Polipoli Trail
Hawaii hikers

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

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

[KAUA’I] UPDATED 5/13/26

Kalalau Trail will REOPEN today, as stream levels have dropped. The Ha’ena shuttle has resumed.

[O’AHU] UPDATED 5/11/26

Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline -Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail: Will be CLOSED for three mornings for essential maintenance. The trail will be closed until 11 A.M. on the following Tuesdays: May 12, May 19, and May 26.

Wahiawā Freshwater State Recreation Area: Portions of the park which access the reservoir (Also known as Lake Wilson) will be closed Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 1 a.m. the park will remain open to visitors for onshore activities, but lake access via the boat ramp, reservoir banks, and reservoir shores will not be allowed until further notice.

Ka’ena Point State Park, Mākua Section has REOPENED to beach access. The Keawa’ula section remains CLOSED due to road repairs. The Mokule’ia vehicle access road remains CLOSED due to unsafe road conditions, this section remains open to pedestrian and bicycle access. 

Polihale State Parks has REOPENED.

Koke’e State Park camping will be CLOSED for campground improvements. Construction to begin May 2026 and extend through Spring 2027.

Pāʻulaʻula State Historic Site: CLOSED for construction.

[MAUI] UPDATE 4/20/26

‘Iao Valley State Monument: Will be CLOSED until June 26, 2026 for safety improvements.

Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area: Polipoli cabins and camping areas are CLOSED until further notice.


[HAWAI’I] UPDATED 4/10/26

Notice to bidders for Mobile Food Truck Concessions opened today for certain Hawai’i Island parks. More information at: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/announcements/mobile-food-truck-concessions-hawaii/

Akaka Falls State Park: Water and comfort station CLOSED, park open with portable toilets.

[MOLOKAʻI] 3/23/26

Palaʻau State Wayside and camping areas CLOSED for renovations until May 4.

Polipoli Trail

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.