One of the most magical hikes on Maui, the Pipiwai Trail is a true treasure of the National Park System that passes through diverse scenery that wraps along waterfalls and through bamboo forests. There are no signs to point you to the entrance to this hike but you can find it is on the right just past mile marker 7.
You’ll have to drive past Hana Town for a while to get here. Once you’ve paid your National Park entrance fee and parked in their lot, you’ll walk back to the road and find the trail.
Explore the Pīpīwai Trail
The trail is within an amazing bamboo forest, past an enormous ancient banyan tree, and overlooks the streams of many waterfalls. The magical journey round trip is approximately 2 miles long, and it’s been said to be one of the most perfect on the island.
‘Ohe’o Gulch – Kīpahulu District
This area is called ‘Ohe’o Gulch within the Kīpahulu District, often incorrectly referred to as Seven Sacred Pools (there are many more than seven.)
The trail begins just across the road from the parking lot, and you don’t have to walk very far (just over a half mile) before you come to the first set of large, impressive waterfalls: the Falls at Makahiku. These mighty thundering falls will probably be more than enough waterfall for most. It falls from 200 feet and feels like a scene out of Tarzan with its jungle vines.
CAUTION: Do not go off trail. Visitors have tried swimming at the top of this fall, which has proven fatal.
Still want more?
Just a bit further, after some rock-hopping over a usually tame stream, and your scenery-packed hike culminates at the base of sheer 400-foot tall cliffs with the spectacular Waimoku Falls quite literally falling to Earth right in front of you. Due to the dangers of the crumbling cliff face, visitors are not allowed to stand below or near the waterfall, but you’ll be able to watch it from a distance.
CAUTION: Take all warning signs seriously. Flash-flooding, rock falls and cliff/bridge jumping have taken several lives here at Kīpahulu, and many natural dangers occur suddenly without warning. Take proper precautions. Do not swim under any of the falls or veer off the trail.
Are there other Bamboo Forests on Maui?
Yes, but they’re on private property and don’t have rangers that monitor the flow of water. Flash flooding is a very real thing and has claimed many lives on Maui. These other bamboo forests are considered kapu and should not be visited. We want to stay safe and respect our island communities. The bamboo forest at Kipahulu is more than enough, and every local will tell you it’s the best on the island.
Haleakala National Park – Kipahulu info
- Mile Marker: #42 (Hana Hwy aka Hwy 31)
- GPS Coordinates: 20.661458,-156.045299
- Facilities: National Park Rangers, Information Facility, Camping, grills, picnic tables, and toilets. (No potable water.)
- Phone: 808-572-4400
- Fee: $30/vehicle, $25/motorcycle, $15/pedestrian or bicycle
- NPS Info: http://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/kipahulu.htm
