Haleakala Ridge Trail
Hawaii hikers

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

Monitor weather reports before your park visit!

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[MAUI] UPDATE 5/2/25 - Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area has REOPENED. 

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[OʻAHU] - UPDATE 5/1/25: Mauna ʻAla, Royal Mausoleum State Monument, has REOPENED.

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[OʻAHU]—UPDATE 4/25/25: Diamond head State Monument: Invitation For Bids (IFB) For Mobile Food Concession Contract at Diamond Head State Monument, Oʻahu is AVAILABLE TODAY – The IFB, including required forms for bidding, qualifications, specifications and contract, may be obtained from the DSP website: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/announcements/, or by emailing DLNR, Division of State Parks Property Manager; Ms. E. Keiki Kipapa at earleen.k.kipapa@hawaii.gov Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Hawaii Standard Time (HST) except Federal and State Holidays.

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[MAUI] - UPDATE 4/17/25: Puaʻa kaʻa Wayside and Restrooms will be CLOSED for renovations April 21 thru May 12.

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[MOLOKA’I] - UPDATE 3/24/25: Pala’au State Park Pavilion: Due to demolition and renovation work, the pavilion will be closed from March 25 to May 31.

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[KAUAʻI] - UPDATE 3/21/25: Pā‘ula‘ula State Historic Site - Due to construction improvements, the park closure will begin starting March 24 until further notice.

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[OʻAHU] UPDATED 3/18/25 – Diamond Head State Monument (DHSM): Partial Park Closures Hours with operating hours from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM will occur from April 21 onwards Monday through Friday, (except holidays).  Normal Park Hours from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM will resume on Weekends and Holidays. During Partial Park Closures Hours from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the last reservation time slot for Parking and Entry and Entry Only will be 12:00 p.m. If you reserved at 12:00 p.m., you must enter the Park no later than 12:30 p.m. or you will be denied entry. The project began January 6, 2025, and will run until July 25, 2025, upon completion of the rock fall mitigation construction project at the Kahala Tunnel. Please check back for updates.

Haleakala Ridge Trail

Trail Length 1.6 miles
Activity Pedestrian
Difficulty Moderate
Terrain Mountain Forests, Elevated Climbs
Elevation Gain 850 ft
Park Name Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area

Route

Trail starts above Polipoli Springs State Recreation Area on the Skyline switchback at 6,500′ elevation and works down the crest of the southwest rift of Haleakala past the Plum Trail junction to the lower forest reserve boundary at 5,600′ elevation. Spectacular views extend in all directions. The trail passes alternatively through rough cinders, native scrub brush, grassy swales and a planted forest of pines, eucalyptus and other tree species. The trail joins the end of the Polipoli Trail leading back to the park 0.3 mile from the top. At 1.2 mile the trail joins the Plum Trail.

The Plum, Redwood, Haleakala Ridge and Polipoli 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.