DK Travel : Maui : Kīpahulu and Kaupō

Kīpahulu and Kaupō

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Long before the first Europeans arrived on Maui, the Kīpahulu district was prized by the Hawaiian ali’i (royalty) for its fertile land and bountiful sea. Thousands of people lived in the villages of Hāna, Kīpahulu, and Kaupō, sustaining themselves through farming and fishing. Beyond Hāna, the road continues through Kīpahulu, Kaupō, and finally, winds its way up to ’Ulupalakua, offering spectacular scenery and the serenity that comes with an almost non-existent human population.
For information about the Kaupō Gap Trail (see Kaupō Trail)

Top 10 Sights

1. ’Ohe’o Gulch

The Kīpahulu Valley, formed by the flowing waters of ’Ohe’o Gulch, drops steeply from the east rim of Haleakalā to the ocean. A rain forest wilderness, its fragile environment is mostly protected as a preserve and closed to the public. But the lower part of the valley can be visited on foot along the Waimoku Falls Trail.
2. Seven Pools

2. Seven Pools

Many more than seven pools, in fact, all formed by the waterfalls rushing seaward from the top of Haleakalā. This lush tropical area is great for hiking, swimming, and camping. The pools below the road are easy to reach, but more adventurous visitors search out the upper pools along the Waimoku Falls Trail.
3. Falls at Makahiku

These magnificent 181-ft falls are accessible from the Waimoku Falls Trail (half a mile up from ’Ohe’o Gulch ranger station). A beautiful pool at the top of the falls is great for a cooling dip.
4. Waimoku Falls

4. Waimoku Falls

Farther up the trail, beyond a fantastic bamboo forest, Waimoku Falls spills 450 ft over the ledge of a high cliff, tumbling into a shallow pool. You can swim or wade in the refreshing water here, a welcome treat on a hot day.
5. Charles Lindbergh’s Grave

5. Charles Lindbergh’s Grave

First to fly solo across the Atlantic, Charles Lindbergh (1902– 74), lived out his days amid the peaceful beauty of the Hāna coast. He sketched the design for his grave, which lies behind the Palapala Ho’omau Church in Kīpahulu.
6. Kīpahulu Point Lighthouse County Park

6. Kīpahulu Point Lighthouse County Park

Right by the site of Lindbergh’s grave is this pleasant little park. Formerly the surrounds of a working lighthouse, the park’s shady trees and tables overlook the ocean, making it ideal for picnics.
7. Huialoha Church, Kaupō

Built in 1859, the church fell into disrepair during the last century. However, volunteers worked to renovate the building and it was reopened in 1978, adding extra meaning to its name Huialoha, “meeting of compassion.”
8. Kaupō Store

The 72-year-old store sells local snacks like marlin jerky and shave ice. Opening times are erratic, but if it’s closed peruse the bulletin board, plastered with business cards from all over the world.
9. St. Joseph’s Church

9. St. Joseph’s Church

The size of St. Joseph’s gives a clue to the large Hawaiian population it used to serve in the late 19th century. The church has been recently restored by volunteers from the local community.
10. Kaupō Gap

10. Kaupō Gap

Driving along the rough road on the “backside” of Maui, Kaupō Gap becomes clearly visible. It was created when an erupting Haleakalā blew away a large section of the mountain’s rim.

Practical Information

If you plan to drive around Maui’s “backside,” make sure you have food, water, and plenty of gas when you leave Hāna. The next populated area is ’Ulupalakua in Upcountry Maui. As tempting as it may be, do not take any stones or other natural objects from Haleakalā National Park as souvenirs. Kīpahulu Ranger Station & Visitor Center 2487375 Maui Visitors Bureau 2443530