MAUI HIKE FINDER

Welcome to Hike Finder

2012-12-31T10:00:00.000-10:00

My buddy Matt took a shot of me
on top of Lahaina Pali Trail 2010

Aloha, this is an informational site to help locals and visitors alike on Maui who have a place in their heart for the outdoors and need a quiet place to not be found for awhile.

Clean air and living scenery get us out of our daily stressful mindsets. I hope this website can help you, your family and your friends to be able to find your own "quiet place" on the island. Mahalo and miles of smiles.

~Stay Safe~

Jeremy

If you have any hikes you would like to see up here then shoot me an email at krazy08@hotmail.com.

Watch out for the "AGONY BOX." (For rankings 4 or 5)

FREE Guided Hike up Lahaina Pali Trail

2012-01-24T05:54:00.000-10:00

It's almost the "Whale month" of February but things are in full swing as if you have time on a Wednesday morning you can call and RSVP a place on a hike put on by the Pacific Whale Foundation up the historic Lahaina Pali Trail!

Hiker found after going missing on Halemauu Trail... down Kaupo GAP!

2012-01-23T21:14:00.001-10:00

Tried and True, on this Island... Any downhill = Ocean and a Highway!

Busy November 2011 for Hawaii Rescue Teams

2011-12-03T12:34:00.001-10:00

http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/134304473.html?id=134304473

http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/133674088.html?id=133674088

http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/133455873.html?id=133455873

http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=8139463618199885368

Hiker found after three days stuck in Iao Valley

2011-09-20T05:30:00.000-10:00

All Rivers join up and merge at Iao State Park. It's not like you can go anywhere else with all those rock faces trapping you in ONE valley.

SWINGING BRIDGES SHUT DOWN!!! (Or is it...)

2011-09-04T18:42:00.000-10:00

I was asked a few days ago to take my write up of Swinging Bridges down (and I did). But I guess there are worse problems on the horizon now.

Dog attack in the Makawao Forest Reserve- Same day as the Pit Bull attack in Waihou Springs

2011-08-19T10:12:00.000-10:00

Maalaea Boat Harbor Greeter "Casper" still recovering

Unleashed dogs now are doubling down on their attacks. Makes you wonder how some people raise their kids.

Pit Bull attacks Woman in Waihou Springs

2011-08-06T16:06:00.001-10:00

The best part is they FOUND the dog, "It's tied up and contained properly. There's no threat to society."

UPDATE: Another report of the same dog in Kuau of the dog attacking AGAIN! Story by Maui News here.

Hikes Gone Wrong: Hawaii's been ranking in the National News lately

2011-08-03T06:00:00.001-10:00

"A tragedy rock randomly falls on head" We here at HikeFinder agree. In the same way a Judge rules on a case where, "Ignorance of the Law is no excuse, son." So too should it apply for litigation when people trespass where they're not supposed to and switch their tragedy over to "Vulturing". There are ENOUGH perfectly well maintained trails with safety in place for a reason.

Extreme Kaupo Gap to Crater Hike (Over 26 Miles!!!)

2011-07-13T06:38:00.001-10:00

4 days of hiking
All your friends
9,000 ft of climbing
2 ready, paid for,cabins
Lava tubes nearby
The largest dormant volcano in the world (7 miles across the Main Crater!)
What could go fun?!

♦ Waikamoi Ridge Trail

2011-07-03T17:52:00.001-10:00

Where: Waikamoi (Lower one), Maui

Length: 1.5 Miles (Round Trip)

Hiking Time: 30 minutes

Difficulty Level: 2 of 5 (5 being most difficult)

Weather

Elevation Gain: 201 ft

Parking: Yes

Security: No

*NOTES

There are 2 ways to attack this, there will be a fork in the trails at the start. Two Gravel paths will form the shorter walk loop.
The nice Gravel WILL end if you choose to continue to the higher loop with the picnic area (See Pictures)
Don't use the first benches area to eat as everyone will be coming by there, the higher picnic table is a better shot if no one is there and you can stand the hike to eat and rest
The well-marked trail meanders through eucalyptus, ferns, and hala trees with informational markers along each tree base.
The main sign has a map

Quick History:

Waikamoi means- "waters of the king".

