Poli Poli

Poli Poli Spring State Recreation Area comprises of a ten-acre swath of conifer forest in the fog belt of the Kula Forest Reserve at a 6,200 foot elevation. It is a long drive to get to this park and the trek is easier with four wheel drive. If you read our last blog on Haleakala Crater, you will remember that we mentioned very cold temperatures. Poli Poli can also dip down below zero on winter nights and is generally 20 degrees cooler than sea level elevation condos and vacation rental homes. On the plus side, you will get a pleasant break from mosqiutos as they cannot survive at such a high elevation. There is no drinkable water at this park, so be sure to bring your own.

When you arrive you will notice that the abundant redwood trees make Poli Poli look more like northern California than Maui. There is a camping area in a small clearing near the parking lot. The area is surrounded with towering trees and dynamic mists often billow through the treetops. The pervasive silence of the area makes it a good place for birdwatching. If you are very lucky, you may spot the endangered Maui "Creeper" or Maui Alauahio. There is also a trail leading to a small cave in the middle of the park, so don't forget to bring flashlights.

If you don't have camping gear, there is a single cabin that sleeps ten and can be rented if you book ahead of time. Check out the Hawaii State Parks page for more information. If you are staying at one of our vacation condo rentals such as Lahaina Shores beach resort, the 46 mile drive will take you around two hours, so be sure to fill up on gas along the way.