Pipiwai Trail

The beautiful, four mile Pipiwai Trail is inside Haleakala National Park at Kipahulu, which conveniently hosts a wonderful campground & and makes a perfect jumping-​off point for Hana side adventures.
The hiking trail is very well maintained and a considerable amount of the hike is shaded — this is invaluable as far as hikes go, in my opinion. The first bit of the hike is the hardest (uphill for perhaps ¼ mile) but don’t let that stop you! The rest is a breeze. Our group had five kids ages 2 – 8 and let me tell you, they absolutely killed it. The older kids loved playing in the bamboo forest and the littles actually walked the whole thing.
The whole hike is gorgeous, but the real awe factor starts when you hit the bridge to enter the bamboo forest: the view here is nothing short of impressive. The rest of the hike is equipped with intermittent wooden boardwalks, providing relief from what would otherwise be a muddy walk. The trail ends at Waimoku falls, a towering cliffside waterfall that feeds the pools along the hike. We hiked in on a relatively dry day and the pools were low, so the kids were able to play in the water; however, sit and/​or take shoes off with caution here, as the rocks are more or less covered with red ants.
Wear shoes! It’s a relatively easy hike but not one that you’ll want to do in slippers.
If you’re wanting a swim after the hike, the Pools at Oheo (Seven Sacred Pools) are located just off of a short trail from the visitor center at Kipahulu; if this is where you park for the hike, it makes sense to go see the pools too.

The Pipwai Trail is located in the National Park at Kipahulu. You need to drive along the road to Hana, and then venture another 45 minutes past Hana to reach the national park. The park has two trails, one to the overlook by the ocean for a look back at the seven sacred pools, and the Pipwai Trail to Waimoku falls. The trail is about 4 miles round trip to the falls. This trail was our favorite stop along the Hana Highway.
Once you start the hike, you will soon some to the first water fall at Makahiku. The 200 foot falls cascades over a green cliff into the jungle forest below. It is impressive, and if you are not fit, it is worth the small walk just to see this falls. If you are up for further exploration, take the easy hike further to the end. It is definitely worth it. Next you will come to a gigantic banyan tree, which is the size of a small hut. It is a tree climbers paradise. Further along the trail, you will enter an immense, and dense bamboo forest. Sometimes you can’t even see the sky as the towering bamboo seems to grow on forever overhead. The forest has a boardwalk to protect you from the sinking sticky mud along the journey. The boardwalk can get slippery in the rain so be careful. I loved the percussive sounds of the bamboo striking each other as they danced along with the wind. The bamboo begins to feel as if it will never end, but it will soon thin, and you will come to a stream crossing which will drop you at the base of Waimoku falls. The falls towers over you as it falls off the sheer cliffs overhead. It is an awesome view to experience and take in. As this is an easily accessible trail, you most likely won’t be alone in your journey, but for a moment when I first came to the base of the falls, I felt as if the world stopped and I was alone in this beautiful space.
The visitor center at Kipahulu is open until 4:30pm Hawaii time and has portable toilets that you can access. They are the only bathrooms onsite.

We had a really enjoyable hike even though we got caught in a thirty minute down pour and parts of the trail were mudded out. The falls were gorgeous, the bamboo forest amazing, and the trees massive.
A couple of observations:
1. Obviously, try to visit when it hasn’t been raining, good luck with that.
2. Bring sturdy walking shoes or something like Keen or Chaco sandals.
3. The stream to get across to the actual waterfall was roaring and it was dangerous to cross. A couple people fell and scraped themselves up. There’s no cell coverage up there so don’t expect the Calvary to come save your dumb self.
4. People were carrying swimming bags and towels from their resorts around their necks thinking they were going to swim in the falls. It was pretty funny. Only on the calmest day is this possible.

This was the most memorable part of our Maui trip and good way to cap off a long Road to Hana trip. If you plan on hiking this after the Road to Hana, you want to start very early in the morning (we started a 6:30 am driving from Kihei). This trail is muddy– so be prepared to get your feet muddy and wet! However, it’s a great trail that loops you through a bamboo forest, bridges, and ends up in a beautiful waterfall at the end. There are definitely mosquitoes inside, so be sure bring bug spray. We capped off the longer hike with a smaller hike to see the Seven Gulches which were gorgeous.

Fun hike about 4 miles round trip from the parking lot
Pros:
Multiple super dramatic falls at the end
Bamboo forest and boardwalk
Several good views of the stream /​waterfalls throughout the hike
No sharp elevation gain
Cons:
Very muddy, bring hiking sandals or scruffy tennis shoes
Slippery at times
After high precip water can be very muddy, which is not as picturesque

Really fun hike: you pass through seven sacred pool, bamboo forest and different views. It feels like you are on several different places during your hike. At the end you get to see a huge waterfall. Best hike in Maui.