Directions to: From the airport, get onto Hana Highway and just head East towards Hana. The mile markers will start from 1 in Kahului, count up to 16 and then start up at Zero again along the way. With the new mile markers pass mile marker 9. Drive down into a valley then come out of it and then keep a lookout for a pullout spot on right. The sign will say Waikamoi NATURE Trail. The start of the trail is right from the parking area on quick paved path and benches.

Picture Descriptions

♦ Kahului Community Center Walk Path

2011-07-02T20:49:00.002-10:00

Where: Kahului, Maui

Length: .63 Miles (Round Trip)

Hiking Time: hours

Difficulty Level: 1 of 5 (5 being most difficult)

Weather

Elevation Gain: 65 ft

Parking: Yes

Security: No

*NOTES

Has two parking lots
Path is extremely hilly, but paved all the way around
Has the Kokua Pool and tennis courts nearby
Water faucets at the base of the hills by every batting cage. (Water tastes bad however)
Contains a bathroom structure at the top parking lot
Two full length soccer fields if you prefer a flatter alternative in the area
In the corners there are "Abdominal boards" and "Chin up Bars"
A Keiki (Children's) Playground at the bottom parking lot

Directions to: From the Kahului Airport, get onto Kaahumanu Avenue and go towards Wailuku town, after you pass the mall on your left there will be a traffic light where you take a left onto Wakea Avenue. Pass Minit Stop on your left and drive to the next street light and take a right onto Onehee Avenue, the park will be on your left. Park at the 2nd parking lot for the bathrooms.

Picture Descriptions

Credit: Luirig.altervista.org

Rainbow Eucalyptus

Credit: Mauinow.com

Credit: Ipimages.org
Chin Up Bars by Tennis Courts

Credit: MauiNews.com
Keiki (Children's) Playground also by Tennis Courts

Hiker Rescued out of Kaupo Trail after spraining her ankle

2011-06-24T16:53:00.000-10:00

This is why I always preach doing this hike uphill vs down... Heavy packs, arduous trail, and tired legs = a bad combination, always.

♦ Makila Greenway, Launiupoko

2011-06-21T20:50:00.004-10:00

**Special thanks to Guest Poster: Morgan Gerdel**

Where: Makila Greenway, Launiupoko, Maui

Length: 7.2 Miles (Round Trip)

Hiking Time: 2.5 hours

Difficulty Level: 1 of 5 (5 being most difficult)

Weather

Elevation Gain: 433 ft

Parking: Yes

Security: No

*NOTES

Park in lot across from Launiupoko Beach Park. Walk toward the ocean and make a left on the old cane road before the highway. The road will lead south, slowly moving away from the highway. After about a mile, you will come to a narrow paved road on your left, like a bike path. The path has a rolling uphill section, and then runs parallel to grade through the subdivision. There are some trail signs that show other trails going into the valley, but stick to the main paved trail to hike the Makila Greenway. As the trail crosses Kai Hele Ku Street, you will see a picnic table and some shade trees early on. If you want to cut the hike short on the way back this road will take you straight back to the parking lot.
There are awesome views of the coastline, Lanai and Molokai, and the Launiupoko valley as you hike along the trail. It gets hot even early in the morning, so be prepared and bring plenty of water.
At the end of the Greenway you will come to a reservoir, and then a metal gate with a running water beyond. It's private property beyond, so be sure to turn around here. You will find that you are above Lahaina at this point, check out the cruise ship if it is in the harbor.

Directions to: In Wailuku town, get onto Honoapiilani Highway and head west. Drive past Olowalu town. The very first street light you come too has Launiopoko Beach Park on your left, but turn right onto Kai Hele Ku Street.

