Haleakala Kipahulu District reopens today

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The Maui News, July 22, 2020

Haleakala National Park reopened the Kipahulu District from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays starting today.

The Pipiwai and Kuloa Point trails will be accessible as well.

“The park has and will continue to work closely with our local community and neighboring agencies in East Maui,” said park Superintendent Natalie Gates. “We understand continued desire of the residents of Hana and Kipahulu to keep family and loved ones safe.

“We ask that anyone planning to visit the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park to please kokua by remembering to wear a mask, stay home if you are sick, practice physical distancing of at least 6 feet or more, and to be respectful of our local community.”

Access to East Maui through Hana and Piilani highways was restricted to residents only in March as the COVID-19 pandemic began taking hold on Maui. The roads were opened Thursday to all traffic.

The Kipahulu District has been closed since March 17.

The park service reminds those planning to visit the Kipahulu District to be self-sufficient, noting that emergency medical assistance is at least one hour away. Useful items to bring include a face mask; hand sanitizer; appropriate clothing for hot, humid, and rainy weather; and adequate food and water.

The Kipahulu Visitor Center, campground and Pools of ‘Ohe’o remain closed.

The Summit District is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with sunrise reservations being taken for visits from 3 to 7 a.m. The park service recommends heading to the gate no later than 3:30 p.m. to allow adequate drive time to the park entrances before gates close. Sunrise reservations, which cost $1, can be made online at Recreation.gov.

Restrooms at the Headquarters Visitor Center at 7,000 feet and the Haleakala Visitor Center at 9,740 feet remain open, though both visitor centers are closed.

The Hosmer Grove Trail, Supply Trail from Hosmer Grove to Halemau’u Trail junction, Leleiwi Overlook Trail and Pa Ka’oao (White Hill) Trail remain open.

Access to the crater through the Halemau’u (Switchback) Trail and Keoneheehee (Sliding Sands) Trail remain closed. Campgrounds are closed, and commercial and special-use permits still are suspended.

A return to full operations will continue to be phased in, the park service said.

Visitors should prepare for a self-guided experience by visiting www.nps.gov/hale.