Oheo Gulch Kipahulu

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.

After crossing the bridge over the stream, the parking lot is located makai. The fee for visiting the park is only $10 per vehicle and is valid for this part of Haleakala National Park, as well as the road that leads to the summit of Haleakala; the pass it good for three days (as of 2008) - view the official NPS fees page.

Starting some two miles inland, the Palikea and Pipiwai Streams are the source of water for all of the falls in this area. These streams join together inland to form a string of pools along the ‘Ohe‘o Gulch. The easiest to reach and the nicest pools are located near the shoreline right beyond the Park Ranger’s building.

There are a variety of hikes in this area. Many are known as the Kipahulu Area Trails. Two of the most popular are the Kuloa Point Trail, which leads down to the ocean for a great view of the pools themselves, and the Kahakai Trail which stretches a quarter-mile between Kuloa Point and the Kipahulu campground.

The most famous however is the Pipiwai Trail. Located above the Gulch, it 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. 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. This was absolutely beautiful and more than well worth the hike to get to it.

Location: Oheo Gulch Kipahulu is located in the Southeast Maui Region

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