Picture Descriptions (I'll try to keep these to a minimum as I don't want to ruin the experiences! ☺)

Credit: West Maui Land Company

Credit: West Maui Land Company
Trail Sign ZOOM IN

Courtesy of Morgan Gerdel and VIRR.com

♦ Waihou Spring Trail

2011-06-21T19:07:00.002-10:00

Where: Olinda, Maui

Length: Miles (Round Trip)

Hiking Time: hours

Difficulty Level: 2 of 5 (5 being most difficult)

Weather

Elevation Gain: ft

Parking: Yes

Security: No

*NOTES

CAUTION: Steep Cliff if you decide to go for the Waihou Spring at the bottom of the Gulch
There is another road that goes left as you are walking to the main loop, ignore that road and keep going straight into the woods.

Quick History:

This is an experimental forest of pines that was planted by the USGS and Hawaii's Division of Forestry and Wildlife planted in the 1920s. The trail begins on the tree plantation road and loops through a forest of Monterrey Cypress, Pines, eucalyptus, and Koa.

Picture Descriptions (I'll try to keep these to a minimum as I don't want to ruin the experiences! ☺)

Credit: Hawaii.Gov
From the side of the road

Credit: Ironic Points
The walkway in

Credit: MauiHikes.org
When you see this sign you're there!

♦ Haleakala National Park - Sliding Sands to Halemauu Hike (Respectively)

2011-06-21T12:26:00.005-10:00

Where: Haleakala, Maui

Length: 10 Miles (Round Trip)

Hiking Time: 6 Hours

Difficulty Level: 5 of 5 (5 being most difficult)

Weather

Elevation Loss: 3,327 ft
Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft

Parking: Yes, you will need 2 cars

Security: Yes, Park Rangers are present

*NOTES

Haleakala means "House of the Sun"
Stay on designated TRAILS. You may be fined upwards of $5,000 as there are MANY endemic Plants and Insect Life up here in this delicate eco-system!
Be wary of the Altitude, you will be perspiring more than you think you are as the air dissipates moisture from you faster.
Sunblock is a must
No gas stations within the park
No public transportation available either to or in the park.
Toll Booth price is $10 a vehicle
Watch out for cycling tours
3 Benchmarks to search for if you're a Geocaching fanatic!

USGS Triangulation Station "HALEAKALA 1"
Brass Disk 30 feet away from "Haleakala 1"
USGS Triangulation Station "KOOLAU"

The AGONY BOX
The hike is actually a breeze as you just traverse downhill, however the last 3 miles up a 1,500ft climb up the switch backs of Halemauu trail are no joke! And even when you get off of the cliff face you will have the longest half mile (it will feel like) in your life. The rocks are uneven, you're already bewildered by the heat or fog and the WORST part is you can SEE the parking lot in the distance. And even when you GET there, the trail makes you circle halfway around it before you can get to your car... all in view.

Quick History:

The Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) was proposed by U.S. President Ronald Reagan on March 23, 1983 to use ground and space-based systems to protect the United States from attack by strategic nuclear ballistic missiles. The ambitious initiative was "widely criticized as being unrealistic, even unscientific" as well as for threatening to destabilize MAD and re-ignite "an offensive arms race". It was soon derided as Star Wars, after the popular 1977 film by George Lucas.

Haleakala High Altitude Observatory Site is also known as "Science City", and is operated by The University of Hawai'i. While the roads are open to the public, the observatories are not.

Directions to: From the Kahului Airport (OGG) get onto Hana Highway and then onto Halekala Highway going uphill. Follow that road till you pass a few streetlights, at one of them will be a left onto State Highway 377. Right after King Kekaulike High School will be on your right. Travel uphill till you see the signs signalling the beginning of Crater Road they will all be on your left. Go up at the tollbooth and pay the park fee, visitor center will be on your right. Pass it and head up till the 8,000 ft Elev. Sign, across the street and a left turn will bring you to the Halemauu trail outlet. Drop your first car off there and continue up in your second vehicle to the summit parking lot. Park and locate the Sliding Sands Trail.

