Maui Guidebook

Pipiwai Trail & Waimoku Falls

Last updated 01. Apr, 2012 by Walker.

The top half of the Pipiwai Trail cuts though an immense and unforgettable bamboo forest

Rating:

In a nutshell: Pipiwai Trail is a treasure of the National Park System that passes through diverse scenery and culminates at the base of an absolutely spectacular waterfall.
Minuses: You’ll be sharing the trail with lots of other folks.
Sound-bite: [insert hollow percussive sounds of bamboo striking one another]

DETAILS:
Taking into account the easy accessibility, the Pipiwai Trail offers, hands-down, the all-around best of East Maui’s most dramatic stream and waterfall hikes.

This …

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Wailua & Ke’anae Valley Hike

Last updated 22. Oct, 2010 by Walker.

Giant Fern

Rating:

In a nutshell: A nice 30-minute hike can turn into a spectacular multi-hour moderately easy-going hiking adventure. Graded un-paved access road passes for miles through an undeveloped Eden of Maui rainforest and watershed.
Minuses: Access may require permission from EMI. On weekends you might encounter boar hunters and their pit bulls.
Sound-bite: “Yesterday I found the best hike on Maui that I’ve done.”

DETAILS:
You can make this hike what you want of it. You can dip in a cool, fresh pool complete with dramatic waterfall in …

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Twin Falls

Last updated 18. Apr, 2011 by lilikoi.

"Caveman" at Twin Falls

Rating:

In a nutshell: Twin Falls is the first easily accessible string of waterfalls and pools on the Road to Hana. It also has one of the better snack stands on the journey. Twin falls is typically underrated by guidebooks, and is a worthy stop.
Minuses: You must budget your time properly here if you are cramming the Road to Hana into only one day.
Sound-bite: “How much further to the falls?”

DETAILS:
Okay, why in the world does the most popular guidebook for Maui tell …

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Jaws (Surf Break aka Pe’ahi)

Last updated 09. Dec, 2012 by Mark.

When the North Shore surf is big, Jaws is gigantic.

Rating:

In a nutshell: The biggest wave surfed in the world each year has been at Pe’ahi more than any other place.
Minuses: The access road can be 4WD
Sound-bite: [crashing waves, cheers and helicopters]

Disclaimer on the rating:
Pe’ahi is only “must-see spectacular” when the North Shore is having monster surf (look for high surf warnings and consult the real-time wave data chart below.)

Key Info:
Mile Marker: Between #13 & 14 (Hana Hwy aka Hwy 36)
GPS Coordinates: …

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Na’ili’ili Haele Stream & Waterfalls (aka “Bamboo Forest”)

Last updated 01. Aug, 2012 by Walker.

Na’ili’ili haele waterfall #3 (or #2, depending how wet it has been.)

Rating:

In a nutshell: Na’ili’ili Haele, for most, will be a nice short hike to two or three waterfalls and pools. The more able hikers will be rewarded with more significant sights.
Minuses: Access may be restricted by EMI. Can become dangerous to nearly impossible depending on conditions/how far you go.
Sound-bite: “Is that really a ladder?”

DETAILS:
This is a great place for everyone from the novice to the extreme hiker, and everyone in between – you …

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Keokea through Ulupalakua

Last updated 23. Sep, 2009 by Mark.

Tedeschi Winery tasting room

Rating:

In a nutshell: A hearty breakfast or lunch, then off for scenic vistas, and wine tasting.
Minuses: The road in Ulupalakua is unforgiving if you become over-enthusiastic during the wine tasting!
Sound-bite: “They should call this ‘Paniolo soul food’, brah!”

This is a good side-trip to take after a Haleakala Crater sunrise trip, or during a planned Upcountry exploration day. If you take the back side of Haleakala to return from Hana, you will pass through starting in Ulupalakua. However I suggest that visitors …

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Red Sand Beach (Kaihalulu Beach)

Last updated 14. Jun, 2012 by lilikoi.

Red Sand Beach is a dramatically beautiful scene.

Rating:

In a nutshell: A dramatic and beautiful hidden cove unlike any other.
Minuses: The short hike to the beach is hazardous.
Sound-bite: “Has the Mothership departed without me?”

WARNINGS:
Part of the trail has become blocked by a landslied and is also more dangerous than it once was. This is not a safe hike for anyone unaccustomed to navigating cliff-edges with slippery/unsound footing.

DETAILS:
Red Sand Beach is a dramatic and beautiful hidden cove unlike any other. The ocean outside the …

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The Back Side of Haleakala (Kipahulu to Ulupalakua)

Last updated 09. Dec, 2012 by Mark.

Much of the road is a lumpy, bumpy, narrow patchwork of asphalt laid down over years, one shovel at a time.

Rating:

In a nutshell: If you like the road less traveled, continuing on past Hana around Haleakala is an adventure worth taking. In about the same amount of time as it would take you to go back the way you came, you can see a side of Maui most are persuaded to miss.
Minuses: The road becomes rough for portions and rental car companies say “you’re on your own.”…

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Olivine Pools

Last updated 15. Nov, 2009 by Mark.

Olivine Pools later in the day

Rating:

In a nutshell: The Olivine Pools are several tidepools located on barren lava along the ocean’s edge on the back-side of West Maui.
Minuses: Terrain on the short hike is unforgiving to those who are not sure-footed.
Sound-bite: “Olivine?”

DETAILS:
Olivine pools is located on a stretch of remote area that has no sandy beaches or easy water access. Take a steady stream of rental cars passing through, along with ample parking, and this site became much more of an attraction of wide-appeal …

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