view from the short hike
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Kīpahulu Point Overlook

3.8
·10 reviews·Hana, United States

A serene overlook in Haleakalā National Park, offering ocean vistas and historical intrigue near Charles Lindbergh's grave.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds on the road

CrowdLow
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view from the short hike

Kīpahulu Point Overlook

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds on the road

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene overlook in Haleakalā National Park, offering ocean vistas and historical intrigue near Charles Lindbergh's grave.

3.8
(10 reviews)

"Nice quiet place to gaze across the ocean and reflect."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Use a Guided App

Shaka Guide or similar apps offer local insights and navigation for the Road to Hana.

🎟️ Reserve Black Sand Beach

Waiʻānapanapa State Park requires advance reservations to visit.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pipiwai Trail

Pipiwai Trail

Haleakalā National Park, Kipahulu District

Hike through a bamboo forest to stunning waterfalls, including the 400-foot Waimoku Falls.

TikTokInstagram
Ocean Views & Lindbergh's Grave

Ocean Views & Lindbergh's Grave

Kipahulu Point Overlook

A quiet spot for ocean gazing, near the resting place of aviator Charles Lindbergh.

Reddit
Black Sand Beach

Black Sand Beach

Waiʻānapanapa State Park

Famous for its striking black sand, this park requires advance reservations.

TikTok+1
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Road to Hana Visit

The Road to Hana is a full-day adventure. Start early to beat crowds and maximize daylight. Consider using a guided app like Shaka Guide for insights and navigation, as many local tips are shared through these services. TikTok

Kipahulu District Essentials

Kipahulu, part of Haleakalā National Park, requires a separate entrance fee. While the Pipiwai Trail is a highlight, be aware that foliage can sometimes obscure ocean views from overlooks. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the crowds on the road
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer tour groups
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A DAY SPENT IN HANA, MAUI • #travel #throwback #maui #mauinokaoi #fyp #foryou #missingit #roadtohana #hawaii #Love #OwnTheCurve
@lifebytravis
13.9K likes • 68.3K views

🚗 Use a Guided App

Shaka Guide or similar apps offer local insights and navigation for the Road to Hana. TikTok

🎟️ Reserve Black Sand Beach

Waiʻānapanapa State Park requires advance reservations to visit. TikTok

Here’s my road to hana day trip vlog with time stamps!!! It was gorgeous and it was so nice to see that side of the island!!! My favorite spots were Waimea falls, Ho’okipa beach park, and the black sand beach (make sure to get a reservation!!) #roadtohana #blacksandbeach #waianapanapastatepark #hawaii #hana #Vlog #Summer #travel #timestampsvlog #maui #mauihawaiii🌺🌺
@whitneyphouse
11.6K likes • 202.4K views
Hawaii’s National Parks: Haleakalā National Park, Maui - home to volcanic landscapes and a sub-tropical rainforest across two districts, Summit & Kīpahulu Districts / must-sees: Leleiwi Overlook & Kūloa Point, must hike: Pīpīwai Trail - 4.0 mile out and back trail to Makahiku & Waimoku Falls through bamboo forest Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Hawai’i - home to two of the world’s most acti...
wanderingontheweekends
410 likes • 5.9K views

🥾 Hike Pipiwai Trail

Don't miss this lush rainforest hike with impressive waterfalls. TikTok

🧺 Picnic Spot

Kipahulu Point Overlook has picnic tables for a scenic meal. Reddit

First time on Maui’s Road to Hāna? Comment ‘ride’ and we’ll send you a guide with the same tips locals share with friends visiting Maui 🚐 🤙🏽 SAVE this reel so you have it when you need it. Aloha! . . . #hawaiitours #mauitravelguide #roadtohana #roadtohanatours #mauihawaii
@hawaii.tours
1.6K likes • 26.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Use a Guided App

Shaka Guide or similar apps offer local insights and navigation for the Road to Hana. TikTok

🎟️ Reserve Black Sand Beach

Waiʻānapanapa State Park requires advance reservations to visit. TikTok

🥾 Hike Pipiwai Trail

Don't miss this lush rainforest hike with impressive waterfalls. TikTok

🧺 Picnic Spot

Kipahulu Point Overlook has picnic tables for a scenic meal. Reddit

💧 Freshwater Stops

Pua'a Ka'a State Park offers refreshing freshwater pools. TikTok

What Travellers Say

3.8
(10 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Kipahulu Point Overlook to be a small, quiet park with historical connections, offering a peaceful place for reflection and picnics. While some note that foliage can obscure ocean views and the park could use maintenance, its proximity to Charles Lindbergh's grave and its unique historical markers make it a noteworthy stop for those exploring the Road to Hana.

"Small, hidden park. I was happy to take the photo of this item. Lowell Thomas has an Explorers Club award having his name. Found out his son (LT Junior) put this object there. And it makes sense now as I just discover the aviator explorer Charles Lindberg is buried a few meters away."

Louis-Philippe LONCKE

"A little secluded park near the Charles Lindbergh grave and tiny church. No restrooms. Tables for a picnic. Views aren't great because foliage blocks the way."

