Waiʻānapanapa State Park: Timing

Question

We are going to stay in Hana on the day we plan to drive. I don't know what time slot will work best. We would like to do Pipiwai Trail & Waimoku Falls on the same day. Have not yet decided on all the stops along the way. If we start around 8AM from Kihei, what would be a recommended time slot? I was thinking of booking the last slot and if we are early then finish the Pipiwai trail first. How long does the trail take and also how strictly arrive within 30 minutes of your slot is being implemented? Thanks for your help.

Answer

When planning a visit to Waiʻānapanapa State Park while staying in Hana, it's important to take into account the time required for your activities, especially since you want to do both the Pipiwai Trail and Waimoku Falls on the same day.

If you're planning to start from Kihei at around 8:00 AM, it's a good idea to factor in the drive time to Hana and the time you'll spend at each stop along the way. The drive from Kihei to Hana typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and the number of stops you make. After you arrive in Hana, the Pipiwai Trail is located in the Kipahulu area, which is about an additional 15-20 minute drive past Hana. Given this, you might arrive in the Kipahulu area around 11:00 AM or noon.

Regarding the time slot for Waiʻānapanapa State Park, reservations are required for entry, and it's recommended to book your slot for the afternoon if you plan to arrive later in the day. The park enforces a 30-minute arrival window for reservations. If you arrive early, you can certainly complete the Pipiwai Trail beforehand, but keep in mind that the trail itself takes approximately 2 to 3 hours to hike, depending on your pace and how long you spend at Waimoku Falls. Therefore, booking a slot for around 2:00 PM or later would likely work best, allowing you enough time to finish the trail and head to the park afterward.

To summarize, here's a suggested itinerary:

Leave Kihei at 8:00 AM.
Arrive in Hana around 10:30 - 11:00 AM.
Drive to Kipahulu and start the Pipiwai Trail around 11:00 AM or noon.
Complete the trail by around 1:30 - 2:00 PM.
Head to Waiʻānapanapa State Park for your reserved time slot around 2:00 PM or later.

As for the 30-minute window, it is enforced to maintain smooth park operations, so arriving within your allotted time frame is important. If you arrive early, you can always explore nearby areas until your reservation time, but it's best not to risk being late.

Hope this helps, and enjoy your adventure on Maui!

Waiʻānapanapa State Park: Timing

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