Live Your Best Lives
Pipiwai Trail Reviews
4.8
2 of 9 Best Attractions in Haleakala National Park
Reviews
If you made it to Hana and you are at all interested in the nature of Hawaii then this is a must stop. Best to do first thing in the morning after spending the night in Hana. Its not that hard of a hike but make sure you have good balance and be prepared for the occasional shower.
We drove along the southern border from Wailea which was its own fun adventure. The bamboo forest was beautiful and the waterfall at the end was breathtaking.
This hike was moderate but extremely humid. Lot's of waterfalls, bamboo, trees, and shade. It is beautiful and worth the 4 miles. Only tip is to make sure to coat on the mosquito repellent!!! No joke, they tore us up.
This trail is in the Haleakala National Park. To get here you have to drive through Hana. Almost 45 mins past Hana. This is the other part of the Haleakala National Park..
The trail is beautiful. It does not have much elevation and most of the trail is made up of small boulders. It is shaded and does not seem difficult. short part of this trail towards the end is the Bamboo forest. Towards the end of the trail, you need to cross a stream with boulders to reach the water fall. All the effort seems worth it when you see the huge water fall.
Though this trail is easy, there are a lot of steps( boulders to climb). This puts a lot of pressure on the knees. Otherwise it is an easy trail.
We drove straight through to the trail without stopping so we arrived around 9 a.m. It was a perfect start time. The trail wasn't too hard but does have a lot of roots, rocks and steps. Going through the bamboo forest was my kids' favorite part of this experience and we loved listening to the sounds of the bamboo in the wind. The waterfall at the end was pretty, but far away. We love hiking, so anything with new things to see excites us! We did this with 2 ten-year-olds. Wear sturdy shoes!
It was an awesome experience. Because we had a 7 year old in our group we started early from lahaina at around 7AM and drove straight to the trailhead. It was not strenuous but not easy stroll either.
The trail is manageable but quite muddy. The higher we hiked the wetter it got. We had ponchos and hiking boots and were the envy of the crowd. It was quite busy. I literally was moved to tears at the top of the hike seeing the huge waterfalls. Bring your camera!
Great trail with some nice scenery throughout and our favorite thing on the Road to Hana. We loved the bamboo forest and just found everything about the trail very relaxing and enjoyable. There is some elevation gain and lots of rocks/roots, but it wasn't too bad and definitely worth it if you can do it.
If you can bare the drive to get here, it was worth it. All the falls, scenic views, Bamboo Forest and tropical trees make it a paradise.
Very beautiful waterfall at the end.
The bamboo forest is the last ~1/3 of the hike and it’s certainly a highlight of the hike.
This was a pretty nice hike! The trail was little muddy but not bad. The hardest part was actually getting to the park it was on the other side of the island! But i think it was worth it! Nice hike!
We have enjoyed every minute of it. Really easy and nice end to road to Hana (it is a bit past Hana town).
The trail is located in Haleakalā National Park (HNP). It costs 25$ per vehicle. So if you plan to go to HNP summit for sunrise or sunset, I recommend you to get annual pass 80$. Then you can access to all national parks or landmarks. We started to do the trail around 10am. It was hot but you don’t feel the heat coz most parts of the trail have shade. We made all the way to Waikamoi Falls. (The sign warns you not to access to the falls but if you sense it is safe enough you can do it.) Fabulous and stunning view.! Along the way you will see lots of wild flowers and guava. We picked some ripe guava. Definitely this is my favorite trail in Hawaï.
The trail was slippery and steep at some points so it is the best to bring hiking boots or sneakers at least. Don’t forget bug spray and water!
This is not a long hike - 4 miles (6 km) and the reward is the most beautiful 400 foot waterfall. The hike has an elevation of 650 feet and it is not too difficult. There are two sections, a short hike to a small waterfall and then a hike through a bamboo forest to the main waterfall. The path is good but can be muddy in many sections and must be careful of tree roots and rocks. For experienced hikers about 2.5 hours return and up to 4 hours for the inexperienced. Beware of the time as it does get very dark once the sun sets and makes the hike out very difficult. At the end the trail stops at a rocky creek which is very difficult to cross and get to the bottom of the waterfall. Care is needed. The bamboo forest along the way is amazing with a nice walkway. Highly recommended as a waterfall of 400 feet is something to behold.
This hike is WAY WAY out there. We were staying in Hana so it was an easy jaunt down the road. But what a beautiful hike. It isn't too challenging, but enough so that you know you took a hike. The views are awesome, the bamboo forest was so very cool (especially the clicking the bamboo makes in the wind) and the waterfall is the perfect destination.
Magnificent! One word is enough to describe this trail! Totally worth the drive as part of the Road to Hana. Bamboo forest and bridges were my favorite but the waterfalls were also breathtaking..We were fine with 2 teens but it might be really hard for people with young children. You need non slip sandals, it is muddy and wet and medium difficulty.
Lots of gorgeous views in the valley, but also there are dangerous ones, too. Be very cautious. It takes about 2-3 hours for round trip a round. Take plenty of water, water, and more water, water!! Luckily there’s a trail to follow. Most of all stay safe!
Super steady incline the 2 miles up to the falls. Deep roots and stone steps throughout the hike before getting to the bamboo forest which was beautiful. It’s not a hike with watering holes to swim in and I would wear sneakers or hiking boots over teva’s or water shoes. Better to go early in the AM to avoid crowds and heat. I walk often and 4 miles would typically take me a hour but in this setting and incline it was a little over 2 hours as we visited the falls for 20 minutes.
This is a beautiful trail, and a must-do on any visit to the Hana area. The trail is well maintained, but with many trails, wear good shoes and be mindful where you step. It has an incline but I would say it is moderate difficulty at best. Much of the trail was quite damp when we were there, but the payoff was the waterfalls were cascading and full. The banyan tree is impressive and the bamboo is tranquil and serene. It is a popular trail so I would definitely get there early in the morning to enjoy it to its fullest.
There’s a huge banyan tree, bamboo forest with a tall skinny waterfall at the end. Also there’s a series of pools and old native ruins by parking area too.
We loved this trail - not too strenuous, it includes a boardwalk through a bamboo forest, a banyan tree, and some magnificent waterfalls as a reward at the end. A “must” if you’re on the road to Hana…..
Be aware, there is Road construction at the moment on the southernly route to the trail between 7:30 & 16:30 from MON to FRI. This sign is placed after the winery around 2 miles after it becomes Piilani Highway 31.
Loved the Beautiful Bamboo Forest Hike. Also there is a difference in terrain as you reach the waterfalls.
A must do when doing road to hana trip. the first part of the trail is a little boring but after that there are waterfalls and bamboo forest which are very nice to see. probobly less crowded in morning based on our experience.. we also arrived driving from the backroad to hana and arrived there first thing in morning.
Awesome hike! Well worth it. It is a fairly steep, muddy two miles. Bring sunblock, bug spray and water bottles. Also, wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. Depending on the rainfall, you may see more than one waterfall at the end - we saw 4!
Popular hiking trail in the seaside portion of Haleakala NP. It was a bit crowded even during Covid times. Totally worth it. If you don't hike regularly, this one has 800 ft. elevation gain and is 4 miles round trip; and may take you some time.
The trail continues to view the tallest waterfall, but honestly, it was a bit of a let down. The trail to go to the base of it has been closed. BUT that Bamboo Forest- yes! Loved the sound of the bamboo clacking together in the wind.
This was quite the hike after doing many stops on the road to Hana. It was extremely muddy but it was amazing! Seeing the bamboo forest and the falls were worth it. Highly recommend this hike if time allows. Took well over an hour.
Well marked trail even it is some exertion to continue the climb upward. We were there late morning and the crowd was very manageable.
The bamboo and the waterfalls are worth the walk. It is a very peaceful, beautiful, and rather mild hike.
My wife, 12 year son and I hike this trail in November of 2019 and loved it. You hike through a peaceful bamboo forest and end up at a the base of a spectacular water fall. The trail is well maintain as it is a state park with paid admission. Do not wear flip flops are sandals on this hike. We seen several people make this mistake and the had to turn around.
This is a long hike, 3.4 mile out and back with some moderate elevation change and rocky in parts but it is so well worth it. Hiking is on a trail through a lush jungle that includes an enormous Banyan Tree and through a mesmerizing bamboo forest. After about an hour, you arrive at views of beautiful Waimoku Falls. This is one of the tallest waterfalls on Maui at 400ft. It may look like the trail ends and it’s closed off but head to the right and try to find the path that gets you closer to the pool at the base of the falls for an even better view. Plenty of parking at the visitor center but there is an entry fee, or you can use a National Park Pass. It is best to arrive here as early in the day as possible. It will be cooler and with much less people on the trail.
First off, let's be clear how to get here...ONLY TAKE HANA HIGHWAY. If your GPS tries to send you anywhere else, dont just follow it. My husband and I accidentally did today and ended up on the highway compared to Bolivia's Highway to Hell. Unfortunately there are no signs warning tourists. Apparently you're just supposed to know?
Anyway, the Pipiwai Trail is pretty easy with great views. Dont pack a lot if hiking...water and a light snack per person should be enough. You dont want a heavy pack with the elevation, even if you're a seasoned hiker. Sneakers are fine but I'd suggest hiking boots due to rocks and roots.
This place is a blessing. It took us about 3 hours to do it. We had great weather, so we took the time to admire everything and take pictures. Everything we saw was amazing. 🤩
Trail is well maintained and the banyan trees and bamboo forests are awe inspiring with the beautiful waterfalls icing on the cake. Well worth the time and effort.
My partner and I braved the supremely annoying Road to Hana a second time specifically just to return to this area and hike the Pipiwai Trail. We had originally planned to take the Back Road to Hana, but part of the road was closed, so we were forced to redo the entire Road to Hana if we wanted to do this hike. I am glad to say it was worth it.
•We left from West Maui at 6:00 AM. We arrived at the trail around 9:00 AM. At this point, there was plenty of parking available and the trail was not crowded.
•We were on the island during a ‘dry’ time. Even though there had been no steady rain recently, the trail was still muddy. However, most of the elevation gain is slight and therefore we did not have much of a problem actually completing the trail. Just have to be careful and take your time and you should be just fine. I can see if there was recent rain, this trail would be a sloppy, muddy, slippery mess.
•The trail took us about 3 hours total. This included several stops to take in the views and take pictures. We felt the trail was probably rated correctly as moderate. Not super easy, but certainly not difficult. I would think any person in reasonable shape should be fine to complete this hike.
•You will see a 200-foot waterfall (Mahahiku Falls), multiple bridges, a bamboo forest and of course the main prize at the end – the 400-foot waterfall (Waimoku Falls). A lot of the trail is in the shade, which is nice and help keep you cooler.
•At the end you will be tempted to go past the signs that warn you to stay back and jump in the waterfall. I would suggest against it. While we were there, we saw a large rock (or small boulder) fall from the top right into the pool below. If we had been there underneath the waterfall, we would likely be dead. There is a reason they tell you not to go past a certain point and we saw it first-hand.
•After you finish the hike and end up back at the visitor’s center, be sure to do the ½ mile loop that goes down to the Oheo Gulch. It’s an easy walk which offers some great ocean vistas and of views of the Seven Sacred Pools. It’s pretty cool to see how the waters from Waimoku Falls makes it’s way all the way down into the Pacific Ocean.
This hike was not super hard, but yet still offers some great payoffs in terms of the scenery. When you first walk out of the bamboo forest and see Waimoku Falls, you will be taken aback and be amazed. It’s just so beautiful… I can say that if you can bear the drive to get there, this hike is a must if in the area. If you like waterfalls, I have no idea how you could be disappointed.
My husband and I are not experienced hikers by any means so we were breathing pretty heavily after the 2 mile one way uphill hike getting to Waimoku Falls. It is a bit tiring, but not exhausting and the hike makes the view of the falls so much more rewarding. The trail is well marked and easy for the most part. The walk through the bamboo forest was my absolute favorite part of the trail; it was so peaceful and calming. Just bamboo all around you and they put boards on the ground to help you walk through it. Some things to make sure of though- start the trail early! We began the hike at around 8am and we barely saw any other hikers on the trail with us and had the view of the falls all to ourselves. On our way back however (around 10am), we passed a lot of people so I’m sure they must have had a very crowded view of the falls. Also, make sure to wear good hiking shoes! I wore converses with flat soles and felt every single rock and root on the trail. Needless to say I had sore feet the rest of the day. Other than that, just be careful and read the warning signs posted on the trail and you should be fine. It’s the most beautiful hike I’ve ever gone on and highly recommend it! Suitable for non-experienced hikers.
The waterfall at the top is amazing! and the trails are clean and the views are amazing. hearing the bamboos "clap" at each is cool. Great area to visit
I thought this hike was gonna be a easy walk in the park....nope haha! Stairs. So many stairs. Also sheer cliffs, rushing water, and a four hundred foot waterfall. Took us around an hour and a half to climb up the mountain and about 45 minutes back down. Not recommended for the kiddos. I almost fell three or four times and if you’ve ever done the road to Hana you know that an emergency usually involves a helicopter ride. If you’ve got the kiddos go to the seven pools. Leave the waterfall to the teens and adults.
I did this the first full day on island. For teh Hike itself, to the official end, where you see the 400' falls, it is supposedly 2 miles up to an elevation of 600'. THEN you are on ground level lookingat teh base of teh falls whose origin is still 400' higher ona sheer rock wall. It is beyond impressive. Along the trail, early on there is another impressive falls, a banyan tree, 2 bridge walkways over a gorge with small falls into pools and running srteams and teh bamboo forest which is mostly a level walk on boards. Just after teh Bamboo Forest and you think the path no longer resembles any kind of prepared trail, the falls are right there around the corner. I actually found my phone took better, greener pics of the bamboo than my fancy camera.
Details: i was staying in Kihei and suggest leaving no later than 6:30am, maybe even 6am, and taking the shorter, less traveled, but more rugged drive around the south side of Haleakela. There are beautiful views both directions and very little traffic so so I had my camera handy and "on" so I could frequently slow down or stop and just aim the camera and click pictures without using the view finder. I was alone. It is very important, like the traditional route to Hana, to have the driver be very mondful of the road, on coming traffic, cows goats, and lava rocks in the road. My strong suggestions would be to have a small SUV or jeep.I had a compact with low clearance and it scared the crap out of me when I thought i could clear a smallish lava rock and made a huge BANG of my indercarriage...Lava rocks are very unforgiving with edges like razorblades. ALWAYS avoid them and assume you won't clear them. There may be cattle in the middle or sides of the road, they don't seem to be fenced in and that seems to be acceptable. The young ones tend todecide to cross the road the closer you get to them. and there are goats too. i read all about teh stretches of 'unfinished' roads so when i did two miles of manty small patch filled road i thought that wasn't so bad! small reprieve of paving and then it gets scary. i was at about 9-10 mph. lots of pot holes, unpaved roads mostly, very narrow, guard rails eaten away by salt and previous accidents or no guard rails at all. Drive slowly, be prepred tp pull over if room or back to a spot you can pass. Those going downhill have right away....but there really isnt any traffic. Blow your hown as you approach and round blind corners...
Wear comfortable light clothes and GOOD shoes! Hiking shoes or runnng sneakers with tread. Dresses, dark long sleeves, layers are not a good idea. really no bugs, but I saw people in dress sandals and flip flops, dresses, lots of long dark layers on my way down and with all the slippery trail and slippery rocks and humidity...i doubt they made it to the first falls, which is close. Im going again in January and will play tour guide to my husband and two friends on this trail!
What an amazing experience! When I first started out on the Pipiwai Trail (after a night in Hana), there were hardly any people on the trail. After a steady climb over many roots and rocks and past a big Banyan tree, it started to rain - tropical, warm, refreshing. The hike through the bamboo forest is beautiful in sights and sounds, and after a final push, Waimoku Falls comes into view. 400 ft. of beauty! Words or even pictures don't do it justice. On the way back, the sun came out, and I started steaming. 😊 Loved this unique hike!
I loved this trail! Great exercise, not too steep at all and amazing views along the way with a lush bamboo forest and the 400 foot tall Waikomu waterfall! Definitely wear sneakers or hiking shoes as it is rocky and can be muddy in areas. Bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray as well. To get to it: enter Haleakalā National Park at mile marker 42 on the Road to Hana, it is 25 dollars to get in but well worth it. Take your time here and enjoy the views!
So glad I did this hike! There were times I wondered if it was worth it. Come to find out, it absolutely was! The trail takes you through rocky climbs and a cool bamboo forest, what’s not to love! You finally rive at a nice waterfall view. Take time to look around, cool down, and then head all the way back down to where you began. A real journey!
