Cost
There is a fee ($30 per vehicle) to enter Haleakalā National Park which is valid for 3 days. Pay with a credit card. Annual passes accepted. There is no other cost or permit needed to hike the trail. U.S. Military members and dependents are free.
Time
The trail can take 2-3 hours round-trip for average hikers allowing time to take photos and admire the view. Arriving early can beat the crowds that come later in the day. The total elevation gain is about 800 ft. It’s suggested to bring drinking water, bug spray and sun screen.
Parking & Facilities
There is sufficient parking at the visitors center near the trail head and signs will point the way to the trail. There are restrooms and water available at the park store.
Parts of the Trail
TRAIL HEAD TO MAKAHIKU FALLS OVERLOOK. (1 MILE)
This part of the trail is pretty rough terrain. It can be steep and you often are walking on dirt with many exposed tree roots so make sure to wear appropriate foot attire. It can be easy to lose your step. You’ll begin to see the beautiful bamboo forest (Shorter at first). You’ll pass an awesome huge Banyon tree with its awesome aerial root system. The first falls that you get to are the Makahiku Falls which are approximately 200 feet tall. You’ll have an excellent view of them from the twin bridges overlooking them. It’s a great photo location!
MAKAHIKU FALLS TO WAIMOKU FALLS. (1 MILE)
The next mile of the hike isn’t as steep and the trail often is made of wooden planks to help keep you out of the mud. The bamboo forest grows as you wonder further up the trail, eventually curving over you to form dark tunnels. It’s pretty awesome! Stop and listen in the bamboo forest. The sound of the forest is fantastic. You’ll have to cross streams to get to your final destination. You can either rock hop or not be afraid to get your feet wet. The last stream is the most dangerous. Mother Nature is not someone to play around with. If it’s rained recently, the stream could be too dangerous to cross. You’ll see warning signs posted. The Waimoku Falls are approximately 400 feet tall and are easily seen at the vista point near the top of the trail. It’s another great photo location proving that you made it to the top. There is a gate with a danger warning not to continue to the base of the falls.
Kuloa Point Loop Trail
The Kuloa Point Loop Trail is a half-mile trail near the base of the Pipiwai Trail, near the visitor’s center. You’ll walk past the lower stream and see views of the ocean, the Pools of ‘Ohe’o and archeology sites.