Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
hearing the crunch of volcanic cinder beneath your feet, bathed in moonlight amid a pan-
orama of geological wonder, only to cap off the experience by watching the sun gradually
set the colors of the mountain ablaze. Should you attempt to hike the crater by moonlight,
it's best to be overly prepared. Bring a backpack full of extra clothing, carry extra water,
pack an extra flashlight. You'll be exposed to windchills that can dip below freezing at any
time of the year.
KAUPO GAP
“Shooting the gap” is the most extreme hike on the island. It takes two days, covers 17.5
miles, and has an elevation drop of 9,500 feet. In order to complete the hike you need
to be in prime physical condition and comfortable in the backcountry. The majority of
hikers spend the night at Paliku Cabin, which at a distance of 9.2 miles from Sliding Sands
trailhead is the remotest—and lushest—of the crater's three backcountry cabins. For those
without a cabin reservation there is a primitive campsite at Paliku; free permits can be ar-
ranged at the park headquarters. On the second day of the hike you'll make a steep descent
from Paliku, pass through a gate that marks the park boundary, and continue across private
land (which is allowed) from here until Kaupo Store. Once outside of the park boundary,
keep a lookout for axis deer and feral goats, as they will occasionally leap across the trail.
You finish the hike in the semi-deserted outpost of Kaupo at a distance of 53 road miles
from where you started, so if you ever want to make it back to civilization, you either have
to arrange a ride or convince the rare passerby to shuttle your sweaty, backcountry body
all the way to the other side of the island. If you're up for the challenge, however, pack
accordingly, be prepared, let someone know where you're going, and take lots of pictures.
There aren't many places in America as pristine as what you'll find out here.
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Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area
Polipoli is an out-of-the-way, rarely visited destination offering some of the best hiking on
the island. The trails at Polipoli pass through stands of old-growth redwoods, eucalyptus,
ash, and pines. To reach Polipoli, drive on Highway 37 (Kula Highway) as if you were
heading to Ulupalakua Ranch and the Tedeschi Winery. At the second junction of High-
ways 37 and 377 (just past Kula Country Farms), make a left on Highway 377 and travel
for 0.3 mile until you reach Waipoli Road, where you will take a right. Follow Waipoli
Road for about a mile until it crosses a cattle guard, and continue on the switchbacking
road through the pastures. This is the scenic—and only—entranceway for vehicles to reach
the hiking trails above.
