The Pipiwai Trail is one of the most unique hikes in all of Maui! Not only will you get to explore a stunning Maui bamboo forest, but this epic hike ends at a 400-foot waterfall. Join us as we take you out into island nature to have the best experience ever on the Pipiwai Trail!
How to Get to Haleakalā National Park
The first thing to know is it’s not an easy task getting to the Pipiwai Trail. It’s actually located past the main town and you’ll need to drive the epic Road to Hana in Maui to get there!
Accommodations are very limited on this part of the island and sell out months in advance. This means that most likely you will be doing the Pipiwai Trail as part of one larger day trip.
Hiking through the Bamboo Forest in Maui and seeing the MASSIVE Waimoku Falls made our day so special. For more info about getting to the National Park, check out our best tips for driving the Road to Hana.
Pipiwai Trail Maui General Info
Cost: If you don’t have an annual or lifetime National Park pass, you can pay when you arrive. It’s $30 for parking which is good for three days and also gives you entrance to the summit.
Hours: The park is open from 9am to 5pm daily. Make sure not to start the hike too late in the day as you will be locked inside if you don’t make it out on time.
Distance: 4 Miles Round Trip. The Pipiwai Trail has challenging sections, but it’s a Maui waterfall hike that’s great for all ages.
Time Needed: Plan for 3-4 hours inside the park. That time includes both the Pipiwai Trail and the Seven Sacred Pools.
There is a sign at the start that states the Maui Bamboo forest hike should not be started past 2pm. Give yourself enough time to return!
Pack: Bring everything with you need to the park. The last stop for any necessities is in the town of Hana.
However, on a day trip to the Maui waterfall hike, you should bring everything with you in case the Hana shops are closed.
Hiking the Pipiwai Trail in Maui
We got to the Pipiwai Trail at 10 am after driving for almost 4 hours on the Road to Hana. We thought we would be tired from the ride, but the hike was a welcome break from all the twists and turns!
The first half of the hike is steep and levels off into beautiful planked walkways once you are inside the bamboo forest. Upon exiting the bamboo forest, the tremendous 400-foot Waimoku Falls is waiting for you at the end!
There are also a handful of smaller waterfalls along the way that are extremely beautiful. Typically, this being a Maui waterfall hike alone would be enough to have us raving about it. Yet, there is something on the way to Waimoku Falls that’s equally as incredible.
More Maui Hikes: Don’t miss these 11 amazing hikes on Maui. Some of our favorites were the Waihee Ridge Trail, easy Kapalua Coastal Trail, the Hoapili Trail, and Wailea Beach Walk.
Exploring the Maui Bamboo Forest
If you’ve never been to a bamboo forest, it will make this hike even more unbelievable. Trust us when we say we’re not just talking about a small section of bamboo!
The Pipiwai Trail in Maui cuts directly through a large section of forest which is surrounded by tall flowering plants. Enjoy the out-of-this-world nature of the Maui Bamboo Forest as you stroll through slowly on your way to Waimoku Falls.
You will actually be walking through Bamboo for almost 20 minutes! It’s easy to see why many travelers say this is the highlight of the hike.
Ending the Pipiwai Trail at a Maui Waterfall
Just before you come to the end of the Pipiwai Trail, look up to see Waimoku Falls towering before you. This is hands down one of the most stunning and impressive waterfalls we’ve ever seen!
The force and amount of water rushing down can change with the seasons and can even vary day to day. That’s another very important thing to note.
Take warning of the signs all around the park for flash floods. They have occurred without warning in the area and falling rocks have even killed hikers on the Pipiwai Trail in Maui. Stick to the trail and viewing platforms and keep an eye on the weather.
Don’t Miss the Seven Sacred Pools
Hopefully, you saved a little energy for the end of the Maui Bamboo Forest Hike! Also known as the Pools at ‘Ohe’o, these small cascading waterfalls are definitely worth the extra walk to see.
When you make it back to the start of the Pipiwai Trail, there is a small 1/2 mile-long path that will take you to the popular Seven Sacred Pools. While you can no longer swim here, it is a pretty waterfall trail that takes you along the ocean.
Have any questions on the Pipiwai Trail or want to share your own experience walking the Bamboo Forest in Maui? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
PIN FOR LATER ↓
We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