Picture Descriptions (I'll try to keep these to a minimum as I don't want to ruin the experiences! ☺)

Credit: SusanReep.com
Sliding Sands Trailhead from the
Parking Lot

Credit: BKDunn.com
It's like walking on the beach

Credit: theDesignFoundry
Signs located throughout
the Crater Floor

Credit: HoltonGallery.com
Holua Cabin

Credit: HoltonGallery.com
Nene Geese: Holua Cabin Regulars

Credit: MauiRunner.com
Never ending, staircase out of
Lunar Landscape

Credit: 14ers.com
Halemauu Trailhead at 8,000 ft Elevation

♦ War Memorial Stadium Paved Loop STADIUM CLOSED TILL SEPTEMBER

2011-06-20T18:43:00.005-10:00

***TRACK IS CLOSED till Aug 25th***
Where: Kahului, Maui

Length: Perimeter Paved Path 600 Meters
(Note: The Track is 400 Meters or .25 mile)

Walking Time: As long as you want!

Difficulty Level: 1 of 5 (5 being most difficult)

Weather

Elevation Gain: 54 ft

Parking: Yes

Security: No

*NOTES

There are 2 bathrooms and 2 water fountains on the top and bottom.
If you get bored there is Keopuolani park across the street for a change of scenery
Skate park also located in Keopuolani Park
YMCA near here
War Memorial Tennis Courts and Pool next door, if hours allow
Under the bleachers on one side, there are Chin up Bars
County of Maui Informational website listing all the extras at or around the stadium can be found HERE

Quick History:

Satoki Yamamoto, a biology teacher at Lahainaluna High School, was a pioneer in promoting track and cross country during the mid-1950s. The track facility at War Memorial Stadium is named in his honor.

Directions to: From the Kahului Airport, get onto Kaahumanu Avenue and go towards Wailuku town, take a right on Kanaloa Avenue, pass the first left which goes to the War Memorial Pool and Baldwin High School. The very next left should be an expansive parking area with the stadium at the top of the hill. Park and enjoy!

♦ Keopuolani Park Walk Path - 1 Mile Loop

2011-06-18T20:38:00.013-10:00

Where: Kahului, Maui

Length: Close to 1 Mile (Round Trip)

Hiking Time: 10-20 min, up to you!

Difficulty Level: 1 of 5 (5 being most difficult)

Weather

Elevation Gain: 30 ft

Parking: Yes

Security: No

*NOTES

Keopuolani Parkway cuts through the middle of the park. There are multiple places for parking.
There is a bathroom structure near the middle intersection on the top and another at the bottom fields with a port-a-potty.
Water can be found near the baseball fields.
Pavement all the way around
Couple of park Benches for rest
2 bus stops around it
3 entrances into the park
War Memorial Track, Tennis Courts and Pool across the street, if hours allow
Also contains a skate park.

Quick History:

Keopuolani, whose name means "gathering of the clouds of heaven," was a very influential, controversial, and important person in Hawaiian history. Kamehameha and Keopuolani had twelve kids together, two growing up to become Kamehameha II and III. Keopuolani was spoken of “with admiration on account of her amiable temper and mild behavior", said William Richards, a missionary who befriended the Hawaiian Monarchs. Keopuolani thought that the Kapu system of laws weren’t very good for the people and later, after Kamehameha the Great died in 1819, banished the Kapu system. Unfortunately she fell ill and died on September 16, 1823, but not without being the first baptized Christian in Hawaii. She was granted her request to be buried in a royal tomb, and still lays in the Waiola Cemetary, as she has for the past century and a half.
~Info taken from WaialoaChurch.org

Directions to: From the Kahului Airport, get onto Kaahumanu Avenue and go towards Wailuku town, take a right on Kanaloa Avenue, pass the first entrance into the park, then pass the YMCA on the right and take next right soon after. There are 1 of 3 entrances into the park. That road then cuts through the middle of the entire Keopuolani Park. Parking will be first or 2nd right next to this loop. The 2nd parking lot has bathrooms and water, the first has none.