Brittany

"Nice quiet place to gaze across the ocean and reflect. Very clean, solid picnic table."

charlie compton

What People Like

Quiet ocean views
Historical significance
Picnic tables

What People Dislike

Obscured views
Needs maintenance
No restrooms

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Kipahulu Point Overlook is located in the Kipahulu District of Haleakalā National Park, past Hana. It's accessible via the scenic Road to Hana. Many visitors use navigation apps like Shaka Guide to help them along the way. TikTok

The Road to Hana is known for its narrow, winding roads with many hairpin turns and one-lane bridges. It's best driven slowly and cautiously. Starting early is recommended to avoid heavy traffic. TikTok

Yes, the full loop is possible, but the back road past Kipahulu can be rough and is not always recommended by rental car companies. Check current conditions and your rental agreement. TikTok+1

Popular stops include waterfalls, black sand beaches like Waiʻānapanapa State Park (reservations needed!), lush rainforests, and scenic overlooks. The Pipiwai Trail is a must-do hike. TikTok+2

Kipahulu District of Haleakalā National Park has an entrance fee, but specific timed entry reservations are not typically required for the park itself, unlike Waiʻānapanapa State Park. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Kipahulu is part of Haleakalā National Park, which has an entrance fee valid for three days. This fee covers both the Summit and Kipahulu districts. Instagram

While the national park has an entrance fee, specific timed entry reservations are generally not required for Kipahulu itself. However, it's always wise to check the official Haleakalā National Park website for any updates. Instagram

No, the Pipiwai Trail is within Haleakalā National Park, so your park entrance fee covers access to the trail. TikTok

Restrooms are not available directly at Kipahulu Point Overlook. Facilities are typically located at the main Kipahulu Visitor Center area. Reddit

You can purchase your park pass at the entrance station or online in advance through the official National Park Service website. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The Pipiwai Trail, with its bamboo forest and waterfalls, is a major highlight. The Seven Sacred Pools (Ohe'o Gulch) are also a popular, though sometimes closed for swimming, attraction. TikTok+1

Swimming at the Seven Sacred Pools (Ohe'o Gulch) is often prohibited due to safety concerns, especially after heavy rains. Always check current conditions and posted signs. TikTok

It's a small, quiet park with picnic tables offering ocean views. It's notable for being near the grave of Charles Lindbergh and the site of a Lowell Thomas award. Reddit

While Pipiwai is the most renowned, there are shorter, easier trails within the Kipahulu District, such as the Kuloa Point Trail leading to the Seven Sacred Pools. Instagram

Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes suitable for hiking. Lightweight, quick-drying clothing is recommended due to the humid rainforest environment. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The bamboo forest on the Pipiwai Trail offers unique photographic opportunities. The waterfalls and coastal views from overlooks are also popular. TikTokInstagram

While the overlook offers ocean views, dense foliage can sometimes obstruct the best shots. The area near Charles Lindbergh's grave also provides a unique, historical photo backdrop. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light. However, the lush greenery of the rainforest is beautiful throughout the day. TikTok

Drone usage is restricted in all National Parks, including Haleakalā. Check the official NPS website for current regulations before flying. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive rainforest and ocean vistas. A waterproof camera or protective case is advisable due to potential rain and mist. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Road to Hana, including Kipahulu, can be a long day for young children due to the winding roads. However, the Pipiwai Trail offers a rewarding hike with exciting sights like the bamboo forest and waterfalls. TikTok Consider packing plenty of snacks and drinks, and utilize apps like Shaka Guide which often have family-friendly commentary. TikTok

For younger children, shorter stops like Pua'a Ka'a State Park with its freshwater pools can be a fun break. TikTok While the Seven Sacred Pools are beautiful, swimming is often restricted, so manage expectations. The black sand beach at Waiʻānapanapa State Park is visually striking, but requires advance booking. TikTok

🚶 Hikers & Nature Lovers

The Pipiwai Trail is the absolute must-do for hikers in Kipahulu, offering a moderate 3.4-mile trek through a stunning rainforest and bamboo forest to impressive waterfalls. TikTokInstagram The trail can be muddy, so good hiking shoes are essential. TikTok

Beyond Pipiwai, explore the shorter Kuloa Point Trail to see the Seven Sacred Pools (Ohe'o Gulch), though swimming access varies. TikTok For those seeking a more tranquil experience, the Kipahulu Point Overlook offers a peaceful spot to enjoy ocean breezes and reflect on the area's history. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Pipiwai Trail

The Pipiwai Trail is a 3.4-mile out-and-back hike within the Kipahulu District of Haleakalā National Park. It's renowned for its immersive journey through a lush rainforest, leading to two spectacular waterfalls: Makahiku Falls and the towering Waimoku Falls, which plunges 400 feet. TikTokInstagram

As you ascend, you'll walk through a magical bamboo forest, a truly unique experience that many visitors describe as otherworldly. The trail is well-maintained but can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear and bring water. The sheer scale of the bamboo and the power of the waterfalls make this hike a highlight for many Road to Hana travelers. TikTok

Local Tip: While the trail itself is the main draw, keep an eye out for the massive banyan tree along the path. It's an impressive sight and a great spot for photos. The sound of the rainforest and the distant roar of the falls create a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere. TikTok

The Significance of Kipahulu Point Overlook

Kipahulu Point Overlook is a small, often overlooked park that holds a unique historical and natural significance. It offers a quiet place to pause and enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean, though dense foliage can sometimes limit the vistas. Reddit

This spot is notable for its connection to Lowell Thomas, the famed explorer and broadcaster, who received an Explorers Club award that is commemorated here. His son, Lowell Thomas Jr., is credited with placing an object at this site. The proximity to the grave of aviator Charles Lindbergh and a tiny church adds another layer of historical intrigue to the location. Reddit

While it may not offer dramatic panoramic views, Kipahulu Point Overlook provides a peaceful respite. It's a place for quiet reflection, a picnic lunch at one of its solid tables, and a moment to appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical footnotes that characterize this part of Maui. Reddit

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