What to Expect
🌳 Bamboo Forest
Walk through a dense bamboo forest where towering stalks sway and creak in the wind—one of the most unique sections of the trail.
💧 Waimoku Falls
Reach the stunning 400-foot Waimoku Falls at the end of the trail, a rewarding payoff for the hike.
🌿 Lush Rainforest Scenery
Hike through a vibrant rainforest filled with greenery, streams, and changing landscapes along the way.
🪵 Boardwalk Sections
Well-maintained boardwalks make parts of the hike easy and accessible, especially through the bamboo forest.
🥾 Moderate Hike
At roughly 4 miles round trip, the trail is manageable for most hikers but still feels like an adventure.
🎟️ National Park Entry
Located in Haleakalā National Park (Kīpahulu District), entry is included with the America the Beautiful National Parks Pass.
Our Experience - Pipiwai Trail
The Pipiwai Trail is one of the most rewarding hikes on Maui, offering a completely different experience from the island’s beaches and coastal drives. Located in the Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park, this trail takes you deep into a lush rainforest filled with towering trees, flowing streams, and ever-changing scenery along the way.
One of the most memorable sections of the hike is the bamboo forest. As you walk along the elevated boardwalk, you’re surrounded by tall bamboo stalks that sway and knock together in the wind, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you naturally slow down and take it all in.
The trail gradually builds toward its grand finale: Waimoku Falls. Cascading roughly 400 feet down a sheer rock face, the waterfall is an incredible sight and a well-earned reward after the hike. It’s a great spot to pause, take photos, and appreciate just how remote and untouched this part of Maui feels.
Since the trail is located within Haleakalā National Park, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee unless you have the America the Beautiful National Parks Pass. If you’re planning to visit multiple national parks or even just Haleakalā more than once, the pass can easily pay for itself and is a great investment for frequent travelers.
Whether you’re tackling it as part of a full Road to Hana adventure or making the journey specifically for the hike, the Pipiwai Trail stands out as one of Maui’s most memorable outdoor experiences. It’s scenic, immersive, and just challenging enough to feel like a true adventure.
Photo Gallery