Private Pīpīwai Trail Hike & Haleakalā Sunset Tour

From Bamboo Forests & Waterfalls to Sunset Above the Clouds!

After sampling fresh fruit at a sustainability-focused organic farm, set off on the famous Pīpīwai Trail. Pass the Makahiku Falls overlook and a sprawling banyan tree draped in aerial roots, then follow boardwalks through a towering bamboo forest that whispers in the breeze until Waimoku Falls appears, plunging nearly 400 feet (122 m) down a sheer cliff face.

Then the scenery flips. Refuel at an Upcountry food stop of your choosing, climb the Haleakalā Highway into the summit district, and trade rainforest for high-elevation volcanic terrain at Hosmer Grove, Leleiwi Overlook, and Puʻu ʻUlaʻula, the island's 10,023-foot (3,055 m) summit. The day ends at Keoneheʻeheʻe Overlook, watching the light change across the landscape above the clouds as the sun goes down.

Duration

1. 12 Hours
   
2. Pīpīwai Trail Hike: approximately 3–4 hours, about 4 miles (6.4 km) round trip with roughly 800 ft (244 m) of elevation gain.
   
3. Summit district: A short walk through Hosmer Grove plus overlook stops, finishing with sunset at Keoneheʻeheʻe Overlook.
   
4. The office will confirm your exact pickup time based on your location, the season, driving time, and sunset!
   

Location / Where to Meet

1. Door-to-door pickup from your resort, hotel, condo, cruise-port meeting point, or another agreed location on Maui, with return to your original pickup point.
   
2. Cruise Guests: contact the team after booking so pickup can be coordinated with your ship's schedule!
   
3. Restrooms: Rest stops are built into the day, and restrooms are available at the Park Headquarters Visitor Center.
   

Ages & Requirements

1. All Ages Welcome: Children are welcome, though this is a long 12-hour day with a substantial hike, so it's best suited to older kids and adults.
   
2. Car Seats & Boosters Required: Families traveling with young children must bring their own appropriate car seats or booster seats, as these are not provided.
   
3. Private Group Size: Maximum of 7 guests per private vehicle. Groups of 6–7 guests should be aware that the additional passengers will occupy middle seats.
   
4. Fitness Recommendations: Physical fitness is recommended. The Pīpīwai Trail is a moderate, approximately 3–4 hour hike in a remote area that the National Park Service describes as moderately strenuous.
   
5. Uneven Terrain: There is uneven footing with roots and rocks, plus boardwalks and footbridges that can be slick even when the coast is dry. Summit walks are on uneven, high-elevation volcanic terrain.
   
6. High-Elevation Considerations: Haleakalā's summit reaches 10,023 feet (3,055 m), where the thinner air can make physical activity more demanding. Take your time, stay hydrated, and notify your guide if you feel unwell.
   
7. Cold & Changing Weather: Summit temperatures can be 30°F (17°C) or more colder than the coast, with strong winds, clouds, and changing weather conditions. Warm layers are essential.
   
8. Post-Scuba Diving Altitude Restrictions: Recent scuba divers should wait at least 18 hours after a single no-decompression dive or 24 hours after multiple no-decompression dives before traveling to high elevations. These are general minimum recommendations, not a guarantee of safety for a trip to Haleakalā's summit. We recommend scheduling your summit tour before any scuba diving activities to avoid altitude-related decompression risks.
   

What's Included

1. Private Luxury Ford Expedition and local guide
   
2. Door-to-door pickup and return from your resort, hotel, condo, or meeting point
   
3. Haleakalā National Park entry for both park districts (Kīpahulu and Summit)
   
4. Guided hike on the Pīpīwai Trail to Waimoku Falls
   
5. Customizable pace and stops
   
6. Yeti cooler with ice and drinks
   
7. Hand sanitizer and bug spray on board
   
8. Air-conditioning, charging outlets, and Bluetooth sound system
   

Not Included

1. Gratuity – Never expected, but if you have a great experience, please consider gifting 10–25% to your guide!
   
2. Food and drink purchases at stops (provisioning stop in Kahului and Upcountry food stop)
   
3. Car seats and boosters
   
4. Towels
   

What to Bring / Wear

1. Sturdy Hiking Shoes – Broken in, closed-toe, with grippy tread. The trail can be muddy and the boardwalks slick.
   
2. Water Shoes or Flip-Flops – For after the hike.
   
3. Change of Clothes & Towels – You may get wet or muddy on the trail before heading to the cold summit.
   
4. Warm Layers or a Jacket – Summit temperatures can drop 30°F (17°C) or more below the coast, especially at sunset. A beanie and lightweight gloves help too.
   
5. Long Pants – For the summit and sunset.
   
6. Swimwear (Optional)
   
7. Rain Protection – A lightweight rain jacket or poncho for the rainforest.
   
8. Sun & Insect Protection – Brimmed hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, and insect repellent (bug spray is also available on board).
   
9. Reusable Water Bottle & Snacks – Stay hydrated on the hike and at altitude.
   
10. Dry Bag – To protect your phone and camera from rain on the trail.
    
11. Credit Cards & Cash – For food, drinks, and purchases at stops.
    
12. Camera – A waterproof camera or phone case is handy in the rainforest.
    
13. Personal Medications – Bring any medications you may need, including motion sickness medication (take before the tour).
    
14. Please remove any jewelry, watches, or anything that can get damaged by water or dirt, or that you don't want to lose.
    

Check Out Our Haleakala Tour Here!

Check Out Our Pipiwai Hike Tour Here!