An extension of the Road to Hana, continuing past Hana town to the Kipahulu section of Haleakala National Park featuring the stunning Oheo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) and the Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls.
The Hana Retreat and Back Road Tour extends the classic Road to Hana by continuing 16 kilometres past Hana town to the remote Kipahulu section of Haleakala National Park on Maui's rugged southeastern tip. The round-trip journey from Kahului covers approximately 130 kilometres and requires 10 to 12 hours including driving, hiking, and stops. A rental car is required — no scheduled transportation reaches Kipahulu.
The tour begins like the standard Road to Hana route, heading east along Highway 360 through Paia, Twin Falls, Ke'anae Peninsula, and Wai'anapanapa Black Sand Beach before reaching Hana town by mid-morning. Beyond Hana, Highway 31 narrows further and descends toward the coast, passing Hana Bay and the Hana Cultural Center before reaching the community of Kipahulu. This stretch is paved but extremely narrow in places, requiring careful driving through blind curves with limited visibility.
Oheo Gulch within the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park features a series of fresh-water pools connected by waterfalls cascading in steps down to the ocean. Swimming is permitted when water levels are safe — flash flooding from upstream rainfall can close the pools with little warning even when coastal conditions appear calm. Current pool status is available at the Kipahulu Visitor Center. The Haleakala National Park entry fee of $35 per vehicle covers the Kipahulu District.
The Pipiwai Trail begins at the visitor centre and follows 3.5 kilometres through guava groves and a dramatic bamboo forest — arguably the most photogenic hiking passage on Maui — before reaching the 120-metre Waimoku Falls. The trail gains approximately 180 metres in elevation, is rated moderate, and requires around 3 hours for the round trip including photography stops.
Near Kipahulu, the Palapala Ho'omau Church yard contains the grave of Charles Lindbergh, the aviator who completed the first solo transatlantic flight in 1927 and spent his final years on this remote Maui coast. The return option via Piilani Highway (Highway 31) continues west through the arid Kaupo region before rejoining the main highway south of Kihei, but this route is partially unpaved and frequently prohibited by rental car agreements — confirming rental terms before departure is essential.
Suggested itinerary
- Early departure, follow Road to Hana route, arrive at Kipahulu by 11 AM. Swim at Oheo Gulch pools (check conditions), hike Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls (4.6 miles round trip, 3 hours), visit Lindbergh grave, return via Kaupo or backtrack via Hana.
Highlights
- Seven Sacred Pools swimming (Oheo Gulch)
- Pipiwai Trail bamboo forest
- 400-foot Waimoku Falls
- Lindbergh's Grave (Charles Lindbergh)
- Remote Kaupo coastal views
- Maui's south coast undeveloped landscape
Tips for visiting
- Oheo Gulch pools can close due to high water — check nps.gov/hale
- The Piilani Highway back route is unpaved and may violate rental car terms — confirm before driving
- Bring lots of water and lunch — limited food options in Kipahulu
- Haleakala National Park fee required ($35/vehicle)
When to visit
April through October offers the driest conditions and the most reliably open pools at Oheo Gulch. Departing Kahului by 6 AM is advisable to reach Kipahulu by mid-morning and complete the Pipiwai Trail before afternoon heat. The Piilani Highway back route is most negotiable in dry summer conditions.
Accessibility
Highway 360 to Hana and Highway 31 to Kipahulu are navigable by standard vehicles. The Oheo Gulch overlook area has a paved path, but pool access requires stepping over rocks and is not wheelchair accessible. The Pipiwai Trail is an uneven dirt and boardwalk path through the bamboo forest and is not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility aids.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Road to Hana and the Hana Back Road Tour?
The standard Road to Hana ends at or near Hana town. The Back Road Tour continues 16 km past Hana to the Kipahulu section of Haleakala National Park, adding Oheo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools), the Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls, and the option of returning via the Piilani Highway around South Maui.
Is the Piilani Highway safe to drive in a standard rental car?
The Piilani Highway transitions from pavement to unpaved dirt in the Kaupo area. Most rental car agreements prohibit driving this road, and standard vehicles may struggle on the rough sections. A 4WD vehicle is advisable and rental policy must be confirmed before attempting this route.
How long is the Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls?
The trail is approximately 7 km round trip from the Kipahulu Visitor Center. It gains around 180 metres in elevation and passes through bamboo forest before reaching the 120-metre waterfall. Budget 3 hours including rest stops and photography.
Are the Oheo Gulch pools always open for swimming?
No. Flash flooding from upstream rain can close the pools without warning even when conditions at the coast appear calm. Current status is available at the Kipahulu Visitor Center or at nps.gov/hale before planning to swim.
What is the national park entry fee at Kipahulu?
The Haleakala National Park fee of $35 per vehicle covers entry to the Kipahulu District, including Oheo Gulch and the Pipiwai Trail. The pass is valid for 3 days. An America the Beautiful annual pass is accepted.