Hana Highway to Seven Sacred Pools: Full-Day Waterfall Hike from Kahului
Drive the famous Hana Highway, then hike 4.5 miles through bamboo, rainforest and towering falls to the pools at Oheo. This full-day tour from Kahului blends nonstop photo ops with local history and practical logistics for a long, wet, unforgettable day on Maui.
The Experience
Before You Go
Wear grippy trail shoes
Trails are wet and rooted—sturdy shoes with deep tread will prevent slips at stream crossings and near waterfalls.
Bring a refillable water bottle
The operator provides water and snacks, but a 1–2L reusable bottle keeps you hydrated between stops and reduces plastic waste.
Expect variable weather
Pack a lightweight rain shell and quick-dry layers—sun and showers alternate rapidly along the Hana corridor.
Start early to beat crowds
Departing from Kahului in the morning gives you softer light in the bamboo forest and fewer people at popular viewpoints.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Pipiwai Trail’s lesser-used side viewpoints that look down the gulch
- •Small roadside banana stands near Hana—great stop for fresh fruit and local snacks
Wildlife
- •Nēnē (Hawaiian goose)
- •Native honeycreepers in the rainforest canopy
Conservation Note
Trails here are vulnerable to erosion and invasive plants—stay on marked paths, pack out waste and use refillable bottles to reduce plastic.
Kipahulu and the pools were important freshwater sites for Native Hawaiians; taro lo‘i and traditional agriculture shaped these valleys for centuries.
Photographer's Notes
- • Bamboo grove bridge on Pipiwai Trail
- • Lookout above the main 400ft waterfall
- • Cliffside overlooks along Hana Highway
What to Bring
Trail shoes with good treadEssential
Required for slippery roots and wet rocks on stream crossings.
Light rain shellEssential
Hana’s microclimates shift; a packable shell keeps you dry during sudden showers.
Reusable water bottle (1–2L)Essential
Refillable hydration reduces plastic use and keeps you fueled on the long day.
Daypack with rain cover
Carries lunch, layers, camera and offers protection when the weather turns.
Common Questions
How long is the hike portion of the tour?
The guided hike is roughly 4.5 miles round-trip through the Kipahulu/Oheo area, with terrain that includes roots, wet rock and stream crossings.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Minimum age is 8; younger kids who are steady on trails can do it, but expect a full day with long drives.
What should I wear?
Quick-dry layers, sturdy trail shoes, and a light rain shell; avoid open-toed shoes near waterfalls and on slippery sections.
Are permits required for Haleakalā/Kipahulu?
This tour visits national park land—entry fees or permits may apply seasonally; your operator will handle park access as part of the tour.
Will I be able to swim in the pools?
Swimming rules vary with conditions and park regulations; guides will advise on safe areas—do not enter pools if signs prohibit it or currents look strong.
How early is pickup and where does it start?
Meet-up is in central Maui (Park & Ride near the intersection of Highways 311 & 380 in Kahului) early morning; the vendor will confirm exact times on booking.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
11 hours
Location
Kahului, Hawaii
Difficulty
challenging
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular fitness and comfort on uneven, sometimes wet trails; able to hike 4–5 miles with stops.
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