Pipiwai Trail: Bamboo, Waterfalls, and Banyan Trees Oh My!
- Stephen Warner
- Nov 25, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 8
Located in the Kipahulu District of Haleakalā National Park, the popular Pipiwai Trail is one hike you definitely don’t want to miss. You’ll follow a lush green path past a banyan tree, through a towering bamboo forest, and end at the roaring 400-foot (120-meter) Waimoku Falls. It’s pure Maui Wowie in under four miles.
Trail Info
Trailhead Name | Pipiwai Trail |
Distance | 3.4 miles / 5.5 km (out and back) |
Estimated time | 2-3 hours |
Elevation gain | 1,000 ft / 300 m |
Highest point | 1,000 ft / 300 m (Waimoku Falls) |
Permits / fees | National Park fee |
Parking | Paved lot |
Toilets? | Yes |
Dog friendly? | No (prohibited) |
Know before you go
Expect mud and slick footing. While some sections have boardwalks, there are dirt portions that get slippery, especially after rain (which is common here).
There are minor river crossings near the end. Early on, you’ll cross bridges, but toward the end, you’ll need to rock-hop across a stream or two. It’s usually manageable if you take your time and watch your footing.
Other trails nearby
Distance: 0.6 miles (1 km)
Elevation gain: Negligble
Details: Starts from same location. While swimming in the pools is no longer allowed, it’s still a beautiful stop with sweeping coastal views.
The Trail
The trail starts from the Visitor Center. You’ll almost immediately reach a junction. Pipiwai goes left. Cross the road (look both ways!) and you’re on your way.
There are several highlights along this trail. The first is the Makahiku Falls Overlook—a great warm-up view before the main event. Yep, more than one waterfall on this hike!
Next up: a massive banyan tree. These always stop me in my tracks. The way the branches sprawl out in all directions just feels mystical.
About a mile in, you’ll cross two manmade bridges. Don’t forget to look down at the raging Pipiwai Stream below.
And then comes the showstopper: the bamboo forest. If you’ve hiked around Hawaii, you’ve probably seen bamboo before. But this forest is on another level. The sheer scale of the stalks towering overhead is incredible.
It’s hard not to feel awestruck walking through here. One of the most iconic sections of trail in all of Maui.
First, you’ll hear the low roar of Waimoku Falls. And then you will catch your first glimpse of it cutting through the cliffs above. That 400-foot cascade makes some noise.
Just before reaching the viewpoint, you'll have to make two river crossings. The second crossing is trickier. The best rock-hopping path is to the left, just out of this frame. Take your time
Important note: After the final crossing, there’s a sign marking the official end of the trail. It’s there for a reason. A tragic rockfall incident led to this closure, and while it may be tempting to keep going, the view doesn’t get much better.
And unlike some other waterfalls, there’s no swimming pool at the base, so there’s not much to be gained by going past the sign. Still, even just getting this a glimpse of Waimoku is spectacular.
Here’s a short clip to give you a sense of the power of this falls. This hike checks all the boxes for me.
SS Reflections
I’ve been to Maui five times, and I’ve done this hike on three of those trips. That 60% average isn’t by accident. It’s because this trail packs so much of what makes Hawaii magical into one hike. Banyan trees, bamboo forests, and giant waterfalls? Come on.
If I ever make it back to the Valley Isle, I’ll probably make it round four.
Other Helpful Resources
The official NPS Page about the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park