Poli Poli: Hiking the Redwoods of Maui

 Redwood trees on Maui?! This island really does have it all. 6000' up the slopes of Haleakala lies the hidden nature paradise of Poli Poli. Hiking trails, hunting, camping, rare bird sightings, and giant redwoods await those adventurous enough to tackle the windy offroad driving that leads up from the town of Kula.
 Usually this elevation is shrouded in clouds. We were very lucky on this day because it was clear and sunny and at least twenty degrees colder than what we left behind at the shoreline. We hit the Redwood Trail after taking our non 4X4 Nissan Versa along the "4X4 only road" to the final parking lot. If it hasn't rained in a few days the road is totally passable for any car. 


 As we hiked through the changing landscape we kept wondering if we had hit the redwood grove yet. Once you see it though, you know. The huge, although still young, redwoods emerge out of the mist. It was then that we noticed the fog rolling in. It gave the forest a mystical feel. As a photographer I was hoping that this would happen. The coastal redwoods are massive, and as straight as an arrow.

 Not only is the hiking incredible, but the views of lower Maui are well worth the drive. You can see from the north shore to Ma'alaea bay. And if you stick around until sunset you may get one of the most colorful tropical sunsets anywhere on the island. It can give you a hint of the Pacific Northwest or just awe the nature lover inside. If you have been living on the island and are looking for something way different, from the trees to the smells to even the sounds of the birds, Poli Poli State Park is the place to go.

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