Polipoli Trail
Hawaii hikers

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

⚠️ Always monitor weather reports and ocean conditions before your park visit. 

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[STATEWIDE] UPDATE 3/12/26 – All State Parks and Recreation Areas on all Islands, as well as State Park Offices, will be closed as of Friday, 3/13 for public safety.  A severe storm is expected to bring flooding rain, high winds, and thunderstorms to most of the State from  through the weekend.    Please check weather reports and check back frequently for storm closure updates.

 

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[HAWAIʻI] UPDATE  3/5/26 – ʻAKAKA FALLS STATE PARK: Dept. of Water Supply shut off water in the area until further notice affecting the park.

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[O‘AHU] UPDATE  3/4/26 - KA‘ENA POINT STATE PARK, MOKULE‘IA SECTION, VEHICLE ACCESS GATE: Will REOPEN today [UPDATE 3/12 - temporarily closed due to storm]. You need the 2026 Gold decal adhered to the rear of your vehicle to enter the park, the accompanying permit account provides access to the gate combination online. The 2024-2025 Purple decals are no longer valid. Apply for a 2026 Kaʻena Point Vehicle Access Permit here. All applicants must create a NEW account and apply as a new applicant. We are experiencing significant delays in processing, we appreciate your continued patience. Vehicle access dirt road repairs are occurring to stabilize severe erosion, and armor problem areas with aggregate to reduce erosion and puddling, and improve road stability.

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[KAUAʻI, OʻAHU, HAWAIʻI] 2/10/26 – Wailua River State Park (Kauaʻi), Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park (Oʻahu), Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park (Hawaiʻi): All commercial kayak operators must apply for a Rental Vessel Special Use Permit – Commercial Application, each kayak vessel requires a registered decal. Visit State Parks Permits page here and download and mail in the Rental Vessel Special Use Permit – Commercial Application.

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[ALL ISLANDS] UPDATE – 12/12/25: Camping - Reservations for February 1, 2026 and beyond available at https://explore.ehawaii.gov, please create an account on Explore Outdoor Hawaiʻi to make a camping reservation.

Polipoli Trail

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    Trail Length 0.6 miles
    Activity Pedestrian
    Difficulty Moderate
    Terrain Mountain Forest
    Elevation Gain 200 ft
    Park Name Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area

    Route

    Trail begins at Polipoli Springs State Recreation Area and crosses on the contour of the Haleakala Ridge Trail. It passes through dense stands of cypress, cedars, and pines. It ends in an open grassy swale.

    The Polipoli, Redwood, Plum and Haleakala Ridge Trails form a loop trail worth hiking (3.5 miles).

    There are many other trails in the area, part of an extensive system administered by the State’s Trail and Access system, Nā Ala Hele.

    Directions

    From Kahului, take Highway 37 past Pukalani to the second junction of Highway 377. Turn left on 377 for about 0.3 mile, then right on Waipoli Road. This becomes Polipoli Access Road at the first cattle guard and climbs up the mountain through a long series of switchbacks until it enters the forest at 6,400′ elevation, where the pavement ends.

    Additional Info

    • Mountain biking is not allowed on this trail.
    • Stay on the trail.
    • Keep dogs on leash.
    • Pack out at least what you pack in.
    • No open fires.
    • Wear bright clothing.
    • Be aware that you may encounter hunters who are hunting off the trail.