Bamboo forest is so spectacular. It’s 4 mile trails without much elevation, and it only takes you a couple of hours to enjoy 2 falls, a big banyan tree and bamboo forest. The trail is quite well taken care of, so there only few places your shoes get muddy. Athletic shoes/​covering one’s toes are recommended.

This part of Haleakala National Park is great for hiking. If you went up to the crater your pass is good here.
It is the last stop on the road to Hana at mile marker 42. So it is a long drive to get there so plan accordingly. That means getting there early enough to hike and get back out if you are not staying in Hana.
The Pipiwai Trail takes you to Makahiku Falls, up through the Bamboo Forest and finally up to the majestic Waimoku Falls.
So part one; don’t be stupid… Don’t wear flip flops, Tevas, other sandals, or shoes with no support. It is muddy, there are lots of rocks, elevation changes, a stream and it’s about 4 miles round trip and takes almost 2 hours. If you start too late you’ll find yourself hiking back in the dark and that’s no good. Stay on the trail and follow the signs. So use your head.
Part two; things to bring… bring a camera! Bring water. You don’t need it but it would be nice to have. Bring something mosquitos don’t like. If you are into repellents it’s a good choice another good option is baby oil. Stop at Longs, Walgreens or wherever and get some.
Part three: the hike… Like I said before for the sake of all that is holy, wear freaking shoes!!! At the start of the trail after crossing the street are some bamboo walking sticks. They can be useful. Rock steps, mud, rocks, uneven surfaces, steps, plastic platforms, humidity, tree roots, water… all the things you’ll run into on the hike. But at the end… something majestic and amazing. Well worth the mud, sweat and in some idiots, (those that don’t wear shoes) pain.

We wanted to do something active and enjoy the natural beauty of Hawaii, while in Maui and hiking the Pipiwai trail to see Waimoku Falls fit our desires!
First Tip: Coming from the West side of the island (Lahaina) Do not follow your GPS. It took us the back way and If you are renting a car, do not go the south direction on HWY 30, the rental car coverage is not valid on this stretch of road, and we know why. There were parts of the road that was not paved and we were lucky we didn’t blow out a tire. The other route is the Road to Hana which is all paved, a little longer but a better route.
2^nd tip: Bring bug spray! And use more than you think you need. WE had bug spray, and I did spray all over myself but still managed to get about 6 bites on my leg! The hubby was clear of any bites, but still bring some to reapply.
With that said, this hike is definitely worth it. The drive itself is pretty adventurous but once you get to the start of the trail, the luscious green of Maui becomes very apparent. It’s about a 2 mile hike to Waimoku falls (45 mins) and the view is breathtaking. The water fall itself is so tall, when we went the water was not gushing but still a pretty site. You go through a bamboo tree forest, meet the biggest banyan tree I’ve seen, cross a couple of bridges, and see 3 other waterfalls on the hike. The bamboo forest was the coolest because you could hear the bamboo clinking on each other and you realize how much in nature you really are. It could get slippery due to the moisture and make sure you wear good gripped shoes. I did see one guy with flip flops but he looked like a local.
Take the road to Hana back, stop at all the attractions and drive slow! This drive is very windy and narrow. I never get car sick, but I did on the way back to the hotel. Visit Haleakana Park, and take in the beautiful views.

Do not use the location on the maps section of Unilocal… you will end up about 5 miles away from where the park really is, you will understand how a short distance isn’t that short on these roads… also the quickest route from where we where in kehie took us along the dirt and gravel road (beautiful views and amazing scenery) but aparently that road is restricted to local traffic due to the conditions of the road. The hikes where breathtaking and the pools and waterfalls where un matched… great experience and easy enough any age pretty much can endure it!!!

If you find yourself on this trail you must have completed the road to Hana and are now desperate to stretch your legs. I heard this is the best waterfall on Maui. The hike is easy but muddy. You will get wet crossing streams. The trail at the end is completely maintained walk across elevated plastic foot bridge. Doesn’t get any easier then that. The trail is well marked and please stay on it. 4 miles round trip, took us 45 mins each way and we had a toddler. There are bathrooms at the start and a safe parking area. Show your military ID and they give you a parks card that gets you free into all the national parks for the year. They might have something for kama’aina too that wasn’t listed. The entrance fee was a little steep, $ 15 but after doing the hike and seeing the almost paved trail at the end, I see where all the money goes. The water under the falls is closed for swimming until further notice. They received a lot of rain and was flooded. Overall, beautiful hike and gave us something to do after the road to Hana.