We did many really amazing things during our stay in Maui but this was one of my personal favorites. Walking through a bamboo forest just isn't something you get to do very often. I loved the sound of the trade winds blowing through the bamboo. Magical!
Amazing trail with scenic road to it! 2 miles up to the top and back through some beautiful waterfalls spots and bamboo forrest to the top with fabulous Waimoku fall. Definitely recommend to visit it during Maui island exploring.
Beautiful hike to see the waterfalls!! The first part of the trail is through the woods and is approximately one mile. Shortly after you pass the huge banyan tree you'll enter the bamboo forest, which was amazing! And then you end at the waterfalls, which are absolutely gorgeous. Total hike is 2mi (4mi roundtrip) and takes 2-3 hours due to the terrain. A couple of pro tips: while there's boardwalks through most of the bamboo forest, much of the rest of the hike is steep, and rock stairs abound. If you're very out of shape, you may not enjoy this one quite as much. Much of the trail is slippery, so I wouldn't wear flip flops. Also, the temps at this part of Haleakala National Park are quite warm (even though it can be cold by the crater), so definitely dress for hot and humid weather.
We hiked the Pipiwai Trail last week after driving the Road to Hana. There had been a few periods of light drizzle on and off throughout the day, but the rain mostly held off while we were walking the hike. However, it was very very muddy, which didn’t seem to bother most people so long as you were prepared for it. Could be slippery. It took us about two hours to walk to the waterfall and back. We are a couple in our late 40s and in decent physical condition. We stopped for many photos on the way out but pretty much hiked straight back. There is such a variety of things to see along the way including a Stream, banyan tree, bamboo forest, and then ultimately a huge waterfall. it did rain a little as we got to the end of the hike but it only lasted a minute or two. There is a spacious parking lot here and also bathrooms and a water filling station. I would definitely recommend carrying water along with you.
Lived up to the hype-loved this hike! I would drive straight thru on road to Hana just to do this hike again. Arrived early am (staying in Hana). Peaceful.
You must do it...nice and noisy bambus forrest. Don’t go with flip flops because it can be slippery and also stony.
It may be a far drive on the Road to Hana to get to the Kipahulu district of Haleakalā National Park and this trail, but wow was it worth it. Definitely a solid incline the first half or so of the trail. Lots of roots and mud- so wear good shoes- we saw a flip flop left in the mud from a blow out- RIP Flippy. Fortunately it wasn’t ours, unfortunate to the person it belonged to. Due to the trip hazard of the roots I’d wear close-toed shoes.
The banyan tree was stunning. And then you walk into a bamboo forest that was just magical. You could hear the wind knocking them together and it sounded musical. I just loved this hike. Hot, mango-y, and beautiful. We cooled off in a waterfall that was legal to swim in about 15 minutes back towards Hana. Do the hike, but be prepared for lots of incline/ substantial elevation gain in the heat.
My family and I drove the road to Hana with the goal of hiking the Pipiwai Trail. We left Lahaina by 8:30am and didn’t get to the trail till noon. We stopped once to use the restroom at the halfway point in Hana. We drove clockwise.
We didn’t stop at all the other waterfall stops where we saw lots of tourists and buses. Also, we didn’t stop at those fruit stands. Once we got to the trail head, we ate our packed lunch at a picnic bench. There are clean restrooms there and a small parking lot.
The Pipiwai Trail is very well marked. Make sure you bring lots of water, sunscreen, and good shoes you don’t mind getting dirty/wet. I did not bring bug spray and my family got bug bites (they weren’t too bad). I had the Benedryl spray at the condo.
I did see people trying to walk this trail with flip flops and one women with just her bare feet. I walked the trail with water shoes and my feet were sore for a couple of days. Good hiking shoes would’ve been better, but it wasn’t in the budget to buy 5 pairs.
On the other hand, everything that you go through to get to this trail is worth it. Just be prepared and leave early. We ended our day eating in Paia town at the Flatbread Pizza Co around 5pm. I think our timing to get to this trail was perfect and we passed all the tourist traffic going back.
Our day ended up in a well deserved jacuzzi.
Ok, so the hike is a little treacherous. Steep, rocky and exhausting. But the large banyan tree and the bamboo forest are amazing. At the end of the trail is a high waterfall, kinda like Peru’s Angel Falls 😀. The sounds through the bamboo forest are so amazing and relaxing. It’s also boarded so gives you a bit of a break from the rocky path. Took us 4 hours in total, with young kids. It’s totally worth it.
I loved the Pipiwai trail, beautiful scenary. Specially the long bamboo trees. Sound of the bamboos hitting each other when windy, was amazing. At the end of the trail you get rewarded by the Waimoku waterfall. It's an easy trail which took us 2 hrs to complete.
Super fun trail with multiple places for pictures along the way. The trail is very easy to follow and isn't too challenging. For nearly the entire trail there is a canopy that provides shade. Highly recommend if in the area.
We started from the parking lot to the waterfall and we started from the sunshine and a lot of mosquito to a heavy rain. But the hike was fascinating and full of Bambus trees, the pools from the seven pools and an amazing waterfall at the end. It was really slippery cause of the rain.
Banyan Tree, hiking trails and wondrous views! Definitely worth a stop!!!! The ancient ruins are spectacular!
The first water fall is easy to hike to. It is more challenging to go to the second falls--some in our group did not think it was worth it because they would not let you get right up to the falls. But the bamboo forest was the coolest experience -- to hear the clacking of the bamboo in the wind. It was unexpected for me.
This trail is slightly more crowded than I expected, but we’ll worth your time. There are multiple waterfalls, a Banyan tree, and a bamboo forest. The forest far exceeded my expectations. It was beautiful and transports you to another world.
My husband and I did this bike on our last day in Maui. I’m surprised that people are saying it’s easy. We are experienced hikers and didn’t find it particularly challenging but you’d need to be in decent shape to do it. It’s not a stroll through the woods. There is some board walk but most is rocky with a lot of steps. It was absolutely beautiful all the way down. I loved all the tropical vegetation and ancient trees. One looked like something out of a sci fi movie! The bamboo forest is amazing and the sound of the wind clacking them together was so cool. The water fall at the end is breathtaking. We loved the whole hike!!
A word to the wise- the drive from West Maui is no joke. It’s “only” about 60 miles but takes well over 2 hours to drive. The Hana highway is a tiny, twisty road that has tons of yield both ways for single file traffic, which only about a third of drivers respected, barreling through rather than taking turns. If you have any propensity for motion sickness you might take a Dramamine before the drive. It’s a stunning drive along the coast and in the forest, though, and despite the long drive, we’ll worth it. If you are catching a flight later, be sure you leave lots of time. If you got stuck out there, it could be hard to get back in time for a flight.
Two words: Bamboo Forest
Two More: Breathtaking Waterfall
Did this with a pregnant wife and Four year old daughter, you can do it too!!
This is an amazing hike right at the end (or beginning depending where you start) of Road to Hana.
The hike is in the same area as the stop for the 7 sacred pools. Be sure to check them out before the hike. For the hike, I’d pack plenty of water and a couple of snacks, wear good hiking shoes, bring a rain jacket or poncho, and if you can even an umbrella. Parking is $30 and it’s a 3-day pass so save it because it can be used to do Haleakala or if you had already purchased one for that, you can use it for this parking as well.
A lot of people don’t realize that this area is susceptible to rain. It’s great for waterfalls, but not so great for hiking. It pretty much rained 2/3 of our hike, lol. With that said, a good pair of hiking shoes will keep you on your feet. I’d definitely recommend waterproof boots or sneakers. I saw a lot of people unprepared for the hike, using sandals, sneakers not meant for hiking, crocs, etc. While it’s certainly possible to start and finish the hike with these kinds of shoes, it’s just not a good idea. Most people that get hurt on these kinds of hikes aren’t hiking in shoes meant for the activity. Perhaps they didn’t realize there was a hike on the Road to Hana, so here is your heads up!
The hike has lots of opportunities for pictures. They include the Banyan Tree, Bamboo rainforest, several outlooks, bridges, and of course the main attraction … the 400 ft drop waterfall.
Due to the heavy rain the entire hike, the crossing to get closer to the waterfall was a little risky. It required jumping onto a couple of rocks. Some people were able to do it, but others decided to forego the risk. The closer view really isn’t that much more impressive so don’t feel obligated to jump across. What’s normally a small stream at the crossing turns into somewhat of a stronger current and you can be swept off your feet. Other than that portion and likely only during heavy rains, the rest of the hike was physically challenging, but safe.
Along the way we were surprised to come upon awesome bamboo plants as well as a huge banyon tree. The up and back took us about 2.5 hours. Some mud along the way, but the Park service was actively adding to the walk-way network. I recommend this trail.
MAUI - CLOSED FOR COMMUNING. Just back from my 4th time and always hike the Pipwai. Now, thanks to irresponsible and reckless tourists, they have closed ALL of the waterfalls AND the Oheo Sacred Pools. People drive half the day to get out to them, and now, park and rec of Hawaii has closed most of what this trail is about; the waterfalls and any/all access. The world famous Ohea pools have been closed since 2016 with no signs of reopening. While I understand that this may be necessary, this is a MAJOR bummer for respectable eco-tourists who understand preservation and don't act like college yahoo's!
So remember, make the drive to the heavily populated trail and the pools, and be risk disappointment. That area of Maui has changed forever.
Second time we have done this. It is really cool to see the steep drops in the valleys and the waterfalls. Also, the great waterfalls along the way. The Banyan Tree is neat, too. Bamboo forest is also a neat experience. My recommendation is to drive straight to this and get it over with, then return to Hana or beyond and get some lunch.
I love this trail! Maybe because the day we went is sunny and it hasn't been raining for a while, the trail is not muddy at all. Dry and easy to walk. Only a little muddy after the bridge (around the entrance of bamboo forest). I finished it with my flip flop (which is not a good idea and I will wear proper hiking shoes next time for sure). I am not very good at hiking and I am afraid of height, but this trail is for sure doable for me. I saw lots of families with their kids hiking together. Be prepared since you are doing up hill almost for the entire time. On the way back is downhill, which is very easy and relax. Bring water and sunscreen. I will do it again in the summer when there is not much rain.
Right off the Road to Hana at mile-marker 41 is the trail and the Seven Sacred Pools. You start with waterfalls and end with a waterfall with bamboo forest in-between. It's 2 miles to and from, so 4 total miles with many people along the way. Great family-friendly trail with epic views. At the end, we bypassed the stop signs and got closer to the final waterfall, which was incredible. Many people did this, it's all based on water levels for that period, but be careful as the rain can come at any moment and flood the area, so take caution. But, well worth it if it's sunny out in getting close and personal the the final waterfall that is breathtaking.
My wife and I were looking forward to this hike and it was so rewarding. We love trails and hiking so we powered thru but still admired the natural beauty of the trail. Walking through the bamboo is pretty surreal. The wind blows and when you find yourself alone, all you hear is the eerie creaking of the bamboo. Remind me a little bit of a movie scene from Mortal Combat!
Once, we were at the very end you come face to face with the massive wall and waterfall. I'd recommend taking some time to just sit, rest and enjoy it.
On the way back, we ran it back and it was pretty exhilirating since it's mostly downhill on the way back. You have to make sure you watch where you step though. Loose rocks, mud, massive roots.
This is a must!
I drove the road to Hana just to do this hike and it was worth it. Seeing some small waterfalls and walking through the bamboo forest before the big waterfall at the top was awesome. It was cloudy and so the trail was shaded most of the way which helped. The rangers at the rangers station were nice and friendly. Overall would return here. Last year when I arrived they closed the gate at 5pm but one of the rangers told me they don’t close the gates anymore - confirm yourself!
It’s a long way to get here but worth it! We stayed the night in Hana after our long day of driving. Made it to the Haleakala NP around 10:15am. Crowded but not crazy. Made it up and back in about 2 hours. The bamboo portion of the trail is breathtaking!!
My husband was very excited to do this hike on our day trip doing the Road to Hana. One of our mistakes was to do this as the last thing on our very long day of strenuous/adventurous activities, which I would NOT recommend. This was advertised as a mostly flat, easy walk with much of it paved - 2 miles there, 2 miles back. This is incredibly incorrect -- it's on a fairly steep incline up stone steps, tree roots, & generally uneven ground for almost the entire 2 miles (except for the very last stretch through the bamboo forest to the last waterfall, which isn't very long). It took us about three hours (I am not a hiker). Lots of mosquitos, we got eaten alive -- bring bug spray & lots of water. The trail was very crowded going both ways so we had to wear our masks almost the whole time -- not a great COVID activity. Overall, I wasn't that impressed & wouldn't do it again (though the Banyan tree is very cool). I'm sure this is going to be a controversial review because people are obsessed with/love this hiking trail. I just think the Hawaiian standard of "easy/hard" is different from the mainland idea of it. We're from Virginia & lived in Utah for a long time, so have hiked several times in the Rockies, Tetons, Southern Utah, etc. -- this was just different than how it was advertised.
When we started our Road to Hana trip, we decided that this would be our final stop. Besides, rental car companies don't allow you to continue further past this point. The drive from Hana to here is a bit more "exciting" as there are lots of blind curves and the road is generally narrower than the rest of the Hana Hwy. One thing to note is that the trail (and Ohe'o Pools) are both located within Haleakala Park so you will have to pay the park fee unless you went up Haleakala earlier as the pass is good for 72 hours. We planned to go up to the Haleakala peak the next day so we paid the pass and found parking. there aren't a lot of spaces and the lot was almost full. We were here around 2pm but were fortunate to get a parking spot probably because someone who arrived earlier had just left. It looked like there were only 1 or 2 spots left, but there were people leaving as we arrived.
The hike itself is about 4-5 miles round trip, but it does go over all kinds of terrain including roots, rocks, mud, boardwalks and a couple of streams. Proper hiking shoes is probably the best footwear (like my wife had), but I was able to hike it wearing a good pair of sports sandals. The first part of the hike leads to Makahiku Falls and there is a good spot overlooking the falls for some photos. Continuing on the hike up to Waimoku Falls is a bit more interesting as you pass a giant banyan tree and through some very interesting bamboo forests. At first, the bamboo is smaller and not as dense. Soon, it gets very dense and blocks out a lot of the light. There was a small breeze so the bamboo swayed and clacked together. The whole time I was hiking through the bamboo, all I could think about was the movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (if you haven't seen it, there are scenes through bamboo forests). Waimoku Falls is pretty impressive as it is very high. On the way back down, we got caught in a rainstorm so be prepared for this as the weather can change quickly on this side of Haleakala. By the time we got back to the parking area, it was sunny again and no sign of any rain here. The funny thing is we saw people soaking wet when we were hiking up, but didn't think anything of it other than maybe they went for a dip.
This was a good final destination stop for the Road to Hana trip and the hike was one of the better ones we while we were visiting Maui.
Banyon trees, magical bamboo forest, waterfalls and giant waterfall at the end. Well worth the 4 mile round trip hike. Take your time, bring water, wear good shoes and bring your camera. Take a waterproof bag for your gear in case it rains. After rains the trail can be very muddy and slick in places. Take your time and don't wear your pretty white sneakers. :)
We went up to the waterfall and the bamboo forest was the so awesome. I am so glad we did not miss out on this. I took a walking stick, it helped with the journey. Well worth it!
FOOD/DRINKS: None available.
RESTROOMS: yes! Restrooms easy to find: Yes, by visitor center; Go before hike. No restrooms on the hiking trail.
COST: $25 per car. Unless you already bought a national park pass from seeing haleakala crater/summit recently.
PARKING: Good amount of free parking!
WORTH IT: YES!!
LENGTH OF TIME spent here: total hike time: 1 hr, 30 mins. About 4 miles RT. We found bamboo walking sticks next to the trail. We picked up two and used them the whole way. It was helpful with the uneven ground.
Perfect time of day to go: Before 6pm when it gets dark.
For Kids/Couples: Kids would probably get bored hiking that long, unless you are carrying them the whole way.
WALKING/STAIRS: Easy to moderate uphill hiking. Ground is very uneven and wet most of the trail. Plenty of rocks/stairs. Not wheelchair accessible.
Most of the trail is very well shaded, so I didn’t wear sunscreen.
BRING: Plenty of water, snacks, sneakers, camera.
If you visit Maui and don’t go on this very doable hike, then you haven’t truly experienced the essence of Maui. Yes, Maui has incredible beaches, water activities, sunsets, and Haleakala sunrises, but the Pīpīwai Trail takes the cake. Stay overnight in Hana and go first thing in the morning to avoid crowds and heat. You’ll have the place almost to yourself. A portion of the trail is a little buggy, so bring some spray.
