Copyright: Marshall Hall-Interactive Outdoors, Inc.
Water fall and pool
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Description - Haleakala National Park extends from the 10,023 foot summit of Haleakala down the southeast flank of the mountain to the Kipahulu coast near Hana. These two sections of the Park are not directly connected by road, but both can be reached from Kahului.
Attractions
- 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. Picnicking, viewing historic sites and swimming are also popular activities in the Kipahulu area of the park. 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.
Recreation - 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. Climate - The weather in Kipahulu is usually warm, and rain is common. Flash flooding of the pools and streams can be hazardous to swimmers and hikers. Always check with the Park Rangers before entering the pools and never swim if flood warnings are posted. Mosquitoes can be prevalent in this area. Location -
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.
Directions from Hana: Drive south on the Piilani Highway ten miles to reach Oheo Gulch. Be prepared for slow traffic as there are many sharp turns and scenic vistas.
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