This is, hands down, the most extraordinarily beautiful, stunning thing I have ever seen in my entire life. EVERYONE must go do this hike. The hike is not for the faint of heart. It is quite strenuous but worth pushing yourself.
You have to climb what feels like a million stairs, but you are rewarded with a stunning walk through a bamboo forest on a raised platform. I must have stopped to take about 50 pictures just of this forest. The forest goes on for longer than you think it will. Just when you think you can’t walk anymore, you come over a small ridge to a 400 foot waterfall. The sight of this waterfall literally took my breath away. I was stopped dead in my tracks and had to stand there to take the sight in. You can get about 5 feet away from the waterfall. It was truly amazing to get so close and feel the spray coming from it.
This is an absolute must when driving on the Road to Hana. Everyone must hike to this waterfall at least once in their life.

breathtakingly gorgeous. I highly recommend staying in Hana and then waking up early for the quick 30 min drive to the pipiwai trail to beat the crowds and have a pseudo private experience here. It is so beautiful and peaceful. you see the ocean, waterfalls, pools, trees, and bamboo forest. there are designated areas in which to overlook the waterfalls.
please note that you should not go to areas that are not designated as lookouts because people have died in these areas and there is no level 1 trauma center nearby.
Bring a lot of water and bug spray as there are mosquitoes around.
You can do part or all of the trail. I highly recommend going to the bamboo forest area because its so beautifully shaded and when the wind blows through them you can hear the gentle clacking of the bamboo trees touching each other. its almost mystical.
This is truly a place to come and enjoy nature. it makes you appreciate and be in awe of how gorgeous this natural place is :)

Short review but direct. If you are staying on either the West or South sides of Maui, allow a day for this hike. I’ve done it twice and to me it’s the best hike on Maui but I’m including the drive to and from as there are so many great things to see.
I recommend:
*Do not go if it’s recently rained or looks like it might
*Bug Spray
*Closed toe shoes (we just wear regular running/​walking tennis shoes)
*Try and start hike before noon as it gets hot
*Take your time

Waimoku Falls II Most beautiful waterfall I’ve ever seen
It’s a pretty easy hike into the forest. Remember to wear durable shoes. The trail is muddy and there are tree roots that stick out from the ground. The trail is well maintained with bridges and a wooden path towards the end of the trail. It’s absolutely gorgeous everywhere you look. You even walk through a thick bamboo forest. The waterfall at the end of the hike is so majestic. You must see it.
Tips:
Wear durable shoes
Pick up a walking stick
Hike while there is still light

Through a bamboo forest & end at a 400 ft. Waterfall! I had a quick 2day trip to Maui as part of my summer vacay in Hawaii. This was my first time to this island & it was absolutely gorgeous. After the two-​hour drive from Hana this hike was worth it. It was a total of 4 miles & it was such an experience.
This was one of the best hikes of my life! The best part was jumping in the Ohe’o Gulch right after! Worth it!

Our 2^nd day of Maui we drove 3 hours to the Pipiwai Trail. We left the house around 7ish. It took forever to get there and the winding road had my stomach turning. I thought there was some near by food stops near by but there wasn’t so we were staving! Luckily I packed two protein bars for my husband and I. The hike was beautiful. Once you past the huge tree with a pile of rocks and go over the bridge you will start your trail to the bamboo. There will be a long trail of bamboo and I loved there was a walk way. When you arrive at the waterfall area its breathe taking! It certainly was worth the long walk way up!
Tips:
1. I suggest you pack water, snacks, towels, wear your bathing suits under your clothes, bug repellent, and sunblock.
2. Make sure have snacks or you eat before the hike and bring water!
3. Be very careful in driving here the road is narrow.
4. Take some motion sickness pills because of the winding road.
5. Wear comfortable does to this trail.
6. Enjoy your hike and take photos!

We were crunched for time and so we weren’t able to make it to the end. However, I was content with at least being able to make it to the bamboo forest. It must’ve been overcast while we were going through the bamboo forest because it was real shady for a while, which I really liked. It made the place feel so peaceful and relaxing. As we walked back, it had seem that the clouds had passed through because it became way more brighter than it was when we first walked through there.
It was a pretty easy hike, well up to the bamboo forest. I’m not sure how it is after that point. But though we did not make it to the end, there were a lot to see along the way to the bamboo forest. Was it worth the drive? YES, even though I did fear for my life on certain parts of that treacherous road. Will I make this drive again? I’m good for a while. It’s a good thing we took a lot of pictures and videos.

