hala trees on the way to beautiful views of the ocean and several large pools.
Swimming is permitted when conditions allow it. Never jump into the water from the cliffs above. Also, the ocean currents at Kuloa Point are very strong and sharks and high surf are constant dangers. Do not go into the ocean here, stay in the pools above if you swim.
A half-mile easy loop trail leads from the Kipahulu Visitor Center down to the ocean at Kuloa Point past historic walls and pre-contact Hawaiian habitation sites. The trail passes a grove of hala trees on the way to beautiful views of the ocean and several large pools.
Swimming is permitted when conditions allow it. Never jump into the water from the cliffs above. Also, the ocean currents at Kuloa Point are very strong and sharks and high surf are constant dangers. Do not go into the ocean here, stay in the pools above if you swim.
Location: Southeast Maui
Mahahiku Falls is along the Pipiwai Trail, above Seven Sacred Pools as it heads towards the majestic Waimoku Falls. Makahiku Falls is at 185 foot falls, which is one of the most beautiful on Maui. It is approximately a half-mile from the trailhead.
The trail follows the Pipiwai Stream and is a fantastic hike on Maui. It is 4 miles roundtrip, gaining 650-feet in elevation. It takes 2 1/2 - 5 hours to hike, depending on how much nature loving you do. The final destination is Waimoku Falls, which is ever larger than Makahiku Falls.
Both falls are absolutely beautiful and more than well worth the hike to get to it. The bamboo forest is about the mid way point, and believe me, you'll know when you're there. It's like you've left the island for Thailand because of all the bamboo.
Mahahiku Falls is along the Pipiwai Trail, above Seven Sacred Pools as it heads towards the majestic Waimoku Falls. Makahiku Falls is at 185 foot falls, which is one of the most beautiful on Maui. It is approximately a half-mile from the trailhead.
The trail follows the Pipiwai Stream and is a fantastic hike on Maui. It is 4 miles roundtrip, gaining 650-feet in elevation. It takes 2 1/2 - 5 hours to hike, depending on how much nature loving you do. The final destination is Waimoku Falls, which is ever larger than Makahiku Falls.
Both falls are absolutely beautiful and more than well worth the hike to get to it. The bamboo forest is about the mid way point, and believe me, you'll know when you're there. It's like you've left the island for Thailand because of all the bamboo.
Location: Southeast Maui
On Highway 31, over a half mile past mile marker 51 beyond Hana town, you’ll come to a road on the makai side of the highway named Haneo‘o Road. The hill to your left is actually an eroding cinder cone known as Ka Iwi o Pele (the bones of Pele).
Driving down Haneo‘o Road, the rugged cliffs give way to a beautiful coastal view. As you continue down towards the shore you’ll notice ‘Alau Island offshore. From this vantage point it looks like a rather small island with a few trees perched on top.
On Highway 31, over a half mile past mile marker 51 beyond Hana town, you’ll come to a road on the makai side of the highway named Haneo‘o Road. The hill to your left is actually an eroding cinder cone known as Ka Iwi o Pele (the bones of Pele).
Driving down Haneo‘o Road, the rugged cliffs give way to a beautiful coastal view. As you continue down towards the shore you’ll notice ‘Alau Island offshore. From this vantage point it looks like a rather small island with a few trees perched on top.
Location: Southeast Maui
On Highway 31, over a half mile past mile marker 51 beyond Hana town, you’ll come to a road on the makai side of the highway named Haneo‘o Road. The hill to your left is actually an eroding cinder cone known as Ka Iwi o Pele (the bones of Pele). Driving down Haneo‘o Road, the rugged cliffs give way to a beautiful coastal view. As you continue down towards the shore you’ll notice ‘Alau Island offshore. From this vantage point it looks like a rather small island with a few trees perched on top. You'll pass by Koki Beach on your left, and it's worth a stop if you have the time. Heading farther down the road beyond Koki Beach you’ll discover one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Hawai‘i - the world famous Hamoa Beach.
After parking in the lot at the beach, proceed down the stairs to the shoreline. The surrounding grounds are nearly as captivating as the beach itself. Hamoa is about 1,000 feet long and about 100 feet wide with sea cliffs surrounding it. Lush vegetation cradles the beach in stunning beauty.
Off shore there is decent snorkeling and scuba diving, good swimming, and just as in ancient times, excellent body surfing too (mostly in the winter). If you can wrestle a kayak down to the beach, launching is relatively easy when the surf is down. Hamoa is unprotected by fringing reefs, so big surf hits the beach unimpeded in the winter months. The beach is surrounded by private property owned by the Hotel Hana Maui. Most of the facilities are for the guests of the resort, but the Hotel Hana Maui is gracious enough to allow the use of some of the facilities. There are rest rooms, showers, and picnic tables available.
