The Boundary Trail is the only way to access Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area without a four-wheel drive vehicle, but it’s also a very rewarding hike by itself. The name refers to the fact that the trail traces the lower boundary of the Kula Forest Reserve. Although portions of the hike are in deep forest, there are many vantages on upper Kula and central Maui on clear days. The trail passes through many species of native and introduced trees and shrubs, and also has an extensive section of coastal Redwood trees. The trail’s altitude ranges from 5000’-6000’ above sea level and the climate is cool and very wet. Deep fog is common, and temperatures can sometimes reach freezing during winter nights. The trail gets little traffic and it’s very easy to find solitude here.

The hike described here travels along the Boundary Trail, hikes a portion of Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area, and returns to the trailhead using the four-wheel drive road to Polipoli. There are many other options available in the area.

Trailhead: From central Maui, drive Hwy. 37 towards the Haleakalā Highway (Hwy. 377). Pass the first turn on Hwy. 377, and drive to the second turn onto the Haleakalā Highway (taking the first turn would add many unneeded miles). Immediately find Waipoli Road departing mauka (uphill). The road is in fine condition until you pass a Lavender Farm. From here, Waipoli Road is extremely steep, winding, and one lane in many sections. The road was recently improved, but this has caused a very deep shoulder on each side of the pavement. While traffic up here is usually light, passing another car can be difficult in the one-lane sections. After the bulk of the climbing is done, the road turns to dirt past a bridge. Four-wheel drive vehicles are necessary from this point. There is a good parking area just past the bridge for two-wheel drive vehicles. This trailhead has no services at all. Plan ahead when visiting this remote part of Maui.

Weather

Gear: This hike ranges from 5000’-6000’ above sea level. Expect very wet conditions. Sturdy, waterproof boots are a must as well as solid raingear. You’ll need to drink more water than normal at this altitude. Wear brightly-colored clothing because hunters also use the Kula Forest Reserve.

Hike: From the small parking area off the dirt road to Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area, walk along the road for less than a half mile and find the trailhead for the Boundary Trail departing downhill on the right side of the road. The trail descends steeply via switchbacks to the lower boundary of the Kula Forest Reserve. From here, you’ll be tracing the boundary of the forest reserve all the way to Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area. The trail can be tough to follow at times through the deep forest. Keep an eye out for vantages through the trees down on Upper Kula and central Maui. After a bit more than two miles, you’ll find the intersection of the Waiohuli Trail. This trail climbs back up to the four-wheel drive road into Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area. It’s a great option for a shorter hike, or if weather turns and you need to get back to the trailhead quickly. Pass this intersection and stay on the Boundary Trail. Hike two more miles toward Polipoli Spring SRA. Along the way, you’ll pass through a stand of coastal Redwood trees that rival the ones inside Polipoli Spring SRA. Feral pigs are a common sight along the trail, and you should give them space. Speaking of feral pigs, the Kula Forest Reserve features hunting so hikers should wear bright colors and stay on the trail at all times. Eventually enter Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area. Ascend to the four-wheel drive road via the Redwood Trail. Pass a cabin available for rentals, and find the access road. Simply walk the road all the way back to your vehicle. This road doesn’t get a lot of traffic, but be careful on it especially in deep fog. Give vehicles the right-of-way.

This hike ascends the Redwood Trail back to the four-wheel drive road parking, but you could do all the trails in Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area for a very long day before walking back down the road to where you parked.