21 tips for enjoying the Pipiwai Trail
1. This trail, located in the Haleakala National Park, is considered the best hike in Maui by many.
2. It is only 9 miles, but a half an hour past Hana, requiring traveling the full extent of the road to Hana, and then 5 miles of 10mph, lane and half road, filled with blind curves, hillside on one side, and guard rail on the other!
3. Entry into the park requires a $ 10 fee, good for 7 days, and good at the Haleakala crater entrance on the western side of the island.
4. At the base of the trail, is the park visitors center, parking and restrooms –although on the day we came there was no water from the drinking fountains nor the bathroom sinks. Bring your own water, or pay $ 2 for a 24 ounce version from the Park store.
5. It is best to get here early in the day, when parking is plentiful (160+ spaces), and when the mosquitos are not at their most active. We left Wailea at 630am, and got here at 930am, with the parking lot virtually empty.
6. Do not come here when it is raining, as the pathway will turn into a morass of mud, and the streams torrentialy strong, and difficult to cross. We waited 5 days before coming here on our final day in Maui, the only day it was not raining in Hana.
7. Do not wear sandals on this hike! Much of the hike is over exposed tree roots. One trip on the roots, and you risk doing a faceplant! Wear closed toe shoes with good gripping soles, as you will be crossing wet rocks. Wearing open toed sandals is an invitation for blackened toenails, and bruised toes! There goes you colored nail pedicures!
8. The wife wears hiking sandals, with closed toes, but exposed sides, and colorful socks underneath. What women do in the name of fashion!
9. She has to stop several times to remove pebbles and dirt that have entered her shoe. She wears a long sleeve shirt and a light full length hiking pants, with zippered bottoms for protection against mosquitos.
10. Me, I’m in shorts, running shoes, and short sleeves, risking looking like a case of small pox, should the mosquitos find me tasty!
11. The trail is 2 miles long, 1 mile to the 200 foot falls, and another mile to the 400 foot falls. The first half is uphill over dirt trails, with exposed tree roots galore, amid the water running downhill. On the sides, are the bamboo forests, first only chest high.
12. You will encounter a large banyon tree with roots 10 feet above the ground.
13. At the 1 mile mark, we come to the twin bridges, overlooking the site of the 200 foot falls, right in your face. People clicking their cameras, smart phones and tablets of a paradise of multiple water falls in the jungle.
14. The second half of the hike is over less steep ground often on wet wooden plank walkways, surrounded on both sides by ever rising forests of bamboo. The bamboo is so dense, that in areas it blocks out the sun, like entering a tunnel, making cracking sounds as they sway in the wind.
15. Eventually the bamboo forests recede, and one is climbing over large rocks and pools of water on the path. Here it is important to have shoes with good traction, as even my running shoes lost their grip on the slippery rocks at times. Well, I was going to leave them in Hawaii anyways.
16. 100 feet before the end of the trail, is a large fast flowing stream. Posted signs warn against crossing when stream is flowing rapidly. Today, the stream is manageable, as even us 60 year olds can cross it by jumping from rock to rock. Not something to try wearing flip flops!
17. The end of the trail is a vista with the 400 foot falls in a distance. Posted signs on a barrier gate warn against crossing the barrier. A few risk takers, continue on to the base of the falls.
18. Returning down the trail toward the visitor center is torture for my gimpy tennis tweaked knees, as the running shoes don’t have enough cushion against the shock of of my feet impacting down the trail. Real hiking boots or trail running shoes would help. A lot of the rocks are higher than the 6″ maximum stair standards in the home!
19. Toward the end of the trail, we encounter a number of ladies in bikinis. Hope the mosquitos are not biting in the heat of the afternoon! I start oogling one particularly well endowed lady, before my wife give me a kick in the back of the shoes, to keep moving!
20. 90 minutes to the top of the trail, 75 minutes to the bottom, and another half hour at next door Olé’o Gulch, or Seven Pools Sacred Springs, where the Haleakala crater lava flow meets the Pacific Ocean.
21. We leave at 130pm to endure the torture of the road to Hana once more, and get back to Wailea by 415pm. Next time, I’ll have the wife do the driving!

Being pretty much the last stop on the Road to Hana, it’s best to plan ahead. There are way too many scenic places to explore on the way here so try to allow time to get to this trail at least 3 hours before sundown.
Parking is $ 10 but is good for 3 days at any of the Haleakala National Park areas (including the Summit). Things to bring would be hiking shoes for the hike and aqua shoes if you plan to get in the pools. Mosquito repellent is highly recommended with all the bugs you’ll encounter along the trail, plus you’ll need drinking water, sunblock, and a hat.
The trail itself is easy with just a few inclines but plan to walk for about 2 hrs or so, round trip. Beautiful views of the falls and 7 sacred pools will be had here but please be careful as there has been quite a few accidents. You’ll see signs of warning everywhere. A huge Banyan Tree will be something you’ll come across on this trail as well so you might want to bring your camera for some great photo opportunities.
We started our hike a bit late and by the time we got to the bamboo forest, it was almost sundown. Being in the midst of the woods was already dark even when the sun was out due to the density of the bamboos, but no doubt was it a breathtaking sight to behold. We ended our hike there and walked back down, however, we heard from fellow hikers that the big falls would have been a 20-​minute walk from there. Something to definitely come back for in Maui!