Picture Descriptions

Main entrance with a Parking lot in the distance,
YMCA on the right,
and a bus stop on the left

Parking Lot #1

Path is Adjacent

Park Benches all around

Entrance to the Grotto

A glance at the botanical Hawaiian
Garden next door

Ulu/Breadfruit Trees

Sometimes Chainlink Fences aren't
a nice sight

Main Intersection of the Park

More path to extend your walks!

GREAT "Green Idea"!
Safety powered by
Solar Lighting

Most arduous area

Bathroom Structure

Parking Lot #2

View from Top of
Keopuolani Parking Lot

Intersection to Lower Fields

Final Stretch

Another path to extend exercising

♦ Waihee Dairy/Fishponds Hike - Maui Land Coastal Trust

2011-06-16T17:04:00.006-10:00

Where: Waiehu, Maui

Length: 3.5 Miles (Round Trip)

Hiking Time: 30 minutes

Difficulty Level: 1 of 5 (5 being most difficult)

Weather

Elevation Gain: 36 ft

Parking: Yes

Security: Yes, (Golf Course's)

*NOTES

Culturally Historical Site=Don't take/touch/pollute anything or leave the trail/road, please
Moonlight Hikes courtesy of Maui Land Coastal Trust-Could be spoooooooky... Refreshsments provided.
Compacted Sand Roads
Homeless people populate Waihee Beach Park, be cautious, take a friend or 20
USGS Triangulation Station "POND" for you Geocaching fanatics with two bonus reference markers nearby

Quick History:

Acquisition of the 277 acre Waihe`e Dairy property between Waihe'e Park and Waihe'e Point ensured the site, once slated for development as a destination golf resort, will be forever conserved for recreation, archaeological preservation and education, as well as habitat for native plants and animals. The old fishing village, heiau, and extensive burial sites have only been partly delineated, but appear to be one of the most productive sites remaining on Maui.

Directions to: In Wailuku town, get onto Kahekili Highway, travel North to Waiehu town. In the middle of town turn right on Halewaiu Road, pass over some speedbumps and head downhill till you can turn right again. Follow another straightaway till you get to the Waiehu Golf course. Park there. Follow the course or the road down to Waihee Beach park and hit the beach, from there head left till you run out of beach. And there you can jump back onto shore and you should see a sand road continuing on into the preserve.

Picture Descriptions (I'll try to keep these to a minimum as I don't want to ruin the experiences! ☺)

From Golf Course Side

From Kahakuloa Side

♦ Makawao Forest Reserve- Kahakapao Loop Trail

2011-06-12T21:52:00.007-10:00

Where: Piiholo/Olinda, Maui

Length: 6 Miles (Round Trip)

Hiking Time: 2 hours

Difficulty Level: 2 of 5 (5 being most difficult)

Weather

Elevation Gain: 761 ft

Parking: Yes

Security: No

*NOTES

HOURS: 7am to 7pm
Trails are marked every mile clockwise (East to West Loop)
You can take on multiple trails in the area, but the main one is marked with aluminum arrows stamped to the trees for the East/West Loop.
Signs are marked at forks to delineate.
Picnic tables are on the West Loop Side
Mountain Biking and Running can happen on this route, so when it rains the path can get real slick.
Mountain Bikers have made jumps on the other trails of this forest that I have not listed here. Be careful about those ramps as it can be hazardous if you're coming down full-speed and you can't stop.

