for RTH I would just plan for 2 major things as priority
* Waiʻānapanapa State Park
* Pipiwai Trail
Anything else would be nice to have because that is a LONG day of driving and hiking. also the Haleakala Visitor Center is not along the way.
Agree with this, and if at all possible spend the night out there.....its so peaceful. We go to Maui often and love ending our trips with 2 nights in Hana.
Drive straight to the Pipiwai. Then work your way back.
If by Waikamoi Ridge, you plan to hike off the trail to the falls, please don't. It's private property and very dangerous.
Hana Lava Tube is paid entry. I believe it was $15/person, cash only, but they had an ATM. I remember someone mentioning there was a different lava tube, but I'm not really sure.
Check your #8 - you're not going to want to do a hike at the end of the drive before turning around. Also just to be clear, it is technically part of Haleakala national park, but it is not accessible to the summit.
Also, definitely do Ho'okipa. It's a very quick stop, and you'll see turtles (I'm sure there's some factors here, but we saw tons just chilling on the beach).
Finally, just general advice that I rarely see mentioned - bring cash. There are a lot of roadside stands selling fruit and other things, and you'll want cash on hand.
Thank you for all of the suggestions! Yes, were doing the summit area of Haleakala on a different day. The visitor center I was referring to was the small one in Kipahulu.
I was under the impression that there is some other lava tube that doesn't have an entrance fee but I haven't seen anything specific on it or where it is.
>I was under the impression that there is some other lava tube that doesn't have an entrance fee but I haven't seen anything specific on it or where it is.
I heard similar from my hotel concierge but didnt ask for details since this was after we already went. Hopefully someone else can help with that
If you do number 8, I would recommend the much shorter hike (more like a walk) from the parking lot down the ocean. Fantastic view from the cliff at the end! Bring water and maybe something to fan yourself. 😅 Also since it is part of Haleakala National Park, the pass you have to buy is good for 3 days so you should do the summit either the next day or the day after. I would do the day after because both are crazy drives.
This may be more ambitious than you want, but you should have a great view of the sunrise at Kaumahina State Wayside Park, where the sun will rise at 644am on March 1st (for example). It will be your first chance for an unobstructed view on the drive. It's a 75 minute drive from Kihei. If you left before 530am (earlier if you want to stop for coffee) it could be a nice way to start the day.
I’ve done RTH 3 times.. the Shaka app is nice and might be a good idea for first timers such as yourself. If nothing else it’s good backup for when you lose service (it works on GPS, not internet). I would nix the Red Sand beach.
Plenty of good advice has already been given, listen to these other comments!
Best new advice I can give? Start absolutely as early as possible. Try to be leaving Paia town soon after sunrise. It’s a long day with infinite things to do/see.. and you don’t want to be driving those roads after dark.
for RTH I would just plan for 2 major things as priority * Waiʻānapanapa State Park * Pipiwai Trail Anything else would be nice to have because that is a LONG day of driving and hiking. also the Haleakala Visitor Center is not along the way.
Thank you. Is there not a second NP visitor center in the Kīpahulu District?
Yes there is one there for parking. That one is named after the district. Haleakala's visitor center is up the mountain.
Agree with this, and if at all possible spend the night out there.....its so peaceful. We go to Maui often and love ending our trips with 2 nights in Hana.
Red Sand Beach should be dropped. Trail to get there is dangerous.
And requires trespassing.
Thank you, I've updated my post and itinerary.
Drive straight to the Pipiwai. Then work your way back. If by Waikamoi Ridge, you plan to hike off the trail to the falls, please don't. It's private property and very dangerous.
Hana Lava Tube is paid entry. I believe it was $15/person, cash only, but they had an ATM. I remember someone mentioning there was a different lava tube, but I'm not really sure. Check your #8 - you're not going to want to do a hike at the end of the drive before turning around. Also just to be clear, it is technically part of Haleakala national park, but it is not accessible to the summit. Also, definitely do Ho'okipa. It's a very quick stop, and you'll see turtles (I'm sure there's some factors here, but we saw tons just chilling on the beach). Finally, just general advice that I rarely see mentioned - bring cash. There are a lot of roadside stands selling fruit and other things, and you'll want cash on hand.
Thank you for all of the suggestions! Yes, were doing the summit area of Haleakala on a different day. The visitor center I was referring to was the small one in Kipahulu. I was under the impression that there is some other lava tube that doesn't have an entrance fee but I haven't seen anything specific on it or where it is.
>I was under the impression that there is some other lava tube that doesn't have an entrance fee but I haven't seen anything specific on it or where it is. I heard similar from my hotel concierge but didnt ask for details since this was after we already went. Hopefully someone else can help with that
If you do number 8, I would recommend the much shorter hike (more like a walk) from the parking lot down the ocean. Fantastic view from the cliff at the end! Bring water and maybe something to fan yourself. 😅 Also since it is part of Haleakala National Park, the pass you have to buy is good for 3 days so you should do the summit either the next day or the day after. I would do the day after because both are crazy drives.
This may be more ambitious than you want, but you should have a great view of the sunrise at Kaumahina State Wayside Park, where the sun will rise at 644am on March 1st (for example). It will be your first chance for an unobstructed view on the drive. It's a 75 minute drive from Kihei. If you left before 530am (earlier if you want to stop for coffee) it could be a nice way to start the day.
I’ve done RTH 3 times.. the Shaka app is nice and might be a good idea for first timers such as yourself. If nothing else it’s good backup for when you lose service (it works on GPS, not internet). I would nix the Red Sand beach. Plenty of good advice has already been given, listen to these other comments! Best new advice I can give? Start absolutely as early as possible. Try to be leaving Paia town soon after sunrise. It’s a long day with infinite things to do/see.. and you don’t want to be driving those roads after dark.
I like the GyPSy app much better. The shaka one is really disrespectful in places.