This is a pretty easy hike with great payoff! It only takes about 2 hours, and you get to hike over…read morea couple of bridges, through a bamboo forest, and end up at a gorgeous waterfall! I'm an athletic kinda girl, and I would say this trail is maybe a 2/5 in terms of difficulty. (I'd give it a 1, but it has some incline, so I gave it a 2.) My boyfriend is a homebody and rarely hikes, and he gave it a 3/5 in terms of difficulty. One thing to note: The drive to get here is a DOOZY. I did thee Road to Hana the last time I was in Maui, and it freaked me out so much that we tried going around the south side of the island this time. That was also very scary. Unless you are prepared for very narrow roads (I'm talking one lane with traffic going both ways) on a cliff, sometimes with drops straight into the ocean, don't do it. If you are okay with that, do the Road to Hana for the more scenic drive. The southern drive was less scenic, and probably just as scary.

Came back here 5 years after I went the 1st time and brought my 9 year old. He made it to the end…read moreand back. The trail didn't seem as magical, maintained or green as I remember the 1st time. Maybe a different time of year? More mosquitoes as well. Still, it was pleasant and glad we went. We saw a lot of people bringing infants in carriers and really small kids. This is a serious hike. I would say maybe 7 + in age if you are bringing kids. You may make it part of the way, but it will take you an hour to get to the bamboo forest at least and there are a lot of weird wide steps. Bring water, snacks, hiking stick and bug spray.

This review is way long overdue, but I guess better late than never. I was having a conversation…read morewith a friend who was heading to Maui and wanted some recommendations. This is definitely one of the top five for me when it comes of things to plan when going to Maui. It was such a memorable thing to see and it really felt magical. We came just right before sunrise. The drive is a bit intimidating, but once you're up there, it is worth it. We were well above the clouds and when the sun broke through the clouds, it felt like I could cry. Add this to your list of things to do when going to Maui!

Witnessing a sunrise high above in Haleakala National Park on the beautiful island of Maui has got…read moreto be in my top ten outdoor experiences. The view is spectacular from so many angles. I have been lucky enough to witness a couple of sunrises in this park and all of them have been unique, mouth dropping gorgeous. I highly recommend. Sunsets are epic as well but there is something about the anticipation of patiently waiting for the sun to rise out here that is otherworldly. Times have changed with a reservation being required now to attend a sunrise (3am - 7am). Next it can take up to two hours to get here if you are staying in Lahaina. This means you are getting up extremely early to arrive for sunrise, but you won't regret it. You pass through the towns of Kahului, Paia, and Makawao before you begin your ascension to the summit on the windy Crater Road. Be sure to dress warmly for sunrise. Dress in layers and wear a beanie too if your ears get cold. During and after sunrise the crater is the most clear, but it does often fill up with clouds especially late mornings. Hiking here is very challenging since you are sitting at 10,023 feet at the summit and you just came from sea level. We did love every minute of our trek, especially hiking out to the cinder cones. This volcano is not considered extinct but still active. It has erupted at least ten times in the last thousand years. Due to its history, scientists still monitor it today. One of the unique plants that live here is the stunning Silversword plant. This plant only blooms once in its life and can only be found here. This is one of the best ways to start your day on Maui.