On Highway 31, over a half mile past mile marker 51 beyond Hana town, you’ll come to a road on the makai side of the highway named Haneo‘o Road. The hill to your left is actually an eroding cinder cone known as Ka Iwi o Pele (the bones of Pele). Driving down Haneo‘o Road, the rugged cliffs give way to a beautiful coastal view. As you continue down towards the shore you’ll notice ‘Alau Island offshore. From this vantage point it looks like a rather small island with a few trees perched on top. You'll pass by Koki Beach on your left, and it's worth a stop if you have the time. Heading farther down the road beyond Koki Beach you’ll discover one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Hawai‘i - the world famous Hamoa Beach.
After parking in the lot at the beach, proceed down the stairs to the shoreline. The surrounding grounds are nearly as captivating as the beach itself. Hamoa is about 1,000 feet long and about 100 feet wide with sea cliffs surrounding it. Lush vegetation cradles the beach in stunning beauty.
Off shore there is decent snorkeling and scuba diving, good swimming, and just as in ancient times, excellent body surfing too (mostly in the winter). If you can wrestle a kayak down to the beach, launching is relatively easy when the surf is down. Hamoa is unprotected by fringing reefs, so big surf hits the beach unimpeded in the winter months. The beach is surrounded by private property owned by the Hotel Hana Maui. Most of the facilities are for the guests of the resort, but the Hotel Hana Maui is gracious enough to allow the use of some of the facilities. There are rest rooms, showers, and picnic tables available.
Location: Southeast Maui
About 1/3 of a mile past Mile Marker 39 on the Pi'ilani Highway there is going to be a white bridge with Alelele written on the side of it. Here you will notice several trails moving inland towards Alelele Falls. Technically, this area is also inside of Haleakala National Park, but most people spend their time at the overcrowded 'Ohe'o Gulch area and never visit this part of the park. Alelele Stream is easy to find, and it is about a 10-minute walk along the trail (and streambed) to get to this falls. There is a pullout on the makai side of the road that leads to a landing where you can park the car. You may have to rock skip a bit and/or cross the stream, but keep heading towards the valley wall where the waterfall is.
This waterfall is very beautiful, and hardly anybody knows it is here. As is typical with many falls on Maui, in the summertime it may not be flowing. If the weather has been especially dry, you can probably assume as much for the falls and just may want to skip this spot.
About 1/3 of a mile past Mile Marker 39 on the Pi'ilani Highway there is going to be a white bridge with Alelele written on the side of it. Here you will notice several trails moving inland towards Alelele Falls. Technically, this area is also inside of Haleakala National Park, but most people spend their time at the overcrowded 'Ohe'o Gulch area and never visit this part of the park. Alelele Stream is easy to find, and it is about a 10-minute walk along the trail (and streambed) to get to this falls. There is a pullout on the makai side of the road that leads to a landing where you can park the car. You may have to rock skip a bit and/or cross the stream, but keep heading towards the valley wall where the waterfall is.
This waterfall is very beautiful, and hardly anybody knows it is here. As is typical with many falls on Maui, in the summertime it may not be flowing. If the weather has been especially dry, you can probably assume as much for the falls and just may want to skip this spot.
Location: Southeast Maui
Located eight miles south of Hana and one mile south of the ‘Ohe‘o Gulch on the makai side of Highway 31 is the Palapala Ho‘omau Church. A narrow road around mile marker 41 leads to the church. A small sign pointing left which says “Limited Parking” is tacked on the side of a tree marking the road. Many people miss this spot, but if you keep an eye out for it, you won’t be one of them. It’s definitely worth a stop if time allows.
The famous aviator, Charles Lindbergh, lies at rest on the tranquil church grounds. Lindbergh died on August 26, 1974 after living his last days on the bountiful Hana coast. Shortly before he died he sketched out a simple design for his grave and coffin. The church was built in 1857 and is actually made out of limestone coral.
Lindbergh’s grave is located behind the church under the shade of a Java plum tree. We feel the most beautiful part of this spot is the surrounding scenery. The coastal views down beyond the grave site and gardens are exquisite.
Located eight miles south of Hana and one mile south of the ‘Ohe‘o Gulch on the makai side of Highway 31 is the Palapala Ho‘omau Church. A narrow road around mile marker 41 leads to the church. A small sign pointing left which says “Limited Parking” is tacked on the side of a tree marking the road. Many people miss this spot, but if you keep an eye out for it, you won’t be one of them. It’s definitely worth a stop if time allows.
The famous aviator, Charles Lindbergh, lies at rest on the tranquil church grounds. Lindbergh died on August 26, 1974 after living his last days on the bountiful Hana coast. Shortly before he died he sketched out a simple design for his grave and coffin. The church was built in 1857 and is actually made out of limestone coral.
Lindbergh’s grave is located behind the church under the shade of a Java plum tree. We feel the most beautiful part of this spot is the surrounding scenery. The coastal views down beyond the grave site and gardens are exquisite.
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