We have a day planned in February to leave from Wailea at noon (due to a work conference.. already darting out early!) to try to go to the bamboo forest/Gulch/Pipiwai Trail area. I know the drive is roughly 3-4 hours if we take the "front side" road to Hana. We will be exploring until sunset it sounds like. My questions: Is there a "closing time" to the Haleakala Park entrances? Is a an unreasonable/guaranteed unpleasant idea to travel back to Wailea in the dark on the front side of the road to Hana? Is traffic bad headed out of Hana after dark, or lighter due to tour buses already gone for the day?
(I'll also probably check the "back side" road conditions a day or two before our mid-Feb trip to see if the daylight portion of our noon trip to the forest could be accomplished from this direction. Aware of rental car issues, etc.)
Thanks for any thoughts. Want a pleasant day and up for a challenge but not up for a trip-ruining traffic nightmare.
Hello,
We spent several days in Hana exploring. We left Mamas Fish House near Paia by 2pm to drive the Hana highway, by the time we arrived at our cottage (Hana Accommodations) it was getting dark 6pm. We were not in a rush, but then you cant drive fast on Hana Highway even if you wanted to.
We did the 2 mile climb up to and pass the Bamboo Forest to the falls. It took us 5 hours round trip, We are in our 60s and hiked with our adult children and 2 year old and 5 month old grandchildren (they were carried the whole way). I would estimate with out the grandkids it would take at least 3.5 hours.
If I am reading you correctly you will not be leaving Wailea till noon? in that case you will not arrive in Hana until 4 at the earliest. I believe the park closes at dark, which comes very early in Hawaii. If at all possible book a room for the night and do a morning walk- it is beautiful. if you cant stay the night I would skip Hana and plan another time to visit, when you can actually enjoy it.
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