The full Kapalua Coastal Trail is about 1.76 miles and can be divided into four sections (see map I…read moremarked : 1. Blue 2. Yellow 3. Red 4. Green). We stayed on the west side of Maui, only about a 10-minute drive to the trail's north end. Left around 11:30am but had to detour a bit due to road work. 1. Kapalua Coastal Trail - Kapalua Bay Public Beach Parking You can plug in Kapalua Bay Public Beach Parking on Google Maps, but free parking is very limited. We drove in circles around 11:50am and couldn't find a single spot! Paid parking nearby was $20, and some restaurants had valet for $10. A little pricey just for a short hike, so we kept looking for other options. 2. Free Parking - Cliff House This lot is inside the Montage Kapalua Bay resort, but only about 10 spaces are actually free. We got lucky after waiting 10+ minutes and snagged a spot. From here, heading left takes you toward the Kapalua Bay side, passing Cliff House, Namalu Bay viewpoint, and Kapalua Bay Beach. After looping back, we continued right toward the Dragon's Teeth Trail. 3. Dragon's Teeth Trail The entrance has a small free parking lot right next to the Ritz-Carlton. Again, spots are super limited, and by the time we got there around 2pm, it was completely full. The trail takes you past Ironwood Cliffs and Oneloa Beach before reaching Dragon's Teeth. 4. Makaluapuna Ridge Trail This section continues further past Dragon's Teeth, but we didn't do this part. **Tips from our walk (123): * Switch Google Maps to satellite view to spot small parking lots. * Free parking is scarce, just come earlier if you can. * Kapalua Bay Beach & Oneloa Beach sections are sandy and flat, good for swimming and easy walking. * Dragon's Teeth is rocky, sneakers are way better than sandals. * Bring water, hat, and sunglasses. Even though it was only mid-70s (F), there's zero shade, and I ended up with a sunburned scalp after 2+ hours because I skipped my hat. Overall, this trail is short and easy, but because it runs through luxury resorts and golf courses, expect crowds. Still, the coastal views are stunning and definitely worth adding to your Maui itinerary.

The coastal trail was a fairly easy hike. Most of the trail was either a boardwalk or paved. Don't…read moreforget water and snacks. By the end of the trail we were both tired and hungry. As luck would have it we found a great little stand selling fresh açaí bowls and smoothies. It was perfect! Then the payoff of DT Fleming beach was worth the trek! Highly recommended!

A beautiful hike to such a peaceful reward at the end!…read more As an avid hiker, this hike was doable. It took us only about half an hour going down and up. When you arrive, parking for hikers is recommended not at the valley parking lot but on the side road leading to the parking lot as the valley parking lot is for those who are just visiting the lookout and not hiking. Once you walk towards the trail entrance, there are a couple of people waiting to assist hikers. They discuss the safety protocol and warnings when visiting. There is no time limit to how long you can be down there but because no swimming is allowed, i have found people stay only about half an hour before heading back up. We recommend wearing hiking shoes because the ascend is not easy and have seen people struggling.

Great short hike with excellent views as you descend. We tried this ~ 30 years ago and the trail…read morewas narrow and not well developed plus very muddy the day we originally tried it, so had to turn around. Now, the trail is nicely improved with some strategic rock "steps" though it is still slippery, even on a dry day. We saw a number of people doing it ( Very cautiously) in inappropriate shoes and that is not at all recommended. It is steep. The pond and beach at the bottom is nice for contemplation and wave watching.

Located at the end of the Pipiwai Trail in the Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park, this…read more400-foot waterfall is absolutely picturesque and breathtaking. Pictures will never do this waterfall justice, and it should be included in anyone's Road to Hana journey. To get here, you'll have to do the Road to Hana, and Haleakalā National Park is about 12 miles past the town of Hana. Once there, Waimoku Falls is at the end of the Pipiwai Trail - a 4 mile round-trip moderate hike. That being said, the trail is well-maintained and was not a difficult hike at all. Once you get to Waimoku Falls, it's totally worth it to take some time to just sit and enjoy it. It's such a peaceful and beautiful area to relax and take in all that nature is offering. We visited both the Kīpahulu and Summit districts of Haleakalā, and the Pipiwai Trail w/ Waimoku Falls was one of my top two experiences in the park. This is a must-stop for your Haleakalā National Park and Road to Hana adventures.

