We may earn a commission when you book or buy through links on this page.
Haleakala Ridge Trail
Located within the Upcountry Maui & Haleakala Region on Maui
Guide Snapshot
A quick fit check before you commit to this trail.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
1.6 miles
Estimated time
1-2 hours
Elevation & terrain
High-elevation ridge near Polipoli
Family fit
Older kids only
Highlights
Haleakala · Ridge · Polipoli
Polipoli Springs State Recreation Area
Haleakala National Park
If you’re in the vicinity of Polipoli Springs State Park, you’ll want to check out the Haleakala Ridge Trail, a 1.6 mile moderately difficult hike offering amazing views in all directions.
The trail starts above Polipoli Springs State Recreational Area on the skyline switchback at 6,550 feet 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 feet elevation.
The great views are due to much of this trail is not being forested, so allow plenty of time for enjoying the scenery.
Trail day tools
Before you drive to the trailhead, check the trail and weather layer.
Hawaii hikes can change quickly with closures, rain, mud, heat, and daylight.
Haleakala Ridge Trail winds its way through grassy tracts, rough cinders, native scrub brush, and a non-native forest of pine, eucalyptus, and other species of trees. The trail joins the end of the Polipoli Trail leading back to the park 0.3 miles from the top.
At the 0.7 mile point a short spur trail leads down into a cinder cone at the bottom of which is a cave that has been developed into a trail shelter.
At 1.2 miles there is a junction with the Plum Trail which heads north across the mountain slope.
After winding through the last stretch of forest, the Haleakala Rudge Trail leads you out of the trees to the crest ridge where you'll enjoy stunning views of the rift valley the pastures below.
Note that the Haleakala Ridge, Polipoli, Redwood, and Plum Trails form a 3.5-mile loop that is more than worth your time.
For your safety as well as for the well-being of the area’s delicate ecosystem, always stay on marked trails and do not touch or disturb plants or wildlife in any way.
You should also wear bright colors in the area so you can be easily spotted by any hunters that may be off the marked trails.
As with all Haleakala National Park hikes, be prepared with adequate hiking apparel and, of course, plenty of sunscreen. Even on a cloudy day the sun's rays are very strong. Be sure to check out our Haleakala backpacking and camping packing list so you can hit the trail safely and comfortably.
How to Get There
From Kahului, take Highway 37 past Pukalani to the second junction of Highway 377. Turn left on 377 for about 0.3 miles, 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 ft. elevation, where the pavement ends. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended when driving this road.
Founder & certified Hawai'i travel expert with 20+ years in Hawai'i tourism, University of South Carolina climate-research training, and NOAA weather-station experience.
Dry conditions on Oʻahu today, with breezy wind in exposed areas. Drier weather continues through Wednesday as moisture clears out.
A medium-sized northwest swell will bring elevated surf to north and west-facing shores tonight through Sunday morning—conditions may briefly reach advisory levels. East-facing shores stay rough through the weekend. Winds remain breezy through Sunday, easing slightly Monday and Tuesday before picking up again Wednesday. A Small Craft Advisory is active through Monday morning for most coastal waters due to wind and sea state. Scattered showers arrive Thursday into Friday.
South and west shore beaches work well through Sunday for calmer conditions. North shore is worth watching tonight and Sunday morning if you're drawn to bigger waves.
0:000:54
Voice
Read the transcript
Skies are drying out across Maui today through Wednesday as moisture clears. Winds will be noticeably breezy, especially in exposed and terrain-favored spots.
North and west-facing shores will see elevated surf tonight into Sunday morning as a medium-sized northwest swell moves in—conditions may briefly reach advisory levels. East-facing shores stay rough through the weekend. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Monday morning for coastal waters due to wind and sea conditions. Winds ease slightly late Monday and Tuesday, then strengthen again Wednesday. The next chance of scattered showers arrives Thursday through Friday.
If you're heading to the beach, south and west shores are your best bet through Sunday. North shore is worth watching tonight and Sunday morning if you're into bigger waves.
0:000:53
Voice
Read the transcript
Mostly clear and dry today on the Big Island, with noticeably breezy winds in exposed areas and terrain-favored spots. That breeze continues through Sunday.
North and west-facing shores will see elevated surf tonight into Sunday morning as a medium-sized northwest swell arrives—conditions may briefly reach advisory levels. East-facing shores stay rough through the weekend. South shores stay small. A Small Craft Advisory covers most coastal waters through Monday morning due to wind and sea conditions. Winds ease slightly late Monday and Tuesday, then pick up again Wednesday. Scattered showers arrive statewide Thursday to Friday.
Head to the south and west shores for beach and snorkeling through Sunday. If bigger waves interest you, the north shore has surf to watch tonight into Sunday morning.
0:000:49
Voice
Read the transcript
Drier air is moving in through Wednesday. Winds will be noticeably breezy, especially in exposed areas.
Tonight into Sunday morning, a medium-sized northwest swell will push elevated surf onto the north and west shores—conditions may briefly reach advisory levels. East-facing shores stay rough through the weekend. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Monday morning for coastal waters due to wind and sea state. Winds ease slightly late Monday and Tuesday, then pick up again Wednesday. Scattered showers arrive Thursday or Friday.
Hit the south and west shores for swimming and snorkeling through Sunday. If you want to watch big waves, the north shore is worth a look tonight into Sunday morning.
Created with AI from the official NWS forecast discussion · verify with NWS before heading out
