The Pipiwai Trail is a moderate destination hike to a 400 foot waterfall called Waimoku Falls on the island of Maui in Hawaii. This hike is within the boundary of Haleakala National Park, so it requires a fee (or National Park Pass) to access. The trail runs almost 4 miles roundtrip to the base of the waterfall, but it is well worth the distance as there are other interesting things to see along the path.
Trailhead
In order to get to the trailhead for Pipiwai Trail, you’ll need to drive the Road to Hana, an experience in itself. In fact, most people see Waimoku Falls as the culmination of the drive, and the last thing the do before starting back toward the center of Maui. There is a small Visitor Center and fee station at the trailhead. This is also the trailhead for the Seven Sacred Pools, or Kuloa Point hike.
This trail is an out-and-back and is moderately steep as you climb to the falls. Luckily, a good portion of the climbing is out of the way over the first quarter of the hike. It is very green and lush and there is plenty of shade over this distance, though it is not the heat, but the humidity, that really gets to you.
Makahiku Falls
The trail starts out crossing the road and then climbs through the trees for the first section. At the end of the first 0.75 miles, there is an overlook. Though there is supposed to be a waterfall called Makahiku Falls, don’t expect much. The main course was dry when we visited, and a smaller flow was mostly obscured by the thick vegetation. Still, it is a nice checkpoint, and the steep section is mostly behind you.
Bamboo Forest
A little further up the Pipiwai trail, at about the 1 mile mark, you come to the bamboo forest. This is really unique, and you’ll know you enter the forest because you cross a bridge and come to a bamboo tunnel. It’s not really a tunnel, but the bamboo grows over the trail and you enter a dark forest with thick bamboo stalks growing close together. This was amazing enough to be a destination, but there is still the waterfall ahead!
We enjoyed the bamboo, though there are few steep spots. Mostly the trail is on a raised walkway, which could be a bit slick with the amount of moisture in Hawaii. We didn’t have any falls, but the surface was smooth and wet, so be careful.
Waimoku Falls
The bamboo forest continues for almost another mile, and suddenly the waterfall comes into view. You can’t get right up close to it, but that would be a mistake anyway because of its height. You need to stay back a hundred yards or so to get the entire waterfall in a photo.
We really enjoyed the Pipiwai Trail in Haleakala. The bamboo forest is beautiful, and the waterfall is worth the uphill hike. Make sure to wear good shoes (not flip-flops) as this hike is moderate. It is also a good idea to carry water with you. If you’d like more info about Haleakala National Park, visit our family guide.