Quick History:

The forest reserve was once the subject of a timber experiment in which many different kinds of trees from the US and various other countries were planted there. The objective was to find out if any of these species would thrive enough to be consistantly harvested in this moist, high elevation environment. Although many non-native trees were introduced to the island for the sake of this experiment, some native species can still be found there, including the well-known ohia lehua tree that provides nectar for native honycreepers.

Directions to: From Airport in Kahului, turn right on Hana Highway (Hwy. 36) and continue driving north until the next intersection, where you will turn right onto Haleakala Highway (Hwy. 37) up toward Haleakala. Turn left on Makawao Avenue (Hwy. 365). Once in Makawao, continue east through main intersection (4-way stop signs) on Makawao Ave. for .02 miles. Turn right on Piiholo Road immediately past St. Joseph’s Church and Cemetery. Continue on Piiholo Road for 1.5 miles then turn left on Waiahiwi Road, which is the first paved left. Follow Waiahiwi Road till you see Kahakapao Road on right side going mauka (mountain). Follow the road to a gate indicating the hours it will be open till. Proceed inside, there will be "inverted" speed bumps, TAKE NOTE: It may not look like cars can make it, but they can, I drive mine in all the time, just take it slow. Follow road and keep going up till you see a huge gravel parking lot on right, turn in and park. Crawl through the Yellow gate at the end of the Lot and follow the warmup trail to the "East/West Loop" Sign

For Picture Descriptions Check out this Sweet Slideshow posted by Cristina Pineda on MauiRunner.com

♦ ML&Pine - Coastal Walking Trail

2011-06-12T12:18:00.002-10:00

Where: Kapalua, Maui

Length: 7 Miles (Round Trip)

Hiking Time: 3 hours (Non-stop)

Difficulty Level: 2 of 5 (5 being most difficult)

Weather

Parking: Yes

Security: Yes

*NOTES

The Kapalua site has a lot of dead links or different sites with different maps.
Maps can be found here in PDF form. Download them and print them out to take with you!

Quick History:

Path from Kapalua's resorts to popular D.T. Fleming Beach Park. When completed, the 3.5-mile trail will reach historic Honolua Bay, where the voyaging canoe Hokule‘a began its maiden voyage to Tahiti, launching the Hawaiian cultural renaissance in spring 1976, and where surfers all over the world come over to enjoy its winter swell.

Directions to: From the airport, get onto Dairy Road which will soon turn into Kuihelani Highway to the end of the road at an intersection and turn left onto Honoapiilani Highway and travel West. Pass Lahaina town, Kaanapali, Napili; there should be signs for each town. You will start driving up a rise where the road will split in two again, at the top of this hill should be Norfolk pines and a Kapalua sign at the Apex. Turn left downhill onto Office Road. The 1st right will be the driving range, the second right is where you turn in and park anywhere you want in those lots.

Picture Descriptions (I'll try to keep these to a minimum as I don't want to ruin the experiences! ☺)

*** None Yet, still gathering info on how this trail is... ***

♦ ML&Pine - Mahana/Honolua Ridge Trail (Respectively)

2011-06-12T12:08:00.012-10:00

Where: Kapalua, Maui

Length: 6 Miles (Round Trip)

Hiking Time: 3 hours (Non-stop)

Difficulty Level: 3 of 5 (5 being most difficult)

Weather

Elevation Gain: 1,303 ft

Parking: Yes

Security: Yes

Must download KMZ #2 to see the Honolua Ridge that connects to it and view in Google Earth to complete the Trail!

*NOTES

The Kapalua site has a lot of dead links or different sites with different maps.
Shuttles are available to and from both trail ends, depending how you want to attack it. For Shuttle times, click here. Maps can be found there in PDF form also. Download them and print them out to take with you!
A quarter of the way up, by the water tank and squiggly lines, the trail meets up with a golf cart path. On it will be bathrooms, both men and women, and an ICE COLD water dispenser. Don't rely on that but I'm just saying you can replenish water for whatever you drank thus far.
USGS Triangulation Station "KAEO" on Kaeo Lookout Point has a Benchmark for you Geocaching fanatics!