There’s so many photo ops and sights along the way, but there’s 2 ways to make this hike even better and both involve going a little off the trail. First, go straight passed the warning signs and hike all the way right up to the base of the 400 foot waterfall, BUT only if you pay attention to the weather and make sure there’s no rain elsewhere on the island that could result in any flash flooding. It’s an experience unlike any other... standing in the bolder-strewn pool at the bottom looking up at the massive sheer lava rock wall and being able to experience the crashing water is other worldly.
The second fun detour involves going off the trail 1.2 miles into the hike (measured from the parking lot). Look for one of the larger trees with white markings on it (see pictures). To the right of it is a slope going down maybe 40 or 50 feet leading out to the stream and pools where you can boulder hop and explore an area where the stream starts to rage forward a bit. It’s exhilarating. I wouldn’t recommend this for younger children or the elderly because sure footing and good balance is needed.
Finally, save the Seven Sacred Pools experience for at the end of your hike so you can relax and admire the view. Maybe pack a lunch and have a picnic. And above all, be safe while still being adventurous!
I absolutely loved this hike. 4 miles total, 2 miles in and 2 miles out. A lot of steps. And I mean, A LOT. I have not worked out in months. I was huffing and puffing. I got blisters from the backs of my stupid new shoes. I was so glad I had long shorts or I probably would have chafed. But yes. Tge views were amazing. The Bamboo forest itself is worth it. But if you brave it to the end and see the waterfall you'll be glad you did. It's a beautiful view. And those waters are indeed dangerous. I can see why people who like to peek from the cliffs ; where it says "danger do not pass", die.
Beautiful trail leading up to the waterfall. The Bamboo forest was the highlight for us. Definitely plan 2 hours, and don't forget to be out of there by sunset; it gets dark quickly inside the bamboo!
We came via the unpaved highway (the one your car rental company tells you not to take), from the southwest, to the national park. As natl parks go, this one was lightly furnished...bring your own snacks, though you can buy bottled water at the entry point. Guide books and reviews said it was muddy. Every single step was a choice between stepping ON mud and stepping IN mud (up to a couple inches). The entire way. Every step. Wear shoes you can clean off. But oh! The trail is worth the mud! Bamboo forest. Waterfalls. Birds. Flowers. Amazing.
It was pouring rain on the day we took the Road to Hana, and we almost skipped this stop... we were glad we didn’t! The Pipiwai Trail was a tough, yet incredible hike about 4 miles roundtrip. You get to see multiple waterfalls (the largest one on the Road to Hana!), as well as go though a bamboo forest. We weren’t able to swim or see the pools because it was raining so hard, but it was still incredible. If it’s raining, this hike is MUDDY. Plan on being disgusting, and wear tennis shoes that you do not care about. This is the last stop on the Road to Hana, so make sure you’ve allotted plenty of time to hike AND to get home (it’ll take you another 2 hours to drive back, and it’s not fun to do in the dark). State park admission costs $30, but if you do this and the Haleakala Summit within the same 3-day period, you only have to pay the admission fee once (just keep your receipt)!
Loved this hike, bring water its a pretty good hike. So many different sights. Bring your camera! I don't know what else to say!
Take your time to walk into the bamboo forest and get to the waterfall, you will not forget it ever!
The hike through this trail is really cool. However I wouldn't recommend going through here if it has been railing a lot. The trail could get really slippery for younger/older hikers. Proper footwear would be highly recommended, but you could probably get through it without proper shoes on a dry day. There were supposedly three waterfalls on the trail. We only had time to make it to two of them. The second was really nice. Wear bug repellent if you can remember to bring it! It was really nice!
This trail is a must do in Maui. When we got there it was sunny all the time so it was very easy to get through the bamboo forest and then the awesome waterfalls. Highly recommended.
My wife and I were very lucky to be able to make the Road to Hana before everything was closed due to Coronavirus. This allowed us to make the hike up the Pīpīwai Trail and see the Bamboo Forest and Waimoku Falls. The trail is a full 4 miles round trip. The payoff are the falls at the end. There are a number of scenic views that make this trek worth the effort. I would recommend this only if you are in shape as there is a lot of uphill hiking and many uneven steps. I would not recommend going if you bring young children who need to be carried. The hike is tough enough and I can’t see a parent making it up carrying a child (unless very young). Either way I suggest taking your time, take breaks when needed, and know that there are flat spots where you can catch your breath while you walk.
A two hour hike may sound a bit intimidating but the Pipiwai trail is not super difficult and the trail is well marked and maintained. The bamboo forest section is spectacular and you are rewarded at the end of the trail with an amazing waterfall. Make sure you have decent shoes because the trail can be muddy and slippery especially when it rains. Enjoy!
They offer a free ranger guided hike on Sundays at 10am and I had booked for it but upon arrival ranger called out. Was greeted by another friendly ranger elderly man that had to stay in visitor center an assured me trail is marked and very easy to follow with lots of tourists. Had a great time on this trail was fairly easy since no switch backs or high escalations. Trail was very easy to follow with great picture opportunities. Very muddy and lots of mosquitoes highly recommend using hiking boots not shoes and repellent so that can enjoy trail comfortably. Saw people with athletic shoes which can be a danger of slip and falls and cause serious injury. Took about 2 hours to and from trail. Restroom available in visitor center. Was able to swim in any waterfalls in park since waters were running at dangerous speeds.
My family of 5 stop to do the Pipiwai trial. It was a moderately long trial, but it was fun. The payoff was the Waimoku falls. Incredible.
This Trail was fun about 4 miles out and back, couldn't really see the first Waterfall from above,cause it was a little overgrown,the Banyan Tree was just awesome to see,so ancient looking, the Bamboo Forest was so fun to walk through its like you are in a different world and to top it all of,Waimoku Falls at the End, the flow was on the light side,but still amazing to see.
Nothing short of beautiful. I'd do it again. Bring a hiking pole for some areas if your balance isn't good.
We loved this hike - took us a very long time but we enjoyed every moment of it. Bring plenty of water and good shoes, it is very steep and strenuous, a little muddy. So many different ecosystems in one hike….woody forest, bamboo forest, waterfalls with freshwater fish, tropical flowers and fruits- really special!
I've done this hike twice and it's still jaw-dropping. The combination of seeing Oheo Gulch and then crossing the road to experience this incredible attraction almost seems unfair. The footing can be a little treacherous as you have to walk overl roots and loose rocks. The Bamboo Forest is worth the hike alone. The bamboo provides much appreciated shade(but doesn't help with the humidity). The boardwalk through this part of the hike really helps anyone who may struggle with the roots and rocks of the rest of the trail. At the end the waterfall comes into sight and it is stunning to see. The warning sign is there for a reason, but I won't lie, we went all the way to the falls for an up close up view and I will never regret it. To look up and see the water rolling down the rock and feel the cool water falling over you is incredible. People have been killed here by falling rock, so use your own judgement as to how much risk you're willing to take. We usually spend 3-4 hours doing this hike to really enjoy the views and enjoy ourselves. And the earlier the better, crowds really gather throughout the day. This experience was truly the highlight of our time on Maui. Just be prepared for some somewhat challenging terrain and serious humidity. All of these concerns are a small price to pay for this remarkable experience.
We are keen hikers and have probably been spoiled on some amazing paths around the world. This one is a nice walk but we found it underwhelming and I don't see the 5 star ratings (especially with the waterfall essentially closed to most travellers).
It was a little more difficult than expected mainly as parts of it are quite slippery after rain and it was definitely more time consuming than expected as you had to take it slow in places. Take water if you go as it gets fairly hot. The pass that you need to park here is the same as for Haleakala (in our case we'd purchased a Tri Park pass from Volcano National Park on the Big Island). If you haven't already purchased one it will be $30.
The walk as a whole is quite pretty with a lovely bamboo forest part. It's a popular walk to a waterfall however they are now actively discouraging people from actually continuing on to the waterfall at the end. They have removed signage and the official word on it at the moment is "well we can't stop you but we don't encourage people to do it".
So while I understand what they are doing with visitor numbers it does bring up a question as to how to rate this hike. The hike WITHOUT the waterfall is probably only 3 stars. It's pretty and the bamboo part is really lovely. Some nice scenery but ultimately a hike that is hot and sweaty without really any "high point". WITH the waterfall it's probably a 4 star.
If you want to get to the waterfall at this point, you can still do it BUT you have to take your shoes off and make your way over the rocks upstream to the left. Quite a few people had trudged through the water so that they could get photos under the waterfall but, due to the lack of signage, many others just headed back once they got to the rocks.
Oldest son & I left Ka'anapali early AM & drove Road to Hana straight to Lindbergh's grave, then backtracked to Pipiwai at 9 AM. We took our time going up. Stopped to see waterfalls & pools, took pictures at the Banyan Tree & one of the best parts of the hike: the awesome Bamboo Forest! A slight breeze caused the hollow banyon trunks to become an instant carillon of lovely chimes. Just magical! We were looking down, watching our step, when suddenly we heard voices, looked up, & before us was the most awesome site: a 400' high waterfall cascading over a sheer face of lava rock. It literally took our breath away. As we stood at the end of the trail taking photos, we spotted several other waterfalls breaking through the tropical forest in the distant jungle.
The trail was dry most of the way. As we got to the top, earlier rain had left wet/slick spots & puddles. It's important to watch your step due to exposed tree roots, rocks, and uneven ground. Tip: I found a bamboo 'walking stick', the perfect length for assuring a no-slip walk. I 'Paid it Forward' by giving the stick to an elderly lady as we descended. We could hear her exclamations about loving the stick as we parted ways.
The full trail, exploration of the lower Oheo Gulch pool trail & bathroom stop (Yes! Flushable!) took about 2-1/2 hours.
Another tip: save your $25 National Park entry receipt. It's good for 3 days to see the awesome Haleakala volcano crater -- a must-see drive through nearly 2 dozen microclimates!
Great day hike. The bamboo forest is super cool. The waterfall is worth the hike. Lots of parking if you get there earlier in the day. We arrived at the park around 9:30 am. Well worth the drive past Hana.
We did this hike with our 10 year old daughter. Trail had a few inclines but great for beginners - no need to do any sort of training for this kind of hike. Well maintained path - there are a lot of rocks and roots which makes the trail uneven, so we were glad to have worn running shoes. Also some of the trail has boardwalks.
Beautiful views along the way with an impressive waterfall at the end. The bamboo forest was stunning and a unique experience to walk through. My daughter also enjoying climbing in a massive banyan tree that is quite amazing.
We stopped in Maui as part of our cruise. Rented a car and drove the road to Hana, then continued to the park. The hike took about 2 hours, and after we had time to drive back and stop for supper along the way. Whole trip took about 11 hours. Park entrance fee was $25 US, lots of parking. Majority of the hike was in the shade.
Great 4 mile hike with very great views with a beautiful waterfall as the grand prize at the end. Hike is moderate and takes about 2 hrs to complete.
Even if you are not a hiker I recommend walking in a little bit to get a feel of this awesome bamboo forest. Will not be disappointed.
Wow. This is quite the trail. Long hikes upward, rocky conditions, and a little slick with the rain but the views were worth it. The falls were beautiful and the trail had lots of neat things to see along the way. Definitely worth it, just be prepared and dress to take a long hike.
We stayed overnight in Hana so that we could start this hike bright and early. We did the entire trail from the Oheo gulch to the waterfall lookout. You need good shoes and bring water - i would classify this as "moderate." The hike took us about 2 hours and we stopped for many photo opportunities. The bamboo forest was stunning. There is a sign at the end that says, "Do not go past this point." We didn't. But there was a family who was returning who had hiked further. This hike was one of the highlights of our trip.
My husband and I just did this hike during our recent trip to Maui. The trip is excellent. Walking through the Bamboo forest and seeing the waterfalls was amazing. The trail is well maintained.
This is also called Bamboo Forest and I think some people are mixing it up with a Bamboo Forest about 6.5 miles down the Road to Hana on the Nailiilihaele Stream. This one is located 10 miles west of Hana by the Seven Sacred Pools of Ohe'o - and worth the trip. A good hike without too crazy a vertical rise.
Incredible trail. Many beautiful sights along the way, even if you don't make it all the way to the falls. The beginning is the hardest... you might wonder if you can make it the entire way, especially if you have small children. But by the time you get to the bamboo forest there are boardwalks and the climb is less steep. Almost entirely shaded. Definitely would be uncomfortable in sandals. The falls at the end are stunning. Don't bother bringing towels and trying to swim, the air is very cool once you get there and the pool is not that safe for swimming. There are signs forbidding you to go closer, which everyone ignored. Don't try to do this as part of a day trip despite what some guides say... unless you just head directly there and don't stop at all. But you will be exhausted and get there at the same time as a million other people, have trouble finding parking and then hike the trail in the company of the same jerks you just spent the day fighting with over parking at every stop. Yuk. We arrived around 9am after spending the night in Hana and had no trouble parking. We were able to experience some solitude on the hike which was absolutely magical in the bamboo forest. By the time we came back down, the visitor center was bustling and the "sacred pools" were more like a spring break party. Cars in a long line down the road waiting to enter the packed parking lot. By that point you could only enter if someone left. Just don't do that to yourself on your vacation.
Pipiwai Trail was one of the highlights for my road to hana day trip. The hike was not tough, but it could take up to 3 hours with time for photo. (lady at gate told us 45 mins one way, but it felt like it would be just hike no time for photo). Bamboo forest was very nice. Most people huddled at the start of the bamboo forest for photos, but it's actually quite long, so plenty of room and time to take photos throughout. Must put LOTs of mosquito repellent on! I had at least 10 bites on my legs and arms!!! You also get to see a few different types of tress throughout the whole trail which was nice. Waterfall at the end was......a waterfall....so overall..not too bad, but go earlier on (their recommended time was go before 3:30 because it does get dark by 6)
Go early to avoid the heat. Was a bit disappointed because you're not suppose to swim (some people still did). But the risk of lepto is not worth it. So its definitely worth doing if you have time, but if you don't, don't force it.
My husband and I took the road to Hana and beyond to access this trail from the alternate point of entry into Haleakala Park specifically to hike this trail. An out and back easy trail that winds you through the fragrance of ripe mangos to a massive banyan tree, through the bamboo forests, and finally to an immense waterfall. To get to this last highlight, some traversing rocks and water obstacles is required, and with the popularity of the trail, can get congested but is worth the trek.
I don’t want to ruin the experience for anyone but going into too many details but if you are up for a four mile hike with lots of stepped uphill, it’s a great experience. Two waterfalls and a bamboo forest trail. Go early.
We loved this hike. It was beautiful. Get there early it says 2 miles each any but I showed a little more. I wish we had more time. The pools weren't open for swimming when we went which would have been nice. Definitely take water.
We stayed the night at Hana Kai. After a peaceful night of ocean breeze, we hit the trail early and it didn’t disappoint. With a national park pass, entry was free. The parking lot for the trail and seven sacred pools is shared.
Amazing waterfalls, bamboo forest and bridges. Lots of steps. Not easy as it gets hot. Hiking shoes required although we saw some in flip flops. Trail was mostly dry today. With rain this would be slick on rocks and slats. So happy we stayed in Hana and enjoyed the National park.
We went to Huli Huli Chicken after. It was featured on Gordon Ramsey. Cash only $20-25 per person. Delicious, huge portions!
We enjoyed our hike to the main falls. There is so much to see along the trail including the bamboo forest, several waterfalls and a large banyan tree. So glad we made the stop here and had enough time to do the hike and enjoy it.
Trail through the rainforest. There are countless waterfalls and exotic plants. The bamboo forest is idyllic in the morning and easy to navigate as some paths are paved. Other parts are slippery and tricky, especially when you have to cross streams.
This trail was beautiful and anything but boring, as you go through so many different stages - hiking through woodsy area, bamboo forest, past the banyan tree (climb it if you want!), along the river, to the lush, tropical (massive) waterfall. It is about 4 miles altogether and took us at least 3 hours, because we stopped to enjoy quite a few times. It started raining on us at least 3 or 4 times, so I would recommend bringing a light waterproof jacket - or just be in a mindset that getting wet is part of the adventure! It did get quite muddy, worse as the day went on and rain and more hikers stirred up the trail. Flip flops are useless here - do waterproof hikers like Keens or actual hiking boots. Tennis shoes will get muddy beyond belief. Absolutely a highlight of our trip!
