Polipoli State Park, Upcountry Maui

Once upon a time, Polipoli State park and its trails may have been a nice place to visit, but since two minor hurricanes blew past the island in 2014, felled and cut-up trees have left the area looking like a warzone. Combine this with the fact that there is little to no views on this often cloudy backside of Haleakala and elevation changes that are unchallenging to say the least make this place forgettable. Or, it would be forgettable except for the 6-mile long bumpy one-lane dirt road that take you to the remote park. Totally not worth the drive, folks, not unless you really like Redwood trees, which make up less than a mile of the trail, btw. Sorry, Polipoli, I'll leave you to the locals.

This link will take you to the state's official page. Notice what little information they give you...

Directions: From Kahului, take Highway 37 through Kula to the junction of Highway 377. Turn left on 377 for about 0.3 mile, then right on Waipoli Road. This becomes Polipoli Access Road at the first cattle guard and climbs up the mountain through a long and annoying series of switchbacks until it enters the forest at 6,400′ elevation, where the pavement ends and the road becomes an annoying one-lane dirt road with potholes. Parking lot has some picnic tables and surprisingly, a flush toilet.

Worst map ever.

Nice view.

What? No orcs?

Most interesting thing on the trails.

Bully's Burgers, Ulupalakua

Few eateries actually qualify as “burger shacks” but that is exactly what Bully’s Burgers is. Located on the mauka (inland) side of the road just a bit past Tedeschi Winery / Maui Winery, Bully’s Burgers is the last place to buy some grinds before hitting the general store in Kaupo a long ways towards Hana (assuming you’re headed towards Hana, doing the Back Road to Hana tour). Is it worth it? It certainly is the best roadside burger I’ve ever had, I’ll tell you that. It wasn’t a fancy burger either, just a plain and simple burger that they’ll tell you is 100% natural beef. (Ignore the pig in the pen next to the condiment table.) After tasting the burger I believe them, despite having to acknowledge the rest of their food and drinks are from Costco. But hey, you’ve got to give a little to get a little. It did take about 15 minutes to get the food but c’mon, this isn’t McDonalds here and there is a view to admire while you wait. Service was very friendly, too, another feather in their cap. I will mention that there are only a few tables here, so you may have to cozy up to a stranger or else eat in your car but I can’t imagine eating their burger without the view. So, if you like burgers, yes, stop here and you probably will not be disappointed. (Well, except by the prices maybe which are $9-$15 a burger. But hey, this place is out in the middle of nowhere. What do you expect?)

Location: 15900 Pi'ilani Highway; Open 11am-7pm (8pm in the summer)