Kipahulu Area, Haleakala

Description:

• The Kipahulu Visitor Center is located on the Kipahulu coast near the pools of 'Ohe'o (sea level). Special programs include Hawaiian Cultural Hikes to the lo'i (taro patch) on the first Tuesday of each month beginning 1:00 p.m., through cooperative agreement with the Kipahulu 'Ohana. The Visitor Center offers new exhibits on the cultural and natural heritage of Kipahulu. Facilities include restrooms, public telephone, picnic tables. This is a Hawaii Natural History Assoc sales area. It is also a backcountry camping permit station. Frontcountry camping is available. No drinking water, food or gas are available.

  Hiking and walking are very popular within Haleakala National Park. At Kipahulu, all trails start at the Ranger Station/Visitor Center. Picnicking, viewing historic sites and swimming are also popular activities in the Kipahulu area of the park. Both areas of the Park offer guided walks and programs on the geology and natural and cultural history of the area. Kipahulu Campground has picnic tables, barbecue grills and outdoor pit toilets. At Kipahulu, a primitive campground near the ocean is available without a permit on a first come, first served basis.

  Visitors to this island park can participate in a myriad of outdoor activities. At Park Headquarters, Haleakala Visitor Center and the Kipahulu Ranger Station/Visitor Center have cultural and natural history exhibits. Rangers are on duty during business hours to answer questions and help you make the most of your visit. The most popular activities in the Kipahulu area include backpacking, camping, hiking, horseback riding, nature walks, swimming, wildlife viewing and viewing scenery.

  The Kipahulu area of the Park is at the east end of Maui between Hana and Kaupo. It can be reached via Highway 36, a curvy, often wet road. Kipahulu is about 90 miles from the resort areas of Wailea or Kaanapali, and 60 miles from central Maui. Driving time is about 3-4 hours each way. An extension of this road, Highway 31, goes around the dry side of the island, past Kaupo and on to Ulupalakua. It is only partially paved and can be hazardous or closed during periods of stormy weather.