ʻOheʻo Gulch

Tourist attraction · Maui County

ʻOheʻo Gulch

Tourist attraction · Maui County

Pipiwai Trail, Hana, HI 96713

Highlights

Waterfalls, pools, lush jungle, and short hiking trails

Pipiwai Trail, Hana, HI 96713 Get directions

nps.gov

@haleakalanps

@travelleisure

23 Best Road Trips in the U.S.

"A series of multi-tiered cascading pools within Haleakala National Park that serve as a popular stop for visitors exploring the eastern shore; the gentle waterfalls and terraced basins offer a picturesque, post-drive destination well suited to leisurely exploration after a long scenic drive." - Sarah Rose Sarah Rose Sarah Rose is a journalist and the author of two best-selling novels. She was a news columnist at The Wall Street Journal and her features have appeared in Outside, The Washington Post, Travel + Leisure, Bon Appétit, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/road-trips/americas-most-scenic-roads

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@goop

"The perfect ending point on the road to Hana, ‘Ohe’o Gulch is also called the “Seven Sacred Pools,” and its not surprising—the seven swimming pools linked by stunning waterfalls and surrounded by lush green jungle look like something out of Avatar. The name is a bit misleading, as there are many more than seven pools, all of which are ripe for climbing, swimming, and exploring. Don’t be surprised if you see locals and tourists alike climbing the slick rocks to jump from the cliffs—to be clear, we don’t recommend it, as there are several warning signs, and there have been a few deaths here over the years. Check with your concierge before you make the trip; the area can get dangerous in wet weather, when it’s vulnerable to flooding."

The Maui Guide

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Delaney Lehmann

Google

Beautiful destination in southern Maui - worth the drive on the somewhat terrifying road to Hana. We hiked up to the falls as well (4 miles round trip) and it was very beautiful. If we had more time, I would have loved to explore the seven sacred pools more thoroughly and take more time along the trail. Some other highlights beyond the waterfall were the large banyan tree and the bamboo forest. The sound of the bamboo trunks hitting each other in the breeze was like a (very large) set of wind chimes. Though the hike had plenty of steps and steep inclines, we saw hikers of all ages and abilities on our way.

Big Fish Dive Club

Google

A very short walk from the Visitor Center of Haleakala National Park south entrance. This is where you will find the 7 Sacred Pools and some waterfalls. The views of the pools were nice and the ocean views were mesmerizing. Along the way, we learnt about the history of the area and Hawaii’s land division history. You will need to have a National Park Pass or buy a 3-day pass good for all National Parks for $30 at the entrance. There are two ways to get here, either via the famous (albeit winding) Hana Highway or through the narrow but beautiful ocean front road through the southern part of Maui. We drove from Ka’anapali through the south and then return via Hana Highway. It took about the same amount of time for us to and from this spot with some sightseeing stops and for lunch. Roughly 4 hours each way. It was well worth the drive, but I probably won’t do it again as it was not an easy drive. We’ve visited both 7 Sacred Pools (the other one being in Sedona, Arizona) and found this one was to be much more impressive.

Justin Craft

Google

You can't deny the beauty of this place and the absolutely serenity of the Gulch. This area first opened in 1968/69 and allowed swimming up until 2018. They claim they have not fixed the flash flood system in all these years, so you can be the judge of that. The park staff was extremely rude when asked about it, and since there is only a small camp ground and some limited trails left here, it makes for a very disappointing drive here, almost 3 hours from Paia. 10 stars on the beauty, lure, and awe of this place. -10 stars on the parks department and the people of Hana who have made it clear they do not want tourism in their area and refuse to service this park.

Luis Duckworth

Google

It's cool, see it if you're around. Access only through the national park (NP) or when you drive over the bridge (plenty of signs telling you not to stop and there's no parking area other than the NP, sadly).

Brian Ward

Google

Fun park to view waterfalls and the pools. No beaches here. The loop hike to the pools is half a mile and mostly flat. The hike to see the bigger falls is out-and-back and fairly strenuous and all uphill. The Banyan tree is 0.5 miles up and the bamboo forest is 1 mile up. It took a fairly fit couple about 40 minutes to the Banyan tree and back. So if a family wants to do the full trail, bring snacks and plan for at least half a day. Facilities were well-maintained and restrooms were available.

Melissa Jandreski

Google

So blessed to be back to this spot after 10 yrs. It is a long drive to get here on a curvy narrow road. A day affair and the trails can go upward. It’s all worth it in my opinion. But I’m a nature person. My daughter says it’s not worth it. Something to keep in mind depending on what you like. I was bummed to find out you can’t go down to beach area anymore. It’s been closed since 2018. Still very pretty to look at seven ponds and black sand beach from look out point. Only .5 mile loop walk to get to this point from trail point. And you get to see a Banyan tree on way there.

Rachelle Lopez

Google

Just breathtaking views of the waterfalls and cliff. Not a long hike very easy hike more like a walking trail. My families go to place to spend an hour just enjoying the view. We love it here. So many exotic tropical plants as well. Just 30 minutes or so from the Park Store.

SMorris Travels

Google

Also known as 'The 7 Sacred Pools,' chances are this is your last PLANNED stop on the Road to Hana. I say planned because I have another recommended stop, if you're a history type of person. If not, this is a beautiful place to go for the short walk and view the falls and pools. There is plenty to see while sitting still along the route. And as this area has steep drops, there are also some entertaining signs to keep you safe. Here you will also find drinking water, bathrooms, and a small visitor center. Keep in mind this is part of the National Park System and will require an entrance fee.