Worth the drive (which was an adventure in itself!). Easy-moderate hike through beautiful rain forest with an amazing rest area with an enormous banyan tree with spreading branches. The only reason it is not five stars is that the waterfalls, stream and pools were relatively inaccessible (after promising the kids they might be able to swim from reading the sign posted at the trail entrance which allows swimming in some areas) There may be access, but not easily found along the trail system. Also Makahiku Falls overlook was dry (no waterfall) when were there in January 2019. And disappointing at the end that you can only view Waimoku Falls from quite a distance beyond which the trail was closed right after it crosses the stream, although it was jaw droppingly beautiful when it first comes into view along the trail. And there were people disobeying the sign and jumping the closure which was posted as a minimum $100 fine. Also the Bamboo forest was a unique hiking experience with some places to wander into the bamboos a little off the trail. Loved the clacking sounds they made when the wind blew them together.
We did about 20 hikes. Many off the beaten path. This one was the best with an epic waterfall at the end.
Trail closes when there has been a lot of rain. Otherwise, This is great little hike. It is easy, much of the hike is on a boardwalk, although I wouldn’t recommend flip flops. Hiking through the bamboo is amazing with a little breeze - nature’s own wind chime. You can get nice and close to the waterfall. After hike, swim in the lower pools.
The hike is wonderful. I love the bamboo forest. The park rangers are way too controlling. In a misguided effort to keep the user safe, they have eliminated doing all the adventurous stuff, like swimming and jumping off the cliffs.
Loved this hike. If you do in the morning ie first thing you have a less crowded beautiful experience. The bamboo forest, and waterfall are amazing. Pretty views. Wear sunscreen. Hang out at the top with a picnic lunch. Bigger waterfall than most of the drive.
Great hike. Was a bit muddy so dress appropriately. Round trip will take bout 3 hours going moderate pace. I would say one of the definitely should do type of hike as you see pretty much everything other hikes offer all in one. Prepare bug spray depending on the season as you will get loads of bites.
We drove straight out to Pipiwaii Trail in morning from Wailea. Bathrooms at trailhead. Awesome hike with beautiful large waterfall viewing that is very close to trail at end. Beautiful!! Took about 2 hours round trip. At end of hike we ate our sack lunch and then drove the Road to Hana in reverse using Shaka Guide app. Very helpful. Highly recommend this hike!! You do pay $25 to enter Haleakala Park, which is where trail begins....you can use this “ticket” to go to Haleakala crater another day without paying fee again.
It is definitely a hike with a lot of "stairs," so be prepared to walk with good shoes and appropriate clothing. It was neat to walk through all the bamboo on the way to the waterfall.
Nice easy hike with mild elevation gain. Bamboo forest was pretty as were the waterfalls along the way. Very crowded mid day. There was 6 of us. We did the hike in a little over 2 hours. We we’re disappointed you couldn’t get to the waterfall at the end.
Its a must do for the outdoor adventurer. Beautiful falls, bamboo forest Waikou Falls.. amazing.. steep, stairs continual climb probably not for young children or those with health problems
Hiking this trail through the bamboo forest was one of our favorite experiences on Maui. Don’t miss out. Many people just take the road to Hana and back but we drove back on the road that passes this park and it was fantastic. Also saw Lindbergh ‘s grave which was neat. The road to the church and graveyard passed some sort of private sculpture garden which was also neat to see.
The experience of walking through a forest of bamboo is irreplaceable. This is a lovely hike for anyone exploring the road to Hana. The trail was pretty busy toward the start but the crowd thins out as you go. Highly recommend
Wanted to hike up to the bamboo forest, but we weren’t making good time before our 3pm reservation at the Honokalani Black Sand Beach. In the beginning part of the hike, you cross the Hāna Hwy that you would have traveled on to get to the park entrance. We made the hike to the first waterfall which had brown flowing water. Took pictures then debated missing our Black Sand Beach reservation and continuing up or turning around and rushing to Waiʻanapanapa State Park. We decided to do the latter.
It was a more strenuous hike for us as we are not in the best of shape in our early 50s. Not sure how we would have fared continuing up, but my calves were mooing the next day.
We visit Maui every year and the Pipiwai Trail is our very favorite Maui hike! If you plan to visit both Haleakala National Parks (volcano summit and Oheo Gulch/Pipiwai), save your entrance fee receipt. It is good for free entry to the other park within 3 days.
Here are some tips for an enjoyable Pipiwai experience: #1. Wear closed-toe shoes/boots due to the tree roots/rocks on the trail. It's the tropics = frequent rain, so the trail can be muddy. Avoid flip flops! #2. Bring extra shoes in a plastic bag to change into at the end of your hike. Then, put your muddy shoes in the bag. #3: If you don't have hiking poles, there are often bamboo sticks left by previous hikers.
Trail highlights: About half-way up the trail is a majestic Banyan Tree. Great photo op. The Bamboo Forest rates #1 for us. The lush, green forest is magical. Stop to listen to the "musical chimes" as bamboo stalks sway in the breeze, colliding. Much of this part of the trail is along a newer, elevated wood platform -- easy hiking. The 400' waterfall (tallest on Maui) at the end of the trail is awesome! If it has rained recently, look closely at the high cliffs all around to spot many small ribbons of waterfalls.
We drive straight from West Maui to arrive at Pipiwai/Haleakala National Park close to 9 a.m., when the park's Ranger Station/parking lot opens. Cooler, uncrowded. The parking lot is a short walk to view (no entry/swimming) the Oheo Gulch pools. Ranger/information station and restrooms.
Before leaving the Kipahulu area, drive about a mile further to a lovely church on a high sea cliff where Charles Lindbergh is buried. The churchyard is filled with blossoming bushes. Quiet picnic area with amazing cliff-top vistas.
More tips: Make Road to Hana stops on the way back. Less crowded. Don't miss the Keanae Peninsula, at about the halfway point from Hana to Paia.
Just before reaching Paia, stop at the Ho'okipa Beach overlook to watch world-class windsurfers, kite-surfers and surfers. This is the site of world windsurfing competitions. Look closely at the beach below. Dozens of green sea turtles will be resting on the sandy beach, camouflaged by black lava boulders.
Highly recommend dinner at the Paia Fish Market (Hana Hwy & Baldwin Ave.) -- mahi/ono burgers, seafood pasta, onion rings...everything is great!
Finally, for a personal 'tour guide' throughout Maui, purchase the "GuideAlong" app for Maui's entire island (around $20). Take a car charger! This is an entertaining, informative GPS guide, pointing out must-see spots -- many you may drive by without knowing, island history, flora, fauna, micro-climates (20+ driving to Haleakala summit), stories kids enjoy, too.
My wife and I went for the hike in March of 2019 while on the road to Hana. It had been rainy so the trail was pretty muddy. I would suggest wearing shoes you are not afraid to get messed up. Its a beautiful hike through bamboo and woods. There are points that you have to climb over some fallen trees so be aware.
One of the highlights of our trip. It’s a trek, so bring water and good shoes and you get to the The waterfall at the enddddd. We went at the end of the day so it wasn’t as scorching hot and not as busy, but we got caught driving the back side of the volcano in the dark so be mindful of time. If you do the sunrise/sunset at Haleakala, your park ticket will work here within a certain timeframe.
It is about two miles one way and most of it can be muddy and rocky. There is not a decked path until you get about 3/4 of the way there. I will say the Bamboo forest is pretty amazing and the waterfalls at the end were pretty good but they do not allow you to go to where the waterfall ends to swim. They have blocked off all access to getting real close.
By far one of the coolest places I have ever seen. You feel so small in the bamboo forest. It is like nothing I have ever seen. Then you come out to this amazing 400ft waterfall. This is not a difficult hike by any means. Definitely worth the drive past Hana
Loved this hike. Reward is waterfall at the end. Abit longer than I thought but so much to see. I would definitely recommend.
This was such a magical hike! After a long day on the road to Hana I wasn't sure we'd be up for a 4 mile hike but I am sooooo glad we did. On this hike you will see the most beautiful bamboo forest and the most impressive waterfall of the entire trip in my opinion makes it all worth it. The hike can be challenging with a some pretty steep rocky steps at times sometimes muddy depending on the rain, but most of the trail is easy and there were many older folks and kids managing just fine. Worth the trip and entry fee to the park!
It is muddy and humid but well worth the long drive. Great views of waterfalls. The bamboo forest is outstanding and fun. Make sure to hike around the Oheo Gulch near the coast.
One of the must do's on the road to Hana. It took us a solid 2 hours round trip to complete and we were moving pretty fast on the way back as we were fighting day light. It's a great hike though and the bamboo forest and the waterfall at the end is definitely worth the hike. I'd say it's moderate to difficult depending on your fitness level as you walk up a hill a bunch and it's a tad rocky in parts.
The Pīpīwai trail is one of the must do hikes in Maui. It’s on the other side of Haleakala national park and at the end to the road to Hana. Be sure to arrive early - it’s about 3.4K to the waterfalls and double that back. On the way you can expect to hike uphill, through some majestic bamboo forest and stunning views of the surrounding natural jungle. Bug spray is a must. For an experienced hiker it’s the perfect day hike and not terribly difficult but factor enough time to drive out and back to Hāna or Maui. Arrive early to secure a spot and avoid the heat!
We spent the night in Hana so we could do the Pipiwai Trail as soon as they opened. We thought we had read somewhere that the parking lot wasn't open until 9 but we got there right at 9 and there were a ton of cars already. I guess it just meant that the visitors center opens at 9! The bamboo areas were SO SO gorgeous and the large Banyan Tree was fun for adults and kids alike to climb! Oh and the waterfall was nice too haha but the bamboo was my favorite!!!!!!!
This was one of the highlights of our trip!
One word of caution to start out - on our trail guide the vertical gain was noted at 261 feet, but it is actually more around 642.
We drove the back way to Hana, so this was our first stop as we didn't want to be so tired at the end of all long day to miss the best hike and waterfall on Maui.
The bamboo forest was just beautiful and as magnificent of a site to experience as the Waimoku Falls at the end. The quiet (when the wind blows the sound of the tall stalks is a very cool wind chime) and the beauty of walking under the bamboo canopy was so cool. The day we went was also exceptionally hot, so it was also literally cooler. The "boardwalk" or planked section was beautiful and probably also a need given the potential of the wet climate.
The Waimoku Falls were awesome! As is typical for most of Maui there are warning signs to not go past "here" for extreme danger. The few people we saw on the trail all stopped and obeyed the sign. Since it was so hot and the falls were not raging, we went past the sign and found a few other groups of people enjoying the beauty and the pool below the falls. I had read and seen YT videos of folks almost getting hit by falling rocks, so we enjoyed it a safe distance (yes Mom, I know stuff can still happen) as we were cautiously adventurous. It was worth it to explore closer.
Do the Seven Falls at the end to cool off.
Along with a doors off helicopter ride, this was the other highlight of our trip.
Loved this hike. From dry to tropical to muddy, waterfalls, this hike had it all. Be sure to wear real shoes and not flip flops. You’re likely to get rained on and would be slipping around in the mud with flip flops or the hike would just take much longer.
Beautiful hike.... wished I had time to make it to the top to see the 400 foot waterfall. Second time visiting this area.
25 dollar admission fee into the park...credit cards only. Pass valid for 3 days. It is a 4 mile hike. Bring mosquito repellent! Wear closed toed shoes. The area is muddy, rocky and in some areas slippery. It may rain while on the hike.
This trail was my favourite on the road to Hana. Reasonably challenging, but not too long and the views are simply amazing. Don't miss out!
Most beautiful thing i've ever exprerienced in my life. The sound of bamboo in the wind is unforgettable
The hike was not overly hard but definitely a good work out. Be prepared with proper shoes and water DONT FORGET BUG SPRAY and you will have no problem! The bamboo was AMAZING! The views spectacular. I loved the Banyon tree!!
This has been one of our favorite stops and hikes for years. Most tourists make it to Hana and count it good without knowing how beautiful this spot in Haleakalā National Park really is.
The Pipiwai Trail is nominally 2 miles to the Falls, 4 miles round trip. But it hikes farther than that, at least according to my hiking app. The trail can be challenging, and wearing good footwear is not essential but really helps. Many people bring hiking poles to help over the uneven rock stairs, roots, rocks, and debris. The trail can and often is muddy.
After hiking up a ways, you arrive at the overlook to Makahiku Falls, dropping 200' into the Oheo Gulch Stream. Then you pass through an old cattle gate and walk on to a huge banyan tree. Up a bit farther, and you enter into a wonderful bamboo forest. When the wind blows, you can hear the bamboo clacking into each other. Finally you arrive at Waimoku Falls. This gigantic waterfall (tallest on Maui) drops 400-feet down a sheer lava rock wall into a boulder-strewn pool.
There is a sign warning hikers not to go into the pool. This is more than just a lawyer's warning. Think about how all the rocks around the pool got there. If you go up to and into the pool, you might be one of the unlucky ones who catches a rock in your head as it falls.
The bamboo forest is a must see. The waterfall was not as strong as in past years. I think the island has been experiencing less than usual rainfall recently. Still a hike worth taking.
This was one of our must-do's on our Road to Hana day trip, and it was well worth the drive and short hike. Although the trail was a bit muddy the day we went, it was not particularly strenuous and had only moderate inclines. There is a lot of scenery along the way, including a good stretch of bamboo forest. The waterfall at the end is the reason to do the hike. Note that though there is a sign that suggests not to go off trail and go past it, you should definitely go past it and get to the base of the waterfall! The water is too shallow to be swimmable but you are able to walk under it.
I visited in July and there was only a small trickle of water flowing over Makahiku Falls, so somewhat disappointing.
This was one of the best hikes I have ever gone on. Moderate exertion, rocky in places. The wooden trail they have made thru the bamboo forest is magical!
This trail provides a nice challenge and really interesting waterfall views. My favorite part was the bamboo forest, where the winds creates music.
Great views. The bamboo forest was interesting to walk thru leading up to the main waterfall. The first waterfall was dry.
Moderate hike with some easy parts if the hike mixed in. The waterfall at the end of the trail was amazing (thankfully it had water coming over it). Recommended.
We drove in and out from the south. The road was poor at best in several spots. Watch the weather if you plan to go this way.
We hiked this trail after doing the reverse road to Hana. It was a really enjoyable hike with completely different sites, sounds, and obstacles. The bamboo forest was so serene. Other travelers were helpful and fun. The waterfall at the end capped it all off.
A fabulous hike with a variety of things to see along the way. The trail climbs gradually close by the river, with a number of waterfalls and bridge crossings. The huge banyan tree is amazing, and the bamboo forests are stunning and slightly creepy. The trail ends at the fantastic Waimoku falls, dropping down a vertical cliff at the head of the valley. A lot of variety packed into a very convenient 1.8 mile long trail.
We did the Haleakalā sunrise on Saturday of our trip. That national park pass is good for three days so if you decide to do the road to Hana and include this trail to see Waimoku Falls, you won't have to pay the additional fee to enter (we did road to Hana on Sunday, spent the night in Hana then did this Pipiwai Trai hike/falls on Monday). This is an easy trail, well maintained with lots of steps and can get slippery when it drizzles/rains so bring good shoes. The trail leads you to a big banyan tree and through a bamboo forest, so fun to hear the knocking of the bamboo trees against each other. Of course, there are lots of breathtaking spots for pictures. Bring bug spray as the spray we did at the car sweat off and the bugs were active. We started at 8am, had a 9 and 11 year old with us, but had to stop often as I threw out my back a couple days before. We finished the round trip hike to the the Waimoku and back by 2pm. We probably could have done the hike in 2 hours if I didn't have to stop so much because of my back. Wonderful trail, with a big Waimoku falls payoff at the end. So worth it. Parking is $10.
This is a great hike with lots to see along the way. But plan ahead and go early if you can. Yes, it was February, and I don’t know if that’s why I had no mosquitos. But with an early start I had the falls entirely to myself. l was staying in Hana, and although it was only 10 miles, it took me 40 minutes to get to the parking area at the Kipahulu Visitor Center due to the nature of that part of the road to Hans. I was on the trail by 7:30am and the first people I saw was on the way back down. There is a great overlook of Makahiku Falls 1/2 mile in, but the real attraction before the falls themselves is the bamboo forest. I stopped along the boardwalk that the National Park service built in this area and recorded video of the bamboo, just to get the sounds of the wind playing in the bamboo. This section seemed to go on forever. You finally see the falls between the lush foliage and cross a stream to get to the closest view the Park recommends. You will see the sign warning you about going closer. In fact, any closer makes it hard to get all of the falls in a picture. The trail does have a lot of areas of exposed roots that demand your attention. There were several areas of hard packed mud that could be slippery if you weren’t careful. Only one area had mucky mud that had me stepping on rocks and branches and trying to get around. This is a 4.0 mile round trip hike up a mountainside. It’s not steep, or particularly strenuous. I stopped frequently to take pictures. I’m over 70 years old with a bad back. I completed the hike in 2 1/2 hours. Enjoy !!!
