Location

On the far eastern tip of Maui, about 30-40 minutes past Hana Town

Information & History

 The Kipahulu/Oheo Valley is a land of mountain valleys, rainforest, waterfalls, and sweeping views of the surrounding Pacific Ocean. The Upper Kipahulu Valley, kapu (taboo) as in prehistoric times, is a sanctuary for native plants and animals and a scientific reserve closed to the public. However, the Kipahulu Coastal area offers hiking, camping, and swimming (when the streams are calm).

From the Kipahulu/Oheo Ranger Station, trails lead upstream to the larger waterfalls, rainforest and stream overlooks. Downstream, Kuloa Point Loop Trail leads to spectacular views of the rugged coastline, ruins and archeological sites and the lower falls of Palikea Stream The stream near Kuloa Point is a popular swimming area when it is not flooding. (The rocky ocean shore within the National Park is beautiful to look at but never safe to swim in.)

When the first Europeans arrived, the picturesque lands of Hana, Kipahulu, and Kaupo were densely populated. Thousands of Hawaiians chose this productive land for their homesites. To preserve the cultural and natural heritage of Kipahulu, Congress added the upper Kipahulu rainforest to Haleakala National Park in 1951. Through the efforts of Laurence S. Rockefeller, Charles A. Lindbergh, The Nature Conservancy and others, the coastal lands were donated to the Park in 1969, extending the Park from 10,000+ feet to sea level.

More than 8000 acres of rainforest drain through the Park's streams. Two streams, Palikea and Pipiwai are entirely within Park boundaries, and dozens of their waterfalls are accessible to visitors. Palikea, nominated for National Wild & Scenic River status, and starting nearly eight miles above the Ranger Station, is Maui's longest perennial stream.

Famed aviator Charles Lindbergh, who saw most of the world and then fell in love with Hana, is buried near Kipahulu in the yard of a little country church. His epitaph reads, in part: "If I take the wings of morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea..."

Kipahulu abounds in traditional Hawaiian culture, seen in the remains of old agricultural terraces, shelter sites, fishing shrines, temples, canoe ramps, and rock walls. Working to restore the historic scene through re-establishment of native plants and animals, and control of alien species invading the Park, the National Park Service is attempting to pass on the wonders of Haleakala, unimpaired, to future generations. During your visit you may see park employees and volunteers planting native plants, reconstructing Hawaiian thatched houses, farming traditional crops, or demonstrating native crafts.

Links:

Maui Map

East Maui Museums & Landmarks

East Maui Beaches

East Maui Hiking & Camping

East Maui Snorkeling & Scuba Diving

East Maui Watersports