Quick History:

The Maunalei Arboretum was created 80 years ago by D. T. Fleming, the visionary plantation manager of Honolua Ranch. He traveled the world seeking new plant and tree species that would complement his island home and planted them like a lei encircling the mountain top. Throughout the Maunalei Arboretum you’ll discover plants from around the world as well as native Hawaiian plants.

Picture Descriptions

Kapalua Adventure Center

Trail looking off of Honoapiilani Hwy

Looking Downhill

Looking uphill, same spot look to the left and
find the trail, most likely OVERGROWN!!

Found it? Good, this is the last time you'll
be using the road, all trail from here

And so it begins

Bathrooms and Ice Cold Water to refill,
Last STOP!

After the Rest Stop, find this staircase
when in doubt, don't take the roads

Don't miss the trail here by the reservoir ...
There's a road but you head into the middle
of the shadow and there is a trail under there
you have to find

Sign at the Scenic Point! Find the Goverment Triangulation Station here if you can!

Informational OVERLOAD

Chill and wait for the Bus, he drives right up to the hut!

♦ Kaupo to the Crater Trail (Respectively)

2011-06-11T12:01:00.026-10:00

Where: Kaupo, Maui then up & out

Haleakala Crater via Halemauu Trail

Length: 16.1 Miles (One Way)

Hiking Time: More than a Day

Difficulty Level: 5 of 5 (5 being most difficult)

Weather

Elevation Gain: 7,152 ft

Parking: No, get dropped off

Security: No

*NOTES

Warning: Book your Paliku Cabin stay in ADVANCE as this is a popular activity in Haleakala Crater!!! Or you can Camp outside, but it can get down to 30°F
No water, even from Kaupo Ranch Tanks. Fires are NOT allowed in these areas to boil as this is extremely dry brush areas on the lower slopes. No rivers in the area either, especially the closer you get to Crate floor.
As the altitudes rise, so will your effort levels with less oxygen so only EXPERIENCED hikers for everyone's safety, for real.
After getting dropped off, Google Earth shows the trail if you turn on "Roads" in layers, but it is wrong, even the trails up top vs reality. Walk PAST the houses and just keep following the wooden vertical lettered signs and they'll show you the way up.
The first four miles are my best guess, but again there will be markers for the trail.
I can honestly say the first four miles are steep uphill and in very heated climate. Harsh, rugged and a desolate part of the island.
Please close gate at Park Boundary Fence line.
You may also do this hike from top to bottom, but the footing is EXTREMELY bad, and after 16 miles with a backpack your knees start buckling and this is NOT a trail you want to be carrying someone out on. Look at everyone's experience level closely; safety is key and first. Coordinating a pickup time will be difficult also.
"NAHOLOKU RESET" for all you Geocaching Benchmark fanatics!

The AGONY BOX
What can I say? 5 of 5. That's just sane to say. First four miles would end most people's days. But that's only a ¼ of the journey. If you try to run it you end up walking faster because most of it is that steep. Things flatten out after that, but the whole way you pray that your water never runs out because it'll never be replenished. Things to get real lousy at that point then the high elevation exponentiates your fluid loss while you're in the middle of the Lunar Landscapes...

Quick History:

The Kaupo Gap is a giant crack in the wall of the crater that once spilled huge lava flows all the way to the sea. And vice-versa, Kaupo Trail is a vertical journey through coastal pasture to summit basin; transforming into volcanic moonscape. Contrasting climates and ecosystems, from recovering forest to cinder desert. The hike is also a journey through a drastically altered landscape. Ranchers once used this trail for cattle drives. In some areas, particularly near the park boundary, feral goats completely stripped the terrain of native vegetation. Everything above the Park Fence line is in a recovery stage.