This is the third time I have done this hike. Hubby and I shared the opinion that the trail has significantly degraded (or perhaps nature is wisely taking over). The abundance of rocks and protruding tree roots made the trail less enjoyable to navigate than we previously experienced as we were constantly looking at the ground to secure safe footing. The bamboo forest with its clacking tunes is enchanting, as always, and for a first timer, it is mesmerizing.
As a woman in my late 60’s, I noted much younger people moving at a faster pace, so keep that in mind when reading this review.
After being in a car all day long on that windy road to Hana, we were so excited to get out and stretch our legs. This trail was absolutely beautiful and easy to do. Most of it was easy climbing. The bamboo forests were beautiful to walk through and the waterfall at the end was breathtaking. You definitely need to make this a must do stop on your trip to Hawaii.
If you love hiking this trail is a must do. Me and my new wife really enjoyed the scenery and the trail is well maintained.
This trail is ranked moderate... I see some saying it was easy. I can see how it is for some.... Im a middle aged woman who hikes often and am fit for my age- i power walk and/or swim laps daily. This hike was truly moderately difficult for me. I took my time during inclines that seemed never ending My 13 yo also said the elevation to get there was not easy- she is fit, in sports and dance. HOWEVER, the work was worth every bit of this beautiful hike. One of the most unique hikes Ive ever been on. The bamboo forest hits it out of the park. No swimming permitted when we went. Ive seen in you tube videos where people swam near the falls. This didn't happen for us. They were beautiful to look at. There is a small stream at the end you should consider water shoes because of this... We wore keen water shoes for the entire hike.
This was the most crowded hike we went on in hawaii.
The way down also made my knees sore the next day- plenty of stepping down repeatedly. If you have any knee problems- i would second guess this hike, maybe go very slow and make sure you have a helper.
The Pipiwai Trail is a must do if you're taking the Road to Hana trip!
It is an additional trek beyond the "end of the road to Hana", however this hike packs a punch in terms of scenery,
It's about a 2 mile hike. I am 27, over 6 ft and over 250 lbs. I am not built for hiking. However, while there were certainly some challenging parts in the hike, overall the hike is very doable by even those who aren't necessarily in shape.
Highlights are definitely the bamboo forest and waterfall. That bamboo forest is beautiful. Great lighting for photos. Also had some friends with us who said they liked this better than the one they visited in Japan.
You can also see the waterfall at the end, however you may or may not choose to go past the sign at the end to see the full view of the waterfall...
We hiked this trail after going on the Road to Hana and it was one of the highlights of our day!
A few tips...
1. Wear the right shoes - it is a moderate hike that is full of rocks and mud...sandals won’t do you much good.
2. Bring water - it is very humid on the trail.
3. Go all the way to the end - it’s worth it!
The drive there in narrow roads is worth it. But don't take the road from the west! An awful dirt road. The hike is great. Waterfalls, bamboo forest, wild pigs. And beautiful O'heo Gulch right in the near.
My wife and I recently hiked the Pipiwai Trail on Maui and really enjoyed the experience. It is about 2 miles in each direction with a fair amount of up and down sections. We used trekking poles, which we found to be very helpful. It took several hours to go back and forth, but, it was well worth it. It is also a very popular trail so be prepared to meet a lot of people along the way.
The trail was longer than I thought and the forest larger than I thought it would be. Nice hike, enjoyable experience.
This was a harder hike than I expected, but it was worth it. 4 miles round trip with a lot if uphill, narrow, twisty terrain that was often slippery. I was glad we took snacks & plenty of water. The scenery is jaw-dropping! Beautiful rainforest outlooks, incredible waterfalls, and a magical bamboo forest. Go early to beat the crowds!
This is an amazing hike and worth the trip down the Road to Hana to reach it. A short ways in you reach a beautiful Banyan Tree and shortly after that you start a mile hike through an awesome bamboo forest and you end at a stunning waterfall. It's about a 2-3 hour hike over moderate terrain but well worth it!
Note that the parking area is in a National Park so you will have to pay the park entry fee.
This is a must- do- hike! It is so beautiful and the waterfalls at the end are worth it. Make sure to wear good shoes.
Beautiful hike with so much to take in while hiking, there is a large variety of plants and the views change as you move. It was very muddy when we went and I did slip once but it was a decent hike and is worth doing
The road to Hana is over rated. There is no gas at the park entrance.or nearby so make sure you have a full tank. If you don't you have to drive 30 minutes further into Hana town on the one lane hair pin turn road to fuel up. Plus it is about $6 per gallon
Forget all that, great trail - packed with a lot of fun and adventure.
roaring water to cross, beautiful trails, bamboo forest, rocks, etc
wear good footwear NOT flip flops - people are dumb
YOu willl encounter waterfalls and the ability to swim in and under them. great experience. no regrets
Great intermediate hike! Waterfall at the end is a show stopper! We went after a rain and saw 4 waterfalls next to the Waimoku falls. Lots of great scenery! Highly recommend you do this hike when travelling the RTH.
We did this hike and it was a good way to spend a couple of hours. There are waterfalls, pools, a bamboo forest and at the turn around point there is the 400ft waterfall. Along the way the have continued to even out the rough areas by putting in a boardwalk. The last time we did this we got our feet wet in a couple of spots but now we were dry the whole way. Sadly, because of safety concerns, you can not get to the pool under the waterfall but there were some who ignored the sign to get closer.
Loved the bamboo and my wife was glad there was a path that was elevated. We thought it might be a harder hike but once you do it you can see it's a very basic one. One trip I would recommend to walk for all the photo opportunities.
It was for us a very easy walk which could have been a bit more complicated in case of wet weather conditions. So everything went well, we did it quite relaxed. However, wouldn't say that it's worth driving down to the Hana just to see the waterfall.
We took the south route to Hana, street conditions were absolutely ok, but heard afterwards that you're not allowed to drive a rental car there (damages are excluded from your insurance). However, would do it again, as it was way better as the norther route ("road to Hana").
This is probably my favorite hiking trail in the world. From feeling like you are in the jungle, to going thru the bamboo forest and then ending at the giant waterfall. Just an incredible experience, a must do in Maui.
My wife and I enjoy moderate hikes and this one was very moderate. Plan on around 3 hours max (but should take less unless you have very small children or anyone with some physical/stamina challenges). The elevation gain makes the trip up the most strenuous part but it should not be a challenge for most people who are even moderately fit. The path is actually an elevated platform through a good portion of the final way up which makes it a very easy walk after the initial climb. You will be rewarded with a great waterfall at the end a great bamboo forest and beautiful scenery and a smaller water-fall along the way up. You will need to pay to enter the park but keep the receipt since the fee is good for 3 days if you are going to Mount Haleakala as well (same park different entrance on the other side of the mountain)
A few reminders for those who don't hike often : 1) Wear proper trail shoes - a good pair of tennis shoes will suffice for this hike but wear good socks/footwear - which doesn't include flip flops or anything without toe protection :) 2) Take plenty of water 3) wear/take layers 4) remember sunscreen 5) always good to take your small first aid kit on any hike/outing
This a fun hike with varied terrain, steep incline to start then pretty mellow through the bamboo forest. Unique landscapes and great views of both the Gulch below and the waterfall. Make time after to explore the pools and sit by the ocean.
I think the website said it was a 3hr hike- I did it quick and was at the waterfall in 40 mins, round trip was about 2 hrs with a short break to enjoy views.
Start early as it gets crowded.
This is an easy, rather hot hike to a couple nice waterfalls, with a bonus bamboo forest that is delightful. My husband and I (in our early 50s, fairly fit) had no problems doing this hike. We lucked out and it did not rain, but parts were still a little muddy. The trail itself is dirt, crushed lava rock, tree roots, some rock stairs, and boardwalk at the end through the bamboo forest. Part shade, part sun.
Tips:
- wear decent closed-toe hiking shoes, the trail can be slippery and lots to stub your toes on. Flip flops not recommended at all. We felt good in our Columbia waterproof hiking shoes.
- take water. There is a bottle filling station right outside the restrooms at the park entrance, refill here if needed.
- go early if you don't want to hike the narrow trail with lots of people. We started our hike from the parking lot at 8 am and only encountered a couple other people along the way. But on our way back, it was very busy and noisy with fellow hikers.
- don't plan on a quaint picnic lunch at the waterfall. There is really no place to sit or enjoy the view... it's a tiny area by a stream. We ended up perched on a rock by the stream but it's not that comfortable and you couldn't see much from that spot.
- restrooms are at the parking lot, nothing along the hike.
- we did not encounter mosquitoes but we did take bug spray just in case.
- swimming was prohibited.
- cost to enter the park was $30 payable by credit card at the entrance guard house.
- there is a fallen tree trunk you have to scramble over and a couple tiny "streams" to cross.
- The first waterfall is at the bridge about a mile in. It's very pretty. But go on to the larger, second waterfall by continuing the trail for another mile through the bamboo forest. Listen to the bamboo in the wind - it's beautiful.
- obey the signs and do not veer off the trail. There are some big drop offs over the side and no railing. Watch small children carefully.
- did I say, go early? Let me repeat that. If nothing else, go early. We stayed overnight in Hana the night before, so we could arrive at the park early to hike. Best decision ever.
Well worth the effort for this hike. You can't get close to the waterfalls and you can't swim there, which is a little disappointing, but the falls are pretty impressive. If you've been to some of the waterfalls in Portland, OR, those are actually more amazing because you can get so close to them and go in the water.
This was a pretty magical hike after a long drive to Hana.
The bamboo forest and waterfalls, along with other vegetation made it seem like it was straight out of Jurassic Park!
We had planned to hike all the way to the Seven Sacred Pools, but our grumpy 15-year old wanted to head home halfway through the hike. It had been a long day of driving and was quite warm out - so come prepared with proper trail or hiking shoes and plenty of drinking water.
Also highly recommend that you drive home the “opposite way” that you took to Hana…..take HI-37 (use google maps) - the road was a bit winding at first, but then turned into this magical Haleakala hill side with long ranches, cool terrain, roaming cattle, and incredible views of the ocean!!! It was truly magical.
This hike is not that difficult but its not easy as well. Plan accordingly and don't wear flip flops. I saw many people turn back because they had on the wrong shoes. Wear hiking shoes if you have them, regular tennis shoes/running shoes/trail shoes will work, but keep in mind, they will get dirty. Just make sure they have rubber soles because the trail is wet and some areas are slippery and muddy. There a few different areas of the hike that changes, like stages in a video game. The first part the trail floor is mostly wooded and tree roots with muddy paths, then you get more towards a rocky hilly area with rocky steps, next is the banyan tree part of the trail and finally the bamboo forest. At the end is the beautiful Waimoku Falls. There is a warning sign posted to not go any further, but there is also a well worn path next to it. You use your best judgement. Lets just say we got some beautiful shots literally right underneath the falls.
We hiked this trail on 05/03 and at the "official" end of the trail, saw numerous people coming back from the closed area. Their comment "The view is worth the $100 fine". 2 days later, a man was killed by falling rock at the base of the waterfall. Was it worth it? OBEY THE DANGER SIGNS...THEY ARE THERE FOR A REASON.
The hike itself is relatively easy, with many viewpoints of the stream, pools and other waterfalls. Bring water and a hat. If hiking in the rain trail will get muddy. The day we hiked was sunny. Very enjoyable hike.
This isn't a difficult trail, though getting to it is a little difficult as you have to take the Road to Hana. We left Lahaina at 6 am and missed most of the traffic. We went straight to the black sand beach and then to Pipiwai Trail. We spent a lotttt of time here taking pictures. From the Banyan tree, to the waterfalls, to the bamboo forests, to the huge waterfall at the end. I considered not taking the trip here because I was unsure of the Road to Hana but I am glad we didn't miss this. Do bring bug spray. I didn't see any mosquitoes on Maui until I got to the waterfall crossing on this hike and they got me good. Regardless, if you are considering this hike I would encourage you to make the trip. For us, it was worth it!
I think this hike will live with me as the best hike of my life. I somehow convinced/dragged my non outdoorsy fiancé to go all the way to the bottom of the waterfall. It was not easy, I'm glad we brought snacks and water along with us. Water was a MUST snacks maybe not so much, but it helped us. If you do this hike take time to stop and listen to the bamboo knocking against each other in the breeze. It was the most peaceful sound I've heard in my life.
Do this great hike at the end of the road in Hana. About 2 hours one way to the falls but the best is along the way....the bamboo forest is magical music as the 60 ft. bamboo sways in the tradewinds.
We were a group of 10 (family with kids ranging from age 10 to 18). We started this hike around 1:30 and finished around 4:15. It is not super easy, but definitely doable if you are in any kind of shape at all. The waterfalls at the end are spectacular. The hike itself is fun, albeit quite muddy in places so be prepared for that.
Grab your water and some good walking shoes, this hike is definitely worth it! This trail is so much fun with amazing sights and views. The bamboo forest is great for pictures and something unique to see. I've hiked this about 8 times and it is so much fun! Water is a must!
The hike was made more strenuous by the humidity, so pack enough water and plan to sweat the entire time. There are no places to swim or get into the water. I did cut the back of my leg on a bamboo branch and splashed it with water from a creek instead of using water I wanted to drink. This was a poor decision with predictable consequences so just toss an extra bottle of water in your back to not worry about it! The hike was moderate but had steps and boardwalk areas. The waterfalls were beautiful and the bridges were gorgeous. The most amazing thing was walking through the bamboo forest when the wind was blowing. Take some time to just stand there with your eyes closed and listen
We arrived here around 9:30 am and there was still plenty of parking. More enjoyable hike if can take advantage of less people and cooler morning temps. Trail is more elevated than expected with rocks, roots, steps and some muddy spots, but also has some level boardwalk areas thru bamboo forest. Three out of eight of us didn't make it to the end but still made it to a spot that the waterfall could be seen. Be sure to at least make it thru the bamboo forest. Worth it! Bring plenty of water and bug spray.
Amazing state park 0 you can start with the Pipiwai Trail to go through the banyan tree, bamboo tree, and Waimoku Falls - go back and complete the other side of the hike with the Seven Sacred Pools
My son and I had a wonderful time hiking up to the waterfall. Such a great hike! The banyan tree partway up the trail is a great spot for photo opportunities!
At the end of the Road to Hana awaits a 4 mile hike for you! One small loop overlooking Oheo Pools which were closed (unsure due to covid or safety/maintenance). Longer one way up (double back same path to return) for moderate intensity hike passing a fun/cool banyan tree, through a charming/enchanted bamboo forest and ending at a stunning waterfall.
Trail is well kept with rock steps and board walks at some parts. Took us the anticipated 2-3 hours roundtrip. Plan for longer if a large group, kids or on busy days getting stuck behind beginner hikers. Climate is humid so you'll get quite wet, but no swimming.
Parking $30/car allows admittance to both Haleakala park entrances within 3 days. So if you're coming from the summit, no need to pay and if you haven't been to the crater yet, this pass will allow you to go within the next 3 days.
Signs everywhere say the park closes at 5pm and if you're not out, you'll get locked in. Ranger at the top reiterated the same verbal warning late in the afternoon to remind everyone to be aware of timing. This is not a joke and it's quite strictly enforced. Be accountable for your time, speed and experience. If you're beginner, arrive early in the morning. This experience is worth more than 5 stars, definitely nothing less especially if it's because you didn't follow the rules!
Great, easy trail on the road to Hana, make sure to start the day early so you have enough time to get home before dark. The trail is 1.8 miles each way, waterfall at the end is beautiful and the bamboo forest is like nothing i've ever experienced.
Having lived in Hana, I had opportunity to hike the Pipiwai Trail a couple of times. I recently had the opportunity to share the hike to the falls with my girlfriend. A first for her. The weather as perfect as we enjoyed a dry, mostly sunny day when we hiked the trail. I'm a 60-year-old in average shape and find this hike an enjoyable one that is not too taxing. Next time I would start a little earlier in the day because it did get hot. Remember to bring lots of water. We took our time on the way up, enjoying the changes in scenery along the way. If you enjoy photography as we do, the beautiful waterfalls and pools won't disappoint. The bamboo forest will mesmerize you when the breeze comes up which causes the stems to clack as they strike one another. The ultimate goal of course is Waimoku Falls, which is 400' tall and pretty amazing. Total round trip took us two and a half hours, but it can be done in much less time by those that like to hike a ta quicker pace than ours. Choose your footwear to match the weather, but I would not recommend flip flops at any time. Great Afternoon!.