Waimoku Falls is a statuesque waterfall featuring a 400-foot plunge off a cliff faced wall in the…read moreheart of the Kipahulu (Coastal) District of Haleakala National Park. It is without a doubt the #1 attraction in this section of Haleakala. I highly recommend everyone taking time to come visit this stunning landmark. Besides making the 55-mile drive (if you're staying in the town of Kahului) along adventurous Hana Highway to arrive here in the Kipahulu area...you also must hike 2 miles along Pipiwai Trail to be precisely standing in front of Waimoku Falls. The Pipiwai Trail wasn't too difficult to trek. In fact, I found the surroundings and overall setting to be very pleasant. It was as if I was situated within one giant rain forest, immersed by plenty of bamboo trees. Plus, for the 2 miles (each way) it was pretty humid outside and sort of refreshing (in my opinion) to work up a good sweat before finally getting to witness such an inspiring waterfall. The freefalling appearance initially took my breathe away when I first approached it. My only maybe slight, slight disappointment with the experience was eventually confronting a sign where it specifically stated you cannot pass or enter any further than an exact point. And...unfortunately, I wasn't able to fully capture (with my camera) Waimoku Falls touching the bottom base pool of water for where it splashed down into. The sign read..."DO NOT PASS THIS POINT. FATALITIES HAVE OCCURRED. VIOLATING A CLOSURE - $100 FINE". Oh well, still, it was plenty good enough to view Waimoku Falls from a short distance away. You're still able to see about 4/5's - 5/6's of the entire cascading waterfall drop. Some extra details.... - I visited in the morning time back in the middle of March, 2022 and it was a worthwhile time to come make the 2-mile trek to the falls. The sun was at my back when I finally reached Waimoku Falls, it allowed for terrific picture moments with the sun reflecting beautifully upon the lush green tropical forest. - Interestingly, this Kipahulu District of Haleakala NP actually closes their gates at 5pm daily, and so they leave a visible sign at the trailhead saying starting at 3pm, it's the last time of the day for you to begin the Pipiwai Hike (allowing for 2 hours to reach Waimoku Falls and also returning to the parking lot). So, overall, it's just best to arrive here and see Waimoku Falls in the early part of the day. - Although almost everyone explores around the Summit District of Haleakala, if this is your first time coming to Waimoku Falls or visiting this Kipahulu section...they will charge you $30 entrance fee at the gate. - While here in the area...make sure to stop at Wailua Falls located just 3 miles down the road. It's a quick roadside stop featuring another fantastic waterfall. And plus at Wailua Falls you can swim and cool off at the base of the waters, just not here at Waimoku Falls. - Finally, while in this Kipahulu part of the park when returning from Pipiwai Trail...I'd suggest easily and efficiently taking the 1/2-mile Kuloa Point/Trail for outstanding coastal views from the edge of the island of Maui. And along this Kuloa Trail you'll stand high above the Pools of Ohe'o...a prime opportunity for looking down on yet another stunning waterfall setting. Waimoku Falls was one of the best aspects from my Haleakala National Park experience. I couldn't have been happier for the chance to hike the pleasant/charming Pipiwai Trail while then taking time to admire such an impressive 400-foot plunge. It only confirmed how fond I am of waterfalls.

Hands-down, the best hike I have ever went on in my life and I have been on plenty of hikes…read more There's a waterfall somewhere along the way and there are beautiful views of the ocean and beaches all around. Gorgeous is an understatement, but please make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen. You will need it. Enjoy!

Beautiful views!! It is a hard climb, but doable if you're in good shape…read more Driving there - Highly recommend driving from the west side. Driving from the east side, there were one-way narrow roads over cliffs. Leaving from the west side was easy-peasy. Parking - Keep an eye out for a red sign that says 'Camp Maluhia'. First lot is overflow, keep driving past gates to main lot where trailhead is located. Hike from overflow parking lot to trailhead is about 1.2 miles each way. Hike incline - First 1/4 mile of asphalt was the steepest. Next mile was incline but not too bad. Last mile was steeper incline. Hike views - If you go on a cloudier sunny day like we did, there were AMAZING views up until the last 0.5 miles. The overlook at the very end was above clouds so we couldn't see anything. Shoes - I don't recommend wearing sandals or flip flops, because it is pretty rocky and steep. No large rock climbing. I got by wearing casual tennis shoes, but running/hiking shoes are best. There were no stream crossings, so no need to worry about feet getting wet.

