Pipiwai Trail and Waimoku Falls, Maui HI

• 5-star hike
• 3 mile out-and-back
• Moderate | Gain 670 feet
• Maui, HI | Hawaii
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A lone hiker walks along a boardwalk, dwarfed by towering bamboo forest on either side.

A lone hiker walks along a boardwalk, dwarfed by towering bamboo forest on either side.

Strolling through the bamboo forest to Waimoku Falls.

Getting to the trailhead is part of the experience. The Hana Highway, known locally as the Road to Hana, winds along the coast with countless curves and narrow one-lane bridges, so give yourself plenty of time and consider an early start before the tour vans fill the road.

Many visitors treat the drive itself as a destination, stopping at roadside fruit stands and lookout points along the way before reaching the trailhead on the rugged eastern coastline of Maui.

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⬤ 5★ Waimoku Falls 3.0 mi out & back, moderate, gain 670 ft
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$ NPS entrance fee

The trail follows Pipiwai Stream inland through jungle that grows thicker with every step. It starts out paved and level, then turns to dirt and tree roots as it climbs gradually through the forest, crossing a few footbridges and streams along the way.

Further along, the path enters a boardwalk section through a bamboo forest so dense that little daylight gets through. From there it continues on to Waimoku Falls, a tall waterfall that drops into a shallow pool at the base.

The image is split into two different scenes of nature. On the left, there's a person walking on a wooden path through a dense bamboo forest. The bamboo stalks are tall and green, creating a lovely canopy overhead, while the person appears to be hiking with a backpack. The right side of the image shows a breathtaking waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff, surrounded by lush green vegetation. The whole scene is filled with various types of plants and trees.

Bamboo and boardwalk. | Waimoku Falls.

Not far past the halfway point, a side path leads to a viewing area above Makahiku Falls. Some hikers head down for a swim in the pool near the edge, though the drop below makes this a spot to treat with caution. A gentler option lies near the start of the hike at the Oheo Pools, where several small waterfalls feed calm freshwater pools within earshot of the ocean.

Pipiwai Trail sits inside Haleakala National Park, the same park that includes the Haleakala volcano area on the other side of the island. A single park pass covers entry to both sections for several days. Near the coastal entrance you'll also find a small visitor center with exhibits on the area's history and traditional Hawaiian life. Parking at the trailhead is limited and fills early, especially once the highway traffic picks up, and a ranger station near the lot collects the park entrance fee if you haven't already paid it elsewhere.

The image showcases a stunning coastal scene with rugged, rocky terrain. In the foreground, there's a small pool of water nestled among the rocks. The rocky cliffs are dotted with green vegetation, creating a beautiful contrast against the dark rocks. In the background, the ocean waves crash dramatically against the rocks, adding to the wild and untamed feel of the landscape. The sky is partly cloudy, which enhances the natural beauty of the scene with its soft light and shadows.

Where the Oheo Pools swimming hole meets the Pacific Ocean.

External links:
Haleakalā National Park