If you do go, when you enter the National Park's car lot, say Aloha to Lahela. She's a gem. :) And forget to hike down to the seven pools afterwards for a refreshing dip to end the day.
I love a nice hike. I love being surrounded by nature. This was my first experience being surrounded by a bamboo forest. I was in awe! We originally wanted to go to the Seven Sacred Pools, but that's a no-no these days. This hike made up for it. I highly recommend.... and there is a waterfall at the end.
The Pipiwai Trail is a bit challenging but not so much so that it is not worth the effort. Lots of stone steps leading up - then a banyan tree, a magical bamboo forest and a 400 foot waterfall to top it all off. Definite must.
Nice short hike but very busy…. Is a very long day out just to travel to this walk , probably better to spend more time in the area
The lead to Hana is very long and slow going
It was pouring rain the night before we did this hike so the trail was super muddy! Definitely recommend grabbing one of the bamboo walking sticks at the start of the trail! Make sure you wear hiking shoes or sandal- not running shoes or flip flops (we saw lots of people wearing those slip or take them off and go barefoot)! The trail itself it beautiful! You go past a huge banyan tree, through bamboo forests, some boardwalk sections and come out to the most beautiful huge waterfall! There had been so much rain leading up to when we hiked this trail that the river in front of the waterfall was too strong that they had closed it off and we couldn't get to the base of the waterfall, but the views from farther back were just as breath taking. There were 5 or so smaller waterfalls coming off the cliffs, too- beautiful!
We hiked this trail a few days after hurricane lane came through. It was MUDDY, which made it slick and difficult in spots. Definitely wear shoes and bring water. It also rained on us as we approached the waterfall, luckily we brought rain jackets. If you are in average shape I would block off 2 hours to complete it. We also brought a change of clothes and Gatorade for after and were very thankful as we were soaked, dirty and thirsty. There are restrooms at the parking area but you aren’t supposed to put mud down the drain but I used the towels to wipe some off.
All that said the views are awesome!! The waterfalls, the banyan tree, the bamboo forest! We loved it!!
This 3.7 mile round-trip hike is a must-do now that you've successfully navigated the Road to Hana and beyond. Most of it is a dirt (sometimes muddy) path but there is some boardwalk. It's not terribly steep but a definite incline. USE GOOD FOOTWEAR; it's just humorous watching people with heels and/or flip-flops try to navigate this trail. Keep your eyes open for abandoned walking sticks!
This hike is a journey, not a destination. Passing through the bamboo forest is a delight as well as seeing multiple waterfalls. The reward truly is 400' Waimoku Falls -- and the multiple trickles that surround it. This is not a swimming area, not even a foot-washing spot: the base is hazardous.
For one of our trip companions, this was the highlight of visiting Hawaii!
The trail is not very hard but I wish I knew few things before:
Take couple towels , you will need them
Wear swim suits with T-shirt on top and shorts,
bring extra T-shirt to change, you will be wet and sweaty
Shoes you can wash later, no flip flops
Maybe baseball hat on top, when it rains it pours:)
You claiming 650 feet up on muddy rocky slippery trail, as it rains it becomes really slippery so your legs will be covered in mud to your knees
Bamboo forest and waterfall view all worth every bit of it!
We hike a lot and this has been one of our favorites! It’s a moderate hike but worth it. 4 miles RT. So much to see! The first look out is so beautiful, then the HUGE Banyan Tree(unreal looking) then the Bamboo Forrest is magical! Then the final trek to the 400 ft waterfall. Man was it beautiful. Don’t stop at the sign go to the falls itself as long as it’s safe to cross the creek of course and just have a seat, eat a snack and take in all the beauty around you. A must do if in Maui! A small tip if doing the road to Hana do this first. You’ll be so tired from all the other stops along the way if you don’t because it’s at the end almost. Highly recommend this hike:-)
We drove the southern route straight here from kaanapali...this is a great hike, you do have to pay since its in a national park. Seems longer than the 2. something miles, you go thru woods, see some waterfalls, thru a bamboo forest, past a banyan tree (only banyan tree i ever seen that didnt have a sign that said dont climb - so.....banyan trees are harder to climb than they look....) and finally the 450 foot waterfall...we took a waterfall cool down, had some snacks as we marvelled and watched people fall down in the shallow slippery pool. I would do this again if i was with someone who hasnt done it and am glad i did it, but i wouldnt do it again if it was just the 4 of us, at least not til we do a lot of other things....oh, and the pools are next door, so i cooled down in them before going to car...
We loved this hike but needed a rest day afterwards as we are a couple in our upper 60's. Rocky with lots of roots. Some climbing and some level areas. At the end you do have to walk through a narrow, rocky stream but by that time our hiking shoes were already wet and muddy. Just loved the scenery. Several waterfalls, a gorgeous banyan tree and a very unique hike through a bamboo forest. 4 miles round trip. Up to final waterfall took us 90 minutes and coming down almost 90. We took our time. A little muddy because we had a brief rain shower but, again, take your time and watch your footing and enjoy this unique hike.
Amazing hike! Not too strenuous with 650 ft gain in elevation, and took about 3 hours to complete. The scenery was varied to keep us interested, with pools, waterfalls, a giant banyan tree, and bamboo forest.
The Pipiwai trail leads into the Bamboo Forest which is beautiful. There are some areas on the boardwalk that need fixing but great overall. Bring bug spray! Footwear:if you're wearing sandles, make sure they are good for walking. Make sure you keep walking until you get to the waterfall...not until you can just see the waterfall.
We Hiked this a t the last min. Don't be like us and get there an hour before it closes. Please give your self a least 3 hrs to enjoy the hike and water falls. Its not a flat easy walking path and you will be climbing over branches, rocks and trees. It was not raining when we went and it was still muddy. The water falls were beautiful and I wish we had gotten there earlier so we could of walked the rest of the park. Its $30 to park there and they lock the gate at 5 pm. Bring water, swimsuit and towels. You will get really muddy.
One of the most exquisitely beautiful trails in the world! It’s a 4 mile loop taking about 2 hours .. may take 2 1/2 - 3 hours if you take your time .. totally worth taking ur time!
A lot of steps on your way up but filled with so much beauty … waterfalls.. bamboo forests… banyan trees.. until you reach the end.., and . Viola! U see the highest waterfall in Maui.., the Waimuku falls! An absolute marvel!
Definitely a MUST!
It’s a few miles BEYOND and SOUTH of Hana.. don’t miss it!
My family (husband and kids, then 7, 9, and 11) got a late start on the road to Hana, so we didn't arrive at the Haleakala National Park parking lot until around 3 PM. We parked for free because my son was in 4th grade and had the 4th grader Every Kid Outdoors NP pass. The ranger told us the parking lot gate closes at 5 PM, so we rushed off to hike to Waimoku Falls via the Pipiwai Trail. We completed the hike in 90 minutes, including many stops to take photos along the way. The hike was very crowded, even at this late time in the day, but it was still very scenic and fun. The crowds definitely slowed us down, especially during the few parts where you had to walk through water on slippery rocks, as we had to wait for other hikers to take their time. If you are in a rush, and go at a time of year when it is not crowded, and are in good shape, you could probably finish even more quickly. I'd hiked a few decades ago and had fond memories. The kids had a blast. We wore normal sneakers. Would recommend unless you want to avoid crowds.
Great hike! We hiked it in a drizzling rain and it didn't spoil it at all! Smells so good-flowers/fruit smells! The trail has a gradual rise it elevation. It really wasn't that bad. The bamboo forest you hike through was awesome! The sound the bamboo made
when the wind was blowing was really neat! The boardwalk you walk on through the
bamboo forest helps keep you out of the mud! At the end of the trail is the stunning
Waimoku Falls. We hiked over the little stream to view the falls a little closer! Had our picnic lunch on the rocks while viewing the falls. We left our condo on the west side of Maui around 5:00 am in the morning so we would have time to make stops on the Hana Road, complete this hike, continue on around the Hana road through Kaupo, stopped at Ulupalakua Ranch Store in Kula for great burgers and made it back to our condo before sunset! It was a full day but we never rushed! So glad we took the time to make this
hike--well worth it!
...please wear appropriate footwear. This is not a trail for flip flops or bare feet or even gym shoes (at least ones that you want to keep clean and wear during the rest of your trip in public places) some days. This is a hike. There are lots of steps and step inclines and mud and water crossings. It's very doable and totally enjoyed and breathtakingly beautiful but please dress appropriately so you enjoy it too. The number of grumbles I heard about "if I only knew it would be like this..." so i'm telling you, it's messy and it's hike, not a pleasant and manicured stroll, but it so, so, so worth it if you're ready for it.
The reward at the end...the giant waterfall...breathtaking. And the silence (if you go early enough to avoid the crowds) and darkness of the bamboo forest... dreamy.
World class for a vacation hike.
Hiked through a bamboo forest and ended at a beautiful waterfall. Well worth the stop on the Hana Highway
It is a very unique experience, It is well worthy it. Try to go early to avoid crowd. It is a bit muddy, but definitely not that bad. Th bamboo part and the falls at the end is the best. The swimming pool under the falls is closed.
Amazing trail and waterfall views once you reach the top. The trail is about 2 miles one way. It has a bamboo garden and a giant waterfall at the top
Don't stop in Hana...keep going to the Kipahulu Visitor Center to walk this trail. You get bamboo forests, a mostly hidden 200ft waterfall, and then the payoff of Waimoku falls...400ft straight down. We recommend wearing decent walking shoes. There are ample rocks on the trail and in some places they can be slippery. Also try and get there early. The parking lot was pretty crowded when we got there around 10 and parking was in the overflow lot when we left a couple of hours later.
We hiked the trail a week ago today. It is strenuous but so worth it in the end. The bamboo forest was simply amazing. It was almost magical walking through it. And the 400 ft waterfall at the end, spectacular!
It's not to tough of a joke but some spots can be bad. Some muddy areas and when wet it can be very slick. Required to walk through a stream on 2 occasions. Also, at the time I went there was a huge Fallen tree blocking the path which can be clumped over with little difficulty. The first major waterfall was pretty blocked by vegetation but the finale was amazing. The the left it looks like there's another major falls but it mostly blocked from view.
This is the best thing we did on Maui, by far! It's a stunning hike, and you'll go through the bamboo forest! Be ready for a muddy trek, bring water, and try to go early in the day to avoid crowds. I recommend staying in or near Hana to make that possible. Please obey all signage!
We were "blessed" with no rain during our whole trip. The drawback is that meant that several waterfalls were "lacking" and this was one of them. Trail is cool in general, but if you are a lover of waterfalls; check before you go. The Sacred Pools were also barely flowing, which made them not even worth the half mile walk.
After doing the Junior Ranger badge, we went for this hike - loved the bamboo forest. Easy hike with nice views. Head down to the water too - black sand beach that you can see but you can't go down there to walk on it.
Great hike. We did it with two kids ages 7 and 9. The younger one needed a hand often as the terrain becomes rocky and slippery after rain (which is did). I will echo other reviews: great hike, def worth it. Try to go early (we stayed one night in Hana and got up to hike next morning), bring bug spray and wear proper hiking shoes. Waterproof if you have them. I cringed when j saw people at start of trail in flip flops. Can’t imagine finishing that hike without proper shoes. Took us a few hours w kids and rest at waterfall before hiking back.
This was by far the best hike our family did (three daughters ages 11, 15, 17). There are two waterfalls and a super cool bamboo forest - you are in the bamboo forest for at least 20 minutes - it is so peaceful and the soothing noises from the bamboo swaying is amazing. The waterfall at the end is well worth it - walk past the sign at the end of the trail and go to the bottom of the waterfall - it is well worth it and less than five minutes. Hike has some good elevation for the first mile (probably about 600-800 feet vertical) but once you are past that it is pretty consistent. A bit under 2 miles each way and took us a bit over 1.5 hours total trip.
Great hike. We drove the Road to Hana to get there and it was a solid 3hr trip from our resort in Wailea. We started at the Kipahulu visitor’s center, purchased a couple of souvenirs and started the hike.
It had rained earlier so there was a lot of mud. I wore sneakers, but wished I had worn my hiking shoes for a bit more support as a number of areas were slippery. This is a strenuous hike. We did the bamboo forest and proceeded all the way to the waterfall and it was so worth it. Folks of all fitness levels and ages were on the hike. Definitely a must do if you are in the area.
I did this hike with my 10 & 13 year old kids at the end of our day on the Road to Hana and though they were a bit weary at the start, they LOVED this hike! There is just so much to see along the way. It's about an hour each way if you're an average hiker and you hike to the last falls (and you definitely want to do that). This trail has some steps, it's a pretty decent elevation gain quickly, but I promise you that the views will pay off in spades. Bamboo forests, suspension bridges over waterfall and roiling rapids, and you're rewarded with a HUGE, lacy waterfall. Unfortunately you cannot hike all the way to it, but the view is breathtaking and it's absolutely worth your time and the price of admission. Speaking of : military is free, veterans are now free I believe, and if you have a 4th grader they can get a free nat'l park pass!
This was such a great way to spend time on the Road To Hāna. The hike is not strenuous in elevation at all. It is 4 miles Roy trip, but it’s not a hard hike. Getting out the car and hiking was a great way to really experience the Road to Hāna without being in the car all day. We left Wailea early, around 6am, made Waiʻānapanapa our first stop, and this was our second major stop. We also did the short path down to the Oheo Gulch. That was a really neat surprise that we originally didn’t plan on doing. The Pīpīwai Trail is a pleasant hike with a rewarding waterfall at the end. Though it’s pleasant, it is hike, and therefore not stroller or wheelchair friendly. We sprayed bug spray on ourselves in October, and had no issues. Other hikers asked us if we had any because they were getting bit. So be sure to put some on, even if it’s not the height of summer. Overall, a must do on the Road To Hāna, even if that means skipping some of the other stops.
We hiked this trail while on our Hana Highway journey. We made it to the bamboo forest, then turned around. That part of the trail is two miles one way. It was a warm, sunny and humid day. Bring lots of water. We brought a cooler filled with our own food and water. There are restrooms and water available in the national park, although the visitor center was closed due to pandemic. The trail starts out steep, then levels off. It is scenic and rugged. I recommend a visit. You will need a national park pass to enter Haleakala National Park . Start your Hana Highway trip early. It closes at 5 pm. It gets dark at 6:30, so leave at dawn to make it to the park.
Great hike with lots to see - only problem is the road after Hana was worse and I didn’t enjoy the last bit of the drive here. The hike has lots of variety - bamboo forests and the last waterfall was amazing. We also did the sacred pools walk quickly. You have to pay a fee to get into the park area of about $25 usd
If you're 65+ get your National Park Senior Pass to enjoy this and the summit of Haleakala for free! We hiked with our sons (I brought up the rear) and although it is uphill most of the way there, if you take your time and watch your footing, it's a place all ages can enjoy. There are a few big steps if you're short, and lots of tree roots to challenge your balance if you misstep. Take time in the middle of the bamboo forest to stop and listen to the clattering of the bamboo! The spray from the waterfall at the end was refreshing on a 90 degree day. It was a peaceful moment of relaxation before heading back. Of course we arrived at the park midday (taking the road to Hana from Wailea) so it was at it's hottest, but there was parking still available on the grass in the overflow area. We wore Keen water sandals to allow wading up the stream to the final waterfall, and I did get a small blister on one toe :( Remember to keep away from the waterfall itself as falling rocks have been deadly here. One couple felt the need to disregard this while we were there.
If you are in Maui and you love nature you can't miss it.
Marvelous trail through the bamboo forest to get two mervelous waterfalls! My boyfriend and I went there in September 2018 and I really would recommend it. It is a quite easy trail the only thing to keep in mind is that there is always mud because of the humidity of the forest and I suggest to use mosquito repellent.
The hike there and back was about 2.5-3 hours. Bring water, lots of water. It’s hot. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. The hike is elevated on the way to the waterfall and down back to car. The bamboo forest was different and at the end there was a little waterfall. It was a fairly easy hike. Few uneven places.
When you drive to Hana to hike the Pipiwai trail you need to be aware that all the pamphlet driving times are way under what it actually takes. It will be at least three and a half hours from Lahaina and more from Kaanapali. The road is very windy and when busy you will often be caught behind very slow drivers as the road is challenging.The hike to the waterfall and 7 sacred pools is easy and with lots of varied trail. Be ready for the rain as you head up the gorge!
We specifically stopped to see the bamboo forest and this was the last stop we made on the Road to Hana before turning around and driving home. The trail itself is easy to find and relatively well maintained. The biggest obstacle for anyone would be the many tree roots that are growing across much of the trail. We didn't hike the entire trail to the waterfall, simply because it was later in the day and we didn't want to be driving the road home in the dark. The bamboo forest did not disappoint and was even more impressive than it seems in pictures. While we didn't have any children in our group, we did see many families and children along the trail who didn't seem to have any difficulty with the terrain.