Feels kind of bad leaving an average review for such a culturally significant, historical…read morelandmark... This review is based on its tourism aspect. At the time we visited (March 2023), the pools themselves were... Underwhelming. To my understanding, swimming hasn't been permitted for some time, so to enjoy the Seven Sacred Pools, you kind of look at them from a faraway cliffside. Even then, the view isn't particularly spectacular, it's almost a bit drab-- some pools are dry, others are murky green, and the sheer desert-like heat makes this a relatively unpleasant experience. Ngl I think global warming and the season we visited probably has something to do with its appearance; other folks likely have a different experience. The trails are quite dusty, so sneakers are better than hiking sandals here. Several hiking trails are open (some shaded, some not), which can take a few hours to complete-- better for folks who are doing the Road to Hana backwards or those who have an overnight stay in Hana, since by the time we got here, it would've been late evening by the time we got back to Paia. We did a few short trails, but felt they were very average. I did enjoy the visitor center-- there's plenty of educational pieces on how Polynesians discovered Hawaii, and the later damage done by colonizers. We ended up donating and purchasing a beautiful print of Haleakala. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable.

Right at the end of the Road to Hana (for us at least). As everyone else said, it was a pretty easy…read morewalk, only about a half mile loop. Definitely worth checking out, especially if you don't have the time/energy for the Pipiwai Trail. There was a $30 entrance fee before coming in but it's good to use for 3 days. They have a decent amount of parking, a nice visitors center, and bathrooms. The view of the pools were very good of course. It's definitely a great turn around spot if you were heading back down the road.

What an amazing spot! I'd venture so far to say that this was my favorite part of the Road to Hana…read moreexperience. The beach itself is quite secluded; you have to park in a quiet part of town near Hana, then find the trail at the edge of a park, then walk roughly 15 minutes to get to the beach itself. And the trail has quite a few obstacles, so be prepared. The beach itself is so cool, there's a natural rock formation that creates a "pool" for everyone to enjoy. All the benefits of the Pacific without as much concern for safety since the rocks create a barrier. Great for swimming and soaking in the sun, and it's a little quieter (until you see this review?), excellent destination near Hana!

A must-see on the road to Hana, definitely one of our top spots throughout the trip. Since this is…read morein a residential area, please prioritize respect to the locals and don't park your oversized Jeep too obnoxiously. The way down is through crossing the grass field to the left of the Hana School/Youth Center. Do NOT cross private property to get to the beach. The path isn't formally paved and a bit slippery, so I recommend NOT bringing your whole beach getup (chair, umbrella, etc.)-- keep it minimal bc you'll likely need your hands to balance. My bf and I just wore backpacks with our towels in them and were totally fine. The beach itself is incredible; a rich terracotta shore with clear waters, sheltered by the cliff and trees. It feels like escaping into a hidden oasis. We spent an hour swimming and skipping rocks, even playing with tropical fish that chased our feet. Bring a pair of goggles! NOTE: Cliffside pathway to the beach is pretty worn but decently stable. Not accessible by wheelchair. Nothing too dangerous if you've ever hiked on trails like Big Sur before, but would recommend hiking sandals as some parts can be a little crumbly. We watched several beachgoers wearing flip flops or crocs eating shit lol

Great look out and a restroom stop. The park is accessible by reservation only, so says the sign…read more We did not have reservation on this day. Please come and create your own adventure.

I came here in 2018 and my goal for this park was see the black sand beach. I never saw or touched…read moreblack sand before so when I found out that there was a beach in Maui with black sand, I was amazed and intrigued to go there. When I arrived, I found it boring because there was nothing to do except chill with your beach blanket and sunbathe or read a book like how normal beaches are. The black sanded section was not even that big or long. It was just a tiny part of the park! I did not know how to swim so all I did was touch and grab some black sand and that was pretty much it. The current and waves were strong so it was not safe to go swim. I just stood in the water with the water meeting at my knees. There were some small hills by the black sand to climb up and down. Not good for people who are afraid of heights, which is me. I was pretty scared and had to hold on to the rocks. There are no guided paths or ropes to hang onto so I had to be careful of slipping. I left the park without staying long. Good thing about this park was that there were public restrooms so that was the key thing!