Directions to: From the Kahului Airport (OGG) get onto Hana Highway and then onto Halekala Highway going uphill. Follow that road past Pukalani and Kula towns. The road will then turn curvy and become Piilani Highway. Follow the road all the way to the tiny town of Kaupo. Locate the Kaupo Store. A little past it will be a rocky driveway going uphill, YIELD to locals coming down, when you can, as this is a very slim road with some pullouts. The road will turn a sharp left and become a long gravel straightaway. There will be a gate, stop there to get dropped off and time to start following Trail signs as the hike will begin! (←See Youtube Video #3 below to see the entire road from Gate to Kaupo Store from a helmet cam)

Youtube Descriptions

Crater to Kaupo -Video Courtesy of HoltonGallery.com
Kaupo to Crater -Video Courtesy of HoltonGallery.com
Where to stop and get dropped off at/Where to get off Piilania Hwy near Kaupo Store (NOTE: ↑ Description of "Slim Road" is backwards from this video)

Picture Descriptions-Courtesy MauiRunner.com
A small band of us rank this hike to the top.
We completed the journey in Under (-)Five Hours

One Lane "Slim" Road

Look Left

What the "Vertical Trail
Signs" look like

That SIGN is historical!

Near the Start above
Kaupo Store

Random breaks of Cover happen
after you leave the Ranch Lands

Halfway there

Ohelo Berries

Haleakala means, "House of the Sun"

Tried and Tested Moss

No man's Land

Mars Copy?/

Area knows as,
"Pele's Paintbucket"

Endangered Nene hanging out
at Holua Cabin

Halemauu Switchbacks

Final Push

Boom, we're out!

Family, friends mourn girl killed in East Maui rockfall while hiking

2011-06-11T06:19:00.000-10:00

Family and friends of 8-year-old Sophia "Sophie" Mae DeLoria attended her funeral along with hundreds of others Friday morning on Front Street at Holy Innocents Episcopal Church .

Hike Naked: Germany Opens New Nude-Friendly Nature Trails - Yahoo! News

2011-06-10T20:11:00.000-10:00

Germany just made it ok to shine all your friends!

MAUI HIKE FINDER

Welcome to Hike Finder

FREE Guided Hike up Lahaina Pali Trail

Hiker found after going missing on Halemauu Trail... down Kaupo GAP!

Busy November 2011 for Hawaii Rescue Teams

Hiker found after three days stuck in Iao Valley

SWINGING BRIDGES SHUT DOWN!!! (Or is it...)

Dog attack in the Makawao Forest Reserve- Same day as the Pit Bull attack in Waihou Springs

Pit Bull attacks Woman in Waihou Springs

Hikes Gone Wrong: Hawaii's been ranking in the National News lately

Extreme Kaupo Gap to Crater Hike (Over 26 Miles!!!)

♦ Waikamoi Ridge Trail

♦ Kahului Community Center Walk Path

Hiker Rescued out of Kaupo Trail after spraining her ankle

♦ Makila Greenway, Launiupoko

♦ Waihou Spring Trail

♦ Haleakala National Park - Sliding Sands to Halemauu Hike (Respectively)

♦ War Memorial Stadium Paved Loop **STADIUM CLOSED TILL SEPTEMBER**

♦ Keopuolani Park Walk Path - 1 Mile Loop

♦ Waihee Dairy/Fishponds Hike - Maui Land Coastal Trust

♦ Makawao Forest Reserve- Kahakapao Loop Trail

♦ ML&Pine - Coastal Walking Trail

♦ ML&Pine - Mahana/Honolua Ridge Trail (Respectively)

♦ Kaupo to the Crater Trail (Respectively)

Family, friends mourn girl killed in East Maui rockfall while hiking

Hike Naked: Germany Opens New Nude-Friendly Nature Trails - Yahoo! News

♦ War Memorial Stadium Paved Loop STADIUM CLOSED TILL SEPTEMBER