We started our drive from West Maui and took the road less traveled by entering from the south. This drive was absolutely beautiful through the farms and cliff views and was much less busy than the road to Hana (which we took home). It was much flatter so the narrow roads were not as scary as the Hana hwy so if you want to do this hike but not do the entire road to Hana enter this way. Once you arrive you will pay a $25 parking fee. The hike starts you off climbing up to the big bayan tree as you keep going you will pass a beautiful twin water fall right before you enter the bamboo forest! The water was low when we hiked and the waterfalls were still flowing. The bamboo forest provides a cool covered section to the trail. From the bamboo forest you enter the rainforest and end at the big cliff waterfall. This was low when were there but once again was beautiful! The hike is pretty populated but not too busy to enjoy the scenery (summer visit). We would highly recommend it for hikers of all levels but you will want to wear good walking shoes!
Pipiwai Trail is a breathtaking hike through lush landscapes, featuring a massive banyan tree, a mesmerizing bamboo forest, and stunning waterfalls. The trail is well-maintained, though some sections can be muddy and slippery, requiring proper footwear. The scenic beauty and rewarding views make it one of Maui’s must-visit hikes, especially for nature lovers.
We really enjoyed this hike, but key is we arrived early to beat the crowds. Were disappointed that the full access to the pool beneath the largest waterfall was blocked with a sign threatening a fine for going beyond it. It seems this is new. There were no other pools with access so swimming may be now a thing of the past.
We hiked this quickly because we wanted to make sure we could make it to the falls at the end and back before the park closed. So glad we did, as it’s a trip highlight. This is a gorgeous hike. Two waterfalls, a bamboo forest, and a gorgeous banyan tree, all in less than 4 miles of not too strenuous hiking. Enjoy!
The bamboo forest is great for Instagram photo but it takes 3.5 hours drive from west coast hotel. Half of the road is winding and narrow so drive with caution.
Beautiful hike to waterfalls, with plenty to see along the way including other smaller waterfalls, banyan tree, bamboo forest. Lots of mosquito bites during the hike though, but worth it!
By the 9:00 opening hour, the premier waterfall hike in Maui is likely mobbed. In these times of pandemic, you are more likely to have a bit of peace, but not enough for me. After hiking in Iceland’s barest patches, I craved absolute solitude, so I came on a Sunday, when the trail was closed. It was a dawn strike, when I hoped to avoid rangers with their $100 dollar fines, and far more important, I hoped to recapture the tranquil joy one feels alone at the pool beneath the Hanakapiai Falls in Kauai, the water powering down on your head from sky high cliffs. It’s a much easier hike, this one, few brambles roots to twist your ankle on, no stream hopping, the possible setting of boots precluded by nicely built wooden walks above the muck. Lovely, too, the long tramp through high bamboo forests. The Waimoku Falls are as majestic as Hanakapia, but the rangers have banned swimming in the pools below it, and enforce this by ending the trail with dozens of yards of thick brambles and elephant grass, that only the most determined adventurer could brave, with boots, long pants and a machete at the ready, not dressed like me in shorts and sandals. It’s a beautiful but abortive experience for me, being absolutely alone in that place but unable to partake. I will return.
Great hike approx 4 mile round trip. Expect about 2 hours to complete with pics along the way. Two waterfalls, do proceed to Waimoku Falls, impressive. Also, you’ll hike thru a mystical bamboo forest that was a highlight for me. Wear comfortable shoes there are numerous steps, rocks to cross over. May be some wet mud depending on recent rainfall. Bathrooms at start of hike. Worth the extra drive past Hana.
The trail itself was very beautiful. Beforehand there is a sign saying beware, etc. etc. I recommend good shoes. No flip-flops or going upstairs in your bikini. Some did and they just get in your way and act clumsy. Furthermore, the path is easy and well maintained. View is beautiful. Bamboo forest is beautiful. Especially the sound of the trunks drumming against each other. Bring mosquito spray (especially needed at the top) and you have a beautiful view of the waterfall. Better than some of the waterfalls in Hawaii that you pay a lot for. You have of course seen many waterfalls along the way to Hana.
Just one thing. The road to the trail is bad if you come from Hana but you have asphalt. It's a lot of bumping around and quite an end. We did this trail at the end of the day and had to return via the other road (from Google Maps) this road is even worse. Almost off-road, but shorter than the other side. Afterwards the road is passable, but it is a bit of a grind and a bit of a rattle. Also because you don't travel much distance and you are close to sunset. After 6 miles you have a beautiful road that shows a completely different side of the island, but be aware of it. Trail is fun. Road to Hana is fun. The road to get back to your hotel is a challenge.
Bamboo forest was the highlight of our trip. Truly mesmerizing. Pay attention to the clattering sound of bamboo. So soothing and meditative. The falls and excellent weather with brilliant blue skies were a bonus
Nice easy 2 hour hike. My first time hiking a mountain this high was a pretty cool because the whole trail was paved. People went into the rocks to way too but I was tight on time so plan for 3 hours for a even better experience.
Hike the bamboo forest. It takes about 1 hour each way. Mostly flat hiking. At the end you will come to the bottom of a very high water fall.
Unbelievable and awesome hiking trail that can be done by all ages. The bamboo forest and 12+ water falls were beautiful sites to see. Stay on the trail, you will walking next to deep ravines.
Our main goal for driving the full length of the Road to Hana was to try this hike and we're glad it was worth it! Hike starts near the visitor center and since it's part of the Haleakala NP, you do need to pay entrance fee or have a NP pass. We managed to find a parking spot in the main lot, but there was overflow parking not too far away. It was a fairly easy-moderate hike for us and the elevation gain didn't feel too challenging. This hike feels so diverse as you start near the ocean, go through some sun-exposed portions, see a waterfall, pass by a huge banyan tree, explore the bamboo forest and end at the beautiful Waikomo Falls. We went on a sunny day, but some parts can be slippery/muddy especially as rain & showers pass through. The hike took approximately 2 hours for us to complete.
This hike followed a stream from the parkinglot to a waterfall through amazing forest including banboo and other exotic trees. My favorite was the banyan tree.
This hike is underrated. The best part was the large Bayan tree. After seeing the tree, I would turn around. The waterfall was underwhelming. There really is no place to go swimming after a pretty tough hike and sweating. We kept hoping to be able to dip and soak in a pool of water. It was muddy pretty much the entire way so be sure to we are very, very good hiking shoes.
We are avid hikers, hiking and waterfalls are 10 times better in northern Minnesota. I will never waste my time doing this hike again.
I LOVED this hike. It was a fairly easy, slightly up hill hike that took us through various environments. I enjoyed the entire hike but my favorite area was the bamboo forest. Luckily the trail wasn't packed when we hiked so after letting a few people pass I could stand quietly and listen to the sounds of the bamboo as the wind made it sway back and forth.
This hike is in the National Park and they have make some boardwalks to keep you out of the marshy areas...thank you National Park Service! This also means that you will need a park pass to get into the parking area so if you have one, don't forget it. If you don't have one, just be ready to buy one....well worth the money!!
We did this 4 mile hike recently during the pandemic so it wasn’t too crowded at all. It’s a fairly moderate hike to the waterfall and quite beautiful. I especially loved the peaceful bamboo forest and the sound of the bamboo swaying in the wind. Once you get back down, you continue on a second path down to the pools that’s about 3/4 mile round trip. The views of the pools and the dramatic ocean waves crashing along the shore is absolutely stunning! There’s a nice big parking lot and clean bathrooms on site as well.
Really enjoyed this hike through bamboo groves and other forests. Not too challenging. Lots of waterfalls to see and the seven sacred pools.
The waterfall at the top was beautiful.
I loved this trail and the bamboo forest. We stayed in Hana for few days and so at this trail around 9ish with very few people. When we were returning, a lot more families were going on this trail. I would most definitely recommend this trail - not too long, not too difficult. Very wet so wear appropriate shoes/sandals and clothes.
We really enjoyed the walk through the bamboo forest, seeing the huge banyan tree along the path and the 400-ft. Waimoku Falls at the end of the trail.
It's not that this isn't a five star, it's that if you had to choose this or the larger section of the National Park, I'd definitely recommend the other. Nothing wrong with this one (unless the drive is a problem for you - it's beyond Hana on The Road to Hana drive, which features more than 40 one-lane bridges, narrow lanes, switchbacks, and cliff-side driving.
Also, my advice for those who arrive there at the end of the day when doing the Road to Hana, if you're tired or worn out when you arrive here, but want to say you saw something, after parking and walking past the Visitor's Center (the Visitor's Center will be on your right) you can start walking to the left, which is up (up up!) to the waterfall (we stopped 2/3 of the way up at the lower falls) and back down, or you can turn right and walk down a much more gently sloped path to the pools and the ocean. Spectacular views, an easier walk/hike, and that may matter at the end of a long day.
You could spend at least half a day here if you hiked all the way up and all the way down, depending on your speed climbing up, but 2 hours is probably about the time I would give it.
Listening to the Bamboo clink above you on the trail makes for a very interesting hike! Bring bug spray and plan for muddy shoes. It is a 2 hour hike.
Had picked this as a must hike for my trip to Maui. It was definitely challenging to say the least. It costs $25 to get into the park, unless you have been to the Haleakalā Crater in the last three days. There are bathrooms available, so that is a plus before you start out.
I would suggest bringing plenty of water. This is not a short hike, and it is quite strenuous! I saw many people with only one bottle of water, and that is not enough. The visitor center as a station to fill up bottles of water. I would also suggest applying bug spray as there are plenty of mosquitos.
Be prepared for lots and lots of steps. It is pretty much a straight climb up stairs for the first mile of the trail to get to the first set of falls. These falls were relatively small as it hadn’t rained in a while. After this set of falls, is more stairs and uphill until you reach the bamboo forest.
The bamboo forest was the highlight of this hike for me. It was just so pretty and lush!! I couldn’t stop myself from taking tons of pics.
The last stretch of the hike was probably the most dangerous. It was quite wet and slick. You also have to be prepared to cross a stream to get to the final falls. These falls were awesome in scale.
Overall a hard but rewarding hike. I am not in the greatest shape, and was able to complete the hike in around 2 1/2 hours. I stopped many times to take a break and take pictures.
This is an awesome hike you start off going uphill but the views from lookouts were amazing. A little bit in you come to a huge banyan tree good break after your first uphill climb. Encountered a few wild pigs on the trail we just let them move pass.It’s two miles to the top so worth it. Bring plenty of water and insect repellent and maybe rain gear. We hit a downpour a half mile from the top but never rained down below. Meet lots of great people on the trail. The Bamboo forest is really cool to hike through the wind makes some cool sounds. Enjoy the hike.
A 200foot waterfall, huge banyan tree, many smaller falls and pools, a beautiful bamboo forest culminating in a view of 400 foot Waimoku Falls.
A warning to people arriving later in the day to the national park where the pipiwai trail and o’heo pools are located- while Hawaiians may be lax casual about how fast they serve you lunch (a reason why we arrived after 3pm to the park to start our hike- due to eternal wait for our lunch near Hana) - the park rangers locked the park gates at 5 on the dot. We were hiking back from the bamboo forest (halfway of trail) and got back at 5:05 only to find that 8 cars had been locked in the park with no exit available. There were signs noting a 5pm closure- but seriously- no 15 minute grace period??? After half an hour of waiting- one of the cars fortunately has a tool kit and used it to take the gate off the hinges so we could exit. As soon as that happened someone in a pickup truck and without a park uniform showed up and tried to block our exit from the park. We pushed our way out anyway- but what I am not sure of is whether this is some sort of local scam to “save the tourists” and try to get a tip by them opening the gate- or if these people were really part of the park and coming back at a later time to teach the tourists a lesson??? Either way- unacceptable. So beware and make sure you are out of the park at the absurd 5pm closing time.
Please DO NOT drive to Pipiwai Trail on the backside of Haleakala National Park! I accidentally drove on this road in light rain because I was following google map's direction. It's extremely dangerous and there are a few segments of dirt road. The roads on the back side are narrow
with many blind curves (WITHOUT mirrors!!!) and falling rock areas. There are a few narrow one way roads along the cliffs without rails, which are extremely dangerous. I would recommend joining guided tours so you can take pictures along the way.
We arrived Pipiwai Trail a bit after 9 AM. I would recommend wearing proper footwear—definitely NO open toe shoes/sandals. The trail is pretty muddy and slippery with lots of insects on the ground so not the best place to wear open-toe shoes. There are some mosquitoes so please spray some bug repellant before you start the trail. Also bring lots of water in summer. The waterfall at the end of trail and the bamboo forest are definitly worth the $30 that i paid at the national park entrance. We left the trail around 12:30PM(Tuesday) . According to the Haleakala National Park service people, it's better to leave around or before 12PM to avoid the traffic. We did not encounter any traffic on the road going back to Kapalua.
This was out last spot to our Road of Hana. I would allot at least two hours even though it's only 4 miles round trip. You'll be taking lots of amazing pictures. It's an easy hike, but can get muddy at time. Wearing long socks might be great idea. I would also suggest don't get there too late, if this is your last leg before heading back to the other side. We downloaded the Gypies app and it was pretty amazing on all the points they suggested.
This is a great hike particularly because it’s broken into sections with rewards in each. The first half mile involves quite a bit of climbing up “stairs”, but then there’s a great waterfall. Another half mile and there’s another waterfall, followed by the amazing Bamboo Forrest. Wow! One mile through that on mainly boardwalk, and there’s the final really tall waterfall. 2 miles total and took us about an hour and 45 minutes. We’re short people and not in great shape, so those with longer legs and stamina could do it a lot faster
On the way to you falls you walk through a bamboo forest, which was my favorite part. You can here it echo in the wind. The falls are cool but there is a sign that doesn’t let you get too close. The trail is not difficult or challenging for most and has many good views.
Yes, you will get muddy! Yes, it can me slippery! Yes, it can be strenuous! But boy is it worth it. If you go prepared, go early, wear mosquito repellent and definitely the right shoes....It is soooooo worth it! This is by far, my favorite hike of all time and the best finale! Heed all warnings and be respectful, you won't regret this hike! We took my 3 girls ages 12, 11 and 8 and yes they moaned and groaned about how long it took but they loved the ending!
This is a great trail but I recommend doing it earlier in the day when it's cooler. A lot is shaded but it takes a few hours up and back. We ran out of time so only made it to the first waterfall and the bamboo forest (which is super cool). Highly recommend this hike. If I go back I would take my time seeing the sites on the Road to Hana, stay overnight in Hana, do the trail the next morning and then drive back. There is a lot to see...lots of waterfalls!
We hiked around a giant Banyan tree, through a Bamboo forest and ended at the giant Waimoku waterfall. If you enjoy an uphill hike with some challenging sections for the over 50 crowd then this is a great hike to take. We were closer to 3 hours. We enjoyed all there was to see on the way up. We concluded our hike with the falls of the O'heo Gulch that are found just below the trail.
We, a family of 3 with a 9 year old boy, hiked this trail in December 2022 during a supposedly rainy day. It was cloudy and did not rain and the temperature was just right for the hike. It was definitely a worthwhile hike, especially after you have reached the bamboo forest. Prior to that, we were walking in a tropical forest with strangler figs, epiphytic plants and various kinds of fruit. It was great. Make sure to have mosquito repellent with you as otherwise you will be assaulted by mosquitoes. We eventually reached the towering fall; however, the fun thing was in the process of hiking and not merely reaching the final destination. A worthwhile hike and if you do this, you can skip the Twin Falls one for sure. This one definitely worth the money we spent ($30) but not the Twin Falls one ($10-13).
This more strenuous, 4-mile (roundtrip) trail in Haleakala National Park past Hana town follows the stream that feeds the pools below. Along the way, you get views of 2 waterfalls (which weren't flowing the day we visited) and, at the end, pass through an unforgettable bamboo forest.
I would say Pipiwai trail was my favorite place in Maui. Its a beautiful 3km oneway trail with 2 waterfalls and runs between a bamboo forest. I think people with every fitness levels can do it. Waimoku waterfall at the end of the trail is insanely beautiful. The road to pipiwai trail via Hana is good, but narrow in some places where you need to give way for passing vehicles.
We got there around noon, so hottest part of the day and the trail was pretty rocky and roots, difficult for inexperienced hikers in their 50s and 60s. Good part of trail was shaded which was great, but we only made it to the Banyan tree before turning back. Bring water and good shoes!! Our senior lifetime national park pass covered it's cost so worth the stop compared to the more costly state parks. Lots of people on the trail as well.
