Haleakala Ridge Trail
Hawaii hikers

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

Monitor weather reports before your park visit!

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[HAWAI'I] - UPDATE 6/17/25: West Hawai’i Island Parks to Close Early on 4th of July Holiday. To prevent unauthorized use of fireworks on the 4th of July, and the potential for wildfire, three west side parks will close early on that day. Park visitors must exit these dry, leeward parks by 5pm, when the gates will be locked. The parks affected include Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area, including Waialea Beach section, Kīholo State Park Reserve, and Kekaha Kai State Park (both the Mahaiʻula and Maniniʻōwali sections). The public is reminded that fireworks are prohibited at all times, in all Hawaiʻi State Parks.

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[MOLOKA’I] - UPDATE 6/16/25: Pala’au State Park Pavilion: Due to continued renovation work, the pavilion closure has been extended from June 1 to July 31. The Pala’au Camping Area has been CLOSED from June 1 to July 31, 2025.

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[MAUI] UPDATED 6/4/25 – Kaumahina State Wayside - CLOSED June 12 to June 22 for tree removal project.

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[MAUI] UPDATED 5/23/25 – Mākena State Park - State Parks is issuing an Invitation for Bids (“IFB”) to qualified parties interested in a Mobile Food Truck Concession Agreement to operate a Mobile Food Truck (“MFT”) Concession at Mākena State Park. More information may be obtained on the following link: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/announcements/invitation-for-bid-for-sealed-bid-proposal-to-provide-a-mobile-food-truck-concession-at-makena-state-park-on-maui/.

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[OʻAHU] UPDATED 5/21/25 – Diamond Head State Monument (DHSM): Updated June Operating Hours - The rockfall mitigation project began January 6, 2025 and will run until September 5, 2025 or upon completion of the construction project at the Kahala Tunnel. Please check the Diamond Head State Monument website for updated park operation hours during this time.

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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.

Haleakala Ridge Trail

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    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.