Take this with you: Hiking the Pipiwai Trail

Haleakala National Park is a treasure trove of outdoor adventure on Maui, and if you're looking for an immersive trek into one of the island's most beautiful natural areas, the Pipiwai Trail is an excellent choice for a short excursion.

At about 4 miles out and back, the Pipiwai Trail is the perfect length for most hikers to experience some incredible scenery while still allowing enough time for a trip up to Haleakala Summit or an afternoon at the beach. Before you hit the trail, though, you'll want to make sure your equipment is in order. Bring these items to ensure you have the best-possible experience en route to the famed Pools of ‘Ohe'o "This indicates a link to an external site that may not meet accessibility guidelines." (the Seven Sacred Pools) or bamboo forest.

Image Credit: Max Delaquis via Flickr

Trusty hiking boots

Because some of the most scenic parts of the Pipiwai Trail include wooden walkways, it's easy to form the mistaken impression that the trail is an easy walk to complete in your street shoes or sandals. While it's true that the bamboo forest section does have an elevated boardwalk, this is only one segment of the trail. If you look at photos from other sections, you'll notice rocky, muddy terrain. You can wear hiking sandals, but you'll probably end up with muddy feet if you do. Make the trip comfortable by wearing broken-in waterproof hiking boots with thick wool socks. Packing these items for your Maui trip will allow you to take advantage of a range of other rugged trails, including the several miles of trails up at the peak of Haleakala, so it's worth the suitcase real estate.

Rain gear

The lower section of Haleakala National Park, known as the Kipahulu District "This indicates a link to an external site that may not meet accessibility guidelines.", is located on Maui's windward side, so be prepared for rain. This part of the island is essentially a tropical rainforest, and passing showers aren't uncommon. Even though Maui is a relatively small landmass, it can be cloudy and rainy on the windward side while the western leeward side is totally sunny and dry. A poncho or light rain shell should be sufficient to keep you comfortable in a passing shower or steady sprinkle on the Pipiwai Trail.

A backpack

The Pipiwai Trail "This indicates a link to an external site that may not meet accessibility guidelines." isn't exactly a remote place; you're likely to see lots of other hikers on the trail at any time of year. That means that you don't want to leave ANY valuables—or really anything at all—in your car when you park at the trailhead. Leave any non-essentials at your hotel or condo and pack everything from the car into your backpack before you lock up and go. Car theft is one of the most common crimes on Maui, and even tucking something under your front seat isn't likely to deter what essentially amounts to a professional prowler.

You'll also want to trade purses and shoulder bags for backpacks or even fanny packs for the day; the rocky part of the trail near the Pools of ‘Ohe'o requires most people to scramble up some boulders, and you'll want your hands free. It's important to note tha, the pools can be closed to visitors due to rockslide danger. Contact the National Park Service of Hawaii "This indicates a link to an external site that may not meet accessibility guidelines." to verify whether the pools are open or not.

Water and snacks

Hawai'i is a tropical paradise, and that means it can be hot and quite humid, especially as you head through forested areas at low elevations like you will on the Pipiwai Trail. If you're from a drier or cooler climate, the heat and humidity on Maui are likely to affect your physical performance on the trail. Even if you aren't hiking for speed, you're likely to feel parched or tired quicker than you might at home. Bring along plenty of drinking water for everyone in your group, and pack some snacks as well. You can even make yourself a Hawaiian twist on standard GORP trail mix with some macadamia nuts and dried pineapple from a local market on Maui. Resources for things like food and drink are scarce in and around Haleakala National Park "This indicates a link to an external site that may not meet accessibility guidelines.", so have these items packed in your backpack when you head out.

Binoculars and a camera (but not a drone)

From banyan trees to waterfalls, there are some incredible sights to see on the Pipiwai Trail. Capture these images in real time with some binoculars and save the memories for later with a good camera—not just the one on your phone. If possible, bring a camera equipped with video-recording capabilities so you can capture the full sensory experience of the bamboo forest section of the trail. The sound of the bamboo gently swaying and knocking together creates a rhythmic music you'll want to look back on when you get home.

Whatever kind of camera equipment you choose to bring, make sure it's handheld or supported by a tripod. Remote-controlled helicopters and other "drone" aircraft are prohibited in the park. Yes, using one of these video-enabled toys could net you some amazing footage, but you could also do damage to the plant and animal life in the park or get yourself a fine from a park ranger. There are tons of other great places on Maui where you can safely and legally fly your camera drone. Plus, hauling it out onto the trail might not be the most convenient experience, so it's best to leave this equipment behind.

Common sense and awareness

The dramatic drop-offs and gorgeous waters of the Pipiwai Trail invite hikers to make some not-so-smart choices. In fact, the National Park Service has had to close formerly open parts of the trail area due to reckless behavior resulting in major medical emergencies. Stay on the trail and obey posted signs. The area is rocky and slippery, and the volcanic soils aren't always completely stable. In early 2017, the National Park Service had to close part of the Kipahulu District due to a massive rock slide. Stepping out of bounds on trails can trigger rockslides, which endangers not only you but also the beauty of the natural area around you.