Combined this trail with the pools you have beautiful ocean view at the bottom, followed by a few pools (it rained on our day of visit so the pools were very cloudy and not very attractive looking), giant trees, bamboo forest and a very tall waterfall. There you have a great hike.
Totally worth driving all the way to this remote part of the island! The hike itself is mostly uphill but I think most people could do it at a slow pace. There are mosquitos so bring spray. But just go slow and enjoy the bamboo forest and the banyan tree. The end is something out of a movie. Lush jungle with a tall waterfall! We went with our three kids ages 16, 14, and 11. They had no problems or complaints. Absolutely a must!
The hike is elevated with lots of rocks and tree roots. Make sure you wear good shoes that will get wet and muddy. The 400 ft waterfall at the end makes it worth the effort.
Great hike and waterfall!! The 2 mile hike to the fall is definitely worth it!!!!!! Go past the sign, cross the stream, and follow the trail to the bottom of the waterfall...you will not be disappointed!! Have a great time. If it has rained recently, you will need shoes that you don't mind getting dirty...definitely no flip flops
We hiked the trail in early February after Hana had a lot of rain, it even rained before during and after we did the trail. Luckily we had good shoes and the Visitor's Center staff gave us walking sticks to use. I've never used one and was skeptical but I was very happy I had one because it was so muddy in some places it was a big help. A really nice hike that isn't too hard, totally worth it! With all of the rain, the falls were spectacular and there were other sets of falls on each side that were rushing due to the runoff.
Please, please, please DO NOT wear flip flops on this hike! We saw so many people in flip flops, many I don't think made it to the falls but we did see some people who blew out their flip flops and a couple of people in sand shoes that have zero traction. Wear proper shoes and you will be rewarded.
I take Sandre to trails and walks lots but this one takes the cake. we wanted to go there last year when we survived the hana road (see review;)) but we couldnt find it that time so we went here this time and she liked the first part but she didn't bring the shoes she needs for her foot and she has a heat rash so she didnt do anymore but I gave her the keys to the jeep and i decided oh well might is well go on the nature walk! which was a good call because there is a LOT of birds here.**** DO NOT DO IT IF YOURE AFRAID OF BIRDS***** pretty babmoo trees andboards for walking... Lots of people are sweaty so bring a micro fiber and you will like the rocks here. Took a shiny red rock to show to sandre but she lost it i think in the jeep seat. The waterfall is pretty and taller then any waterfalls i saw before (or since then) i hurt my neck a little looking up so long!! (see picture) because it was just SO tall! Do this is you can find it **HINT its just past the park hut on the hana road by the exit ◡̈**
PS Sandre was hungry after for food but there is NOT any options for eating close by so bring cheeszits or what you like and you can have a picnic if you wanted on the grass!!
Our family age 13-50 went on this hike after the LONG road to Hana from Ka’anapali! It felt good to do a nice hike with amazing views at the end! It was the perfect length and fun for the family with an enormous tree (a few climbed), to the bamboo forest, and the awesome waterfall at the end!
We were all glad we did it!
First-timer so I was not prepared for what was ahead! I had seen videos of the area and was excited to see everything but...this is not a simple walk in the woods! It's 2 miles up the side of a mtn thru constant mud and over very rough trails (if you can call them that). They have built a boardwalk system and are continuing to build over portions of the trail so that helps. But yes...the Banyan tree is awesome, the bamboo jungle is huge and the falls are spectacular. Just be ready for rugged and wear sensible shoes. Take water. Will take you several hours.
If you plan to go to Haleakala National Park, then Pīpīwai Trail is definitely a trail that you don’t want to miss. It is toward the end on the Road to Hana. The trail begins with a steady incline, but levels out right about the time that you are getting winded. You walk through a beautiful bamboo area. Some of the trail is dirt, which can be pretty muddy, and other parts of the trail are on wooden planks. You will walk past a massive banyan tree. At the end of the trail, you will reach Waimoku Falls. If you cross the stream to get a better look at the waterfall, just be careful because the rocks are slippery. In total, the hike is almost 4 miles and I would rate it as moderate.
30$ pay to park. no reservation needed. wear sneakers. The lakes at O'he were closed. The trail was worn, but it's still nice. It gets crowded. Prepare for very winding roads.
This was a great trail to see the best of the rain forest all in one. You got hiking, climbing, swimming, wading, and seeing waterfalls in one trail.
The road to Hana is legendary, plan on all day. Be sure to stop all along the way. Plan on at least 4-5 hours to get there from Lahaina. Don't go if you get car sick !!
It is 45 minutes past Hana
Plan to start this hike by 9am to avoid the heat. If possible choose a day during a dry stretch as the trail will be muddy otherwise. We lucked out with a dry trail bed. It takes 2-2.5 hours, round trip, to do this gentle hike. The 650 feet rise in elevation is very gradual and all fitness levels and most ages can handle this hike just fine. The mosquitoes are voracious here, so bring and wear repellent. Most of the trail has plenty of shade from the trees and the luscious bamboo. An early start means avoiding the crowds and enjoying nature in relative peace. The hike is located on the eastern end of Haleakalā National Park, and entering the park to park your car will set you back @$25. Keep your receipt as reentry is valid for three days and you could use it to enter the western side of the same park, to watch the sunrise and explore the craters.
Driving about 9 miles past Hana you come to Kipahulu, part of Haleakalá National Park. Hike through a bamboo forest to Waimoku Falls. Trail is easy to follow but steep in sections and uneven terrain. Other parts are flat on boardwalks especially through the bamboo. Well worth the trip though the road is very narrow in places but paved all the way to the park.
This hike is both beautiful and fun back to the lush green jungle. You will have to pass through some water that will go over your foot so wear the appropriate footwear ( I wore coral booties). I usually don't like this kind of thing but I LOVED this!
You won't forget this trail, it's lookouts, the bamboo forest, the nature and the waterfall. There's no more possibility to get up-and-close to the waterfall and some lookouts for safety concerns (seems like too many tourist made poor decisions), but that is no big deal as you shouldn't visit this to go for a swim. It's the journey that's beautiful.
It takes about one hour to walk to the waterfall and one hour back if you're in an average to good condition. Be aware this can be slippery and it's all uphill to the waterfall. If you're condition is below average you might still make it, but calculate some extra time.
The Pipiwai Trail is a beautiful trail located on the backside (South-East Side) of Haleakalā National Park.
The 4-mile round trip trail is a steep hike that leads through lush bamboo forests where you hear the hallow bamboo knocking against eachother, the 7 sacred pools to the breathtaking towering sheer-cliff Makahiku Falls (almost 200’ cliffs) and Waimoku Falls (sheer 400′ cliffs). Plunging over a verdant cliff covered with bamboo, lush ferns and vines melting into the postcard-perfect Hawaiian rainforest valley below.
Along the trail you will also find a gigantic banyan tree the size of a decent-sized house.
This trail is considered the best hike on the island. The trail winds around the freshwater stream Ohe’o Gulch with very beautiful and diverse scenery throughout.
And in true rain forest fashion it began raining 1/2 way through the hike but we continued on to make it a memorable experience. The pictures don’t do justice to the experience of this hike.
We’ve done this hike many times with other individuals of various hiking and physical fitness levels. Plan accordingly to allow sufficient time based on the steep trials and sometimes wet and slippery conditions. There aren’t any facilities along the trail either so make sure to stop at the restrooms in the parking lot entrance.
The waterfall at the end of the hike made it all worth it. What an amazing thing to see up close! The bamboo forest was very cool too. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear and water, as this hike does take work.
Loved this trail. It’s fairly easy and goes through old bamboo forest ending at several spectacular falls. If water levels allow, cross the stream twice to get amazing views of Waimoku Falls.
My husband and I (53) hiked in and out with our 14 year old son. It was fantastic. The signs and books say it is a 4 mile round trip, GPS has the round trip closer to 5 miles. Just FYI.
This hike took us a solid 90 minutes from start to the waterfall and about the same to come out, about three hours in total. The trail outside of the bamboo forest are rocky with lots of tree roots; and are slippery when wet. The first mile is pretty much all up hill, then it seems to level off (or go up slightly and then is flat for awhile). I wore my Merrill barefoot Trail Glove hiking shoes and wish I had worn the Moabs and brought hiking sticks!! This trail really requires a solid shoe, especially if you older. Our son wore Brooks trail running shoes and he was fine. He is, however, 120 pounds and a cross country runner. There were plenty of younger people in their flip flops and one barefoot guy so anything is possible...
Even if it takes you 2++ hours to get to the end, do it. Take it slow and enjoy it, it's really worth it. It will be a day well spent.
Gorgeous hike that is quite steep at first, but don’t worry, it flattens out in the bamboo forest. Don’t turn back or you’ll miss the falls.
This is definitely the best hike on Maui. Park in the visitor lot and follow the easily posted map signs. For a seasoned hiker this one is easy, could easily do this in 2 hours if going at a good pace. With our 5 yr old it ended up taking 4 hours or so. There can be some tricky spots with big steps and slippery areas that could be diifcult for a young one. It is definitely doable though. The portion throgh the bamboo forest was amazing and almost gave you a sense of claustrophobia. The reward is the 400 ft waterfall over the cliff at the end. At the time of this hike there was a government shutdown going on so there were no park rangers on duty. At the end of the trail there is a sign saying that you shouldn’t go further, you could die, etc,etc. If you do go beyond it you will end up crossing 2 streams and navigating over sharp lava rocks to get right up,to the waterfall. Well worth it. There were even some more adventurous souls trying to go underneath the falls.
Well first thing I noticed was that this place is hella far from Kihei and I wasn't about to drive all the way around through the road to Hana or what not.
It doesn't seem that far but it's far. If you go along the the up near the airport and "south-ish" way to the falls and trail, it'll take you about 3 hours.
If you go early enough there's no one on the roads during the pandemic. You'll see some cool stuff along the way, goats, lots of them and there's also a lot of dirt roads and old canyons that look like they had water flowing through them at on time or another. Also, there's this awesome museum on the way up. I call it the abandoned car museum. It's not official, but there were so many of them on the way up there.
The hike itself isn't too bad, it's not strenuous or anything, but after eating nothing but hawaiian food and drinking, it'll take a minute to get into stride. Do bring mosquito repellent though, I got bit while going up there.
On the way up to the bamboo forest is pretty awesome, it was weird how there looks to be normal shrubbery, but then all of a sudden the bamboo forest hits and you can hear the trunks hitting themselves in the wind. It almost sounds like a wood wind chime, a natural one. The waterfall at the end, imo, isn't all that. Since people are stupid and probably have gotten hurt there, you aren't allowed to go into the waterfall area, but I did hear some people yelling and screaming there, so I'm guessing some people are willing to pay for the fine. It takes about an hour and some change to get to the end and the trek back is pretty doable since it's mostly down hill.
EDIT: if anyone finds a nike hat, lemme know, I dropped mine somewhere on the trail as I was running down
The trail through the bamboo was beautiful and so was the waterfall at the end. Well worth doing (even in the hot sun in the beginning). Taking in the views and doing the hike will take about an hour and a half or so. This was the best "stop" we did on our Road to Hana!
The Pipiwai Trail is one of the most scenic spots in Maui and a great way to break up the long Road to Hana day trip. The trailhead is inside Haleakala National Park on the southeast corner of the island, where the national park meets the coastline. The hike takes around 2 hours to complete and is moderate difficulty (kids could definitely handle it). The early part of the hike brings you through thick bamboo forest, while the final section ends at a stunning, lush waterfall. A highlight of our week-long trip!
We arrived from the north and initially struggled to find the trailhead (we didn't drive far enoguh), but the parking lot and station to pay for park entry are both well-marked with plenty of space for cars. If arriving from the north, you will pass a shrine to the Mother Mary with flowers and amulets; drive at least 5-10 minutes beyond this to find the trail head. Also note that there is little to no cell service along the Road to Hana and you may want to mark points of interest on Google Maps beforehand.
Be aware of Covid-19 restrictions on Maui and respect that healthcare access near Hana may be limited. We packed food for the day-long drive and limited our activities to be outdoors. Also note that Haleakala has been limiting visitor hours at times to reduce the risk of Covid-19 spread.
Hiking the Pipiwai Trail was a fun experience. It was a little bit tougher than I was prepared for, but if you follow these few tips you should be able to have a comfortable hike:
1. Wear closed toe shoes
2. Bring bug spray- the mosquitos will get you!
3. Bring lots of water
4. Stay on the designated trail
The first part of the trail is uphill on rocky terrain until you get to the banyan tree. Hike for another 10 minutes after seeing the tree and you'll hit the bamboo forest. If you go early, you can comfortably enjoy the long walk while snapping some really cool photos and listening to the bamboo. After the forest, you'll cross a short bridge until you reach the waterfall. There's a stream of water that you can cross to get a "closer" view of the falls, but it's not better than the view you get before crossing the steam. Enjoy!
First thing is first, I am not someone who would consider my self to be in shape. I am quite the opposite, but this was one of the best hikes in Maui to do.
The trail was considerably open and a fairly easy uphill hike. Once you reach the bamboo forest, the trail becomes a flat decking that is very easy to walk on. Obviously, the 2-mile trek back down was considerably easier than the hike up to the waterfall.
The best part of the entire hike was the bamboo forest to us as it hadn't rained in a couple of days and both waterfalls had very little water running over them.
Overall, the hike was a little demanding in the fact that it made us climb over 600 feet in 2 miles, but make sure you ware wearing comfortable shoes as well as bringing enough water as it is at the minimum a 2-hour hike if you are going to enjoy it.
Drive to Hana is worth it for this hike - which takes about 2 hours round trip. It's rocky, but not challenging. Something to see.
Once upon a time you could sit in a pool above the first waterfall. Let us go in the pools above the waterfalls! Why do they insist on taking the funniest parts and blocking them off? I get it that flash floods are a possibility but close them off during a flash flood warning. Dont constantly close them down for good. Other than that it is a great easy hike. I do like all the bamboo etc.
This is a part of the National Parks Service so you’ll need to pay a few bucks to enter the park. The trail itself is a bit rigorous at times so don’t be one of the dopes hiking while wearing your flip-flops.
If nothing else, take the time (40-60 minutes depending on your fitness and how much time you take to enjoy the flora) to get to the bamboo forest. It’s an enchanted other-world and when the wind blows the bamboo greets you with music which you’ve never heard before. Trust me on this: just get to the boardwalk at the bamboo forest if nothing else. This is the area where everyone gets out their cameras.
A bit of hiking etiquette: always step aside and yield to the hiker who is on the way up.
Very cool bamboo forest. Try not to venture out of the trail, some things are cool but not worth risking your life over. There's very steep cliffs and one slip and you can ☠️. So just be careful! Shaka guide was right about this. Well worth the long hike. Bring bug spray!!! It's mosquito city out there!! Took about 3 hours for us slow hikers.
Don't do this if you are running out of time during your trip on the 'road to Hana'. Download the gypsy road to Hana App this is a MUST. We stayed over night in Hana so we had time to do this the following day and then drive back. Was so worth it. Make sure you stop for the Ribs on Hana Highway after - you will see them being BBQ on the road side! 5***** from us!
This is a beautiful hike with some of the most breathtaking views I've seen in my life. The entire hike is at an elevation and can feel quite strenuous. Bring water and br prepared!
We enjoyed this hike, but I'm not sure I would do it again. For starters, we didn't do our research to know that the Road to Hana is what it is. (600 hairpin turns, anyone??) We wanted to do the hike because it was so highly recommended and came at it from the south end of Maui. That road is CRAZY! We had a good time, though, and once we got to the hike it was very pretty. I don't hike much, so if you're like me be prepared that your legs are going to be pretty sore for a couple of days. It's only 2 miles there and back, but 800 foot total elevation with lots and lots of steps. Is it worth it? Yes, I'm glad I did it...once.
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We were blessed with a dry, partly cloudy day when we hiked the trail. I'm an out-of-shape 54-year-old and this hike wasn't too taxing. We took our time on the way up, enjoying the changes in scenery along the way. Beautiful waterfalls and pools didn't disappoint. The bamboo forest is mesmerizing! It was such a surreal experience to listen to the sound of the wind rustling through the bamboo, making a clacking noise. The waterfall at the end is literally jaw-dropping. Total round trip took us two and a half hours. Younger, more fit hikers took much less time. On the day we went (dry) my sturdy ankle-strapped sandals were fine but if it's wet I would recommend sneakers or hiking shoes. This hike was definitely a highlight of our Maui vavation.