Step 1 :The pomegranate hits the ground when its height is zero, i.e., when \(f(t) = 0\). We can solve the equation \(-16t^2 + 128t = 0\) to find the time it hits the ground.
Step 2 :The pomegranate reaches its highest point when its velocity is zero. The velocity is the derivative of the height function, \(f'(t) = -32t + 128\). We can solve the equation \(-32t + 128 = 0\) to find the time it reaches its highest point.
Step 3 :The maximum height is the value of the height function at the time it reaches its highest point, i.e., \(f(t)\) at the solution of \(-32t + 128 = 0\).
Step 4 :Final Answer: The pomegranate hits the ground when \(t = \boxed{8}\) seconds. It reaches its highest point when \(t = \boxed{4}\) seconds. The maximum height is \(\boxed{256}\) feet.