Bamboo Forest Hana Maui
Hike through an otherworldly bamboo forest to the majestic Waimoku Falls on Maui's iconic Road to Hana.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy tranquility.
Bamboo Forest Hana Maui
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy tranquility.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike through an otherworldly bamboo forest to the majestic Waimoku Falls on Maui's iconic Road to Hana.
"The bamboo forest near the top was the best part for us. Very cool."
Wear Sturdy Footwear :athletic_shoe:
The Pipiwai Trail can be muddy and slippery. Good hiking shoes are a must!
Start Your Day Early :sunrise:
To avoid crowds and make the most of the Road to Hana, leave before sunrise.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pipiwai Trail & Waimoku Falls
Haleakala National Park (Kipahulu District)
Hike through an enchanting bamboo forest to the majestic Waimoku Falls. A truly immersive natural experience.
Bamboo Forest
Pipiwai Trail
Wander through towering bamboo stalks that create a surreal, otherworldly atmosphere. The sound of the wind rustling through the bamboo is unforgettable.
Waimoku Falls
End of Pipiwai Trail
The grand finale of the Pipiwai Trail, this powerful waterfall cascades down a lush cliff face.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Start Your Road to Hana Adventure Early
Prepare for the Pipiwai Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Sturdy Footwear :athletic_shoe:
The Pipiwai Trail can be muddy and slippery. Good hiking shoes are a must!
Start Your Day Early :sunrise:
To avoid crowds and make the most of the Road to Hana, leave before sunrise.
Bring Water :droplet:
Free refills are available near the restrooms at the Pipiwai Trailhead.
Respect the Trail :hiking_boot:
Stay on marked paths and be mindful of the natural environment.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Sturdy Footwear :athletic_shoe:
The Pipiwai Trail can be muddy and slippery. Good hiking shoes are a must!
Start Your Day Early :sunrise:
To avoid crowds and make the most of the Road to Hana, leave before sunrise.
Bring Water :droplet:
Free refills are available near the restrooms at the Pipiwai Trailhead.
Respect the Trail :hiking_boot:
Stay on marked paths and be mindful of the natural environment.
Capture the Magic :camera_with_flash:
The bamboo forest offers unique photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the magical bamboo forest and the impressive Waimoku Falls on the Pipiwai Trail, calling it a highlight of the Road to Hana. While the hike is considered moderate and rewarding, some note that direct access to the waterfall pool is restricted and the trail can be slippery. Overall, it's a highly recommended natural wonder for its unique scenery and immersive experience.
"Great experience for the family and a once in a life time adventure. You will just need to pay for parking. If i'am not mistaken, the fee you pay will also cover other parks for three days. Just make sure that it covers the national Park you want to visit if you go to another park within three days The hike does start off easy and then gets really intimidating if you have no experience hiking. But there are many places to take a break and just enjoy the views and the "calls of the wild"😂. Sounds from distant rain, knocking bamboo, to streams and waterfalls. The knocking bamboo was really awesome and we tried to catch it in video with sound. Hopefully you can hear it, but even if you do you will want to experience it for yourself. Just be prepared for some step hiking, and a long drive. There is even a cool tree (check out my pictures for that) to enjoy. Then through parts of the bamboo forest there is a man made walk away which helps but it was obviously built due to the original trail being washed away. Just follow the signs and don't go off trail and you will do great! See you up there."
Casey Swain
"Because the road to Hana is so long, I recommend getting an early start. After parking, it takes about an hour to hike to the falls. The bamboo forest near the top was the best part for us. With a slight breeze, the canes make a clacking sound overhead. If you're looking for a dense tropical rainforest, this is the place. Very cool."
Jamison Escott
"I couldn't enter because there's a stop sign. I just can see the falls.
I visited on October, and the water was so tiny...
And there's a wild pig!!
It attacked some people including my company. There's no warning sign about wild pig.
I don't recommend waimoku falls...."
Amber Yu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bamboo Forest is located along the Pipiwai Trail, which is part of Haleakala National Park's Kipahulu District, accessible via the Road to Hana. You'll need to drive the scenic Road to Hana and then head into the park.
The Road to Hana is known for its winding, narrow roads with many hairpin turns and one-lane bridges. It requires focused driving. Many visitors opt for guided tours or use navigation apps that provide detailed information.
Yes, it's possible to drive the full loop, but the backside of the road can be rough and unpaved in sections, often not recommended by rental car companies. Check current conditions and your rental agreement.
Many travelers recommend using a guided audio tour app like Shaka Guide or GyPSy Guide. These apps provide historical context, point out key stops, and offer navigation assistance.
The drive itself can take 2-3 hours without stops, but most people dedicate a full day to the Road to Hana, often 8-12 hours, to enjoy the various attractions. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, entry into Haleakala National Park (which includes the Pipiwai Trail) requires a park entrance fee. While specific reservations for the trail itself aren't usually needed, it's wise to check the official National Park Service website for any updates or timed entry requirements.
The entrance fee for Haleakala National Park is typically around $30 per vehicle for a 3-day pass. You can purchase this at the entrance station or online.
The Pipiwai Trail and the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park are generally open daily from sunrise to sunset. Always check the official NPS website for the most current hours.
Swimming is generally not allowed at Waimoku Falls due to safety concerns and the powerful nature of the waterfall. The trail leads to an overlook, but direct access to the pool is restricted.
The park entrance fee covers parking within Haleakala National Park, including at the Pipiwai Trailhead.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Pipiwai Trail is a 4-mile round trip hike that takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how long you stop to admire the scenery.
The Pipiwai Trail is considered moderate. It involves some elevation gain and can be rocky, root-filled, and muddy, especially after rain.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe hiking shoes with good traction. Quick-drying clothing is also recommended, as you might encounter mist from waterfalls or rain.
The entire bamboo forest is incredibly photogenic. Look for openings in the canopy that create dramatic light shafts and capture the scale of the towering bamboo.
Yes, there are restrooms available at the Pipiwai Trailhead, and they offer free water refills.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
While there are no dining facilities directly at the Pipiwai Trailhead, you'll find food stands and small eateries along the Road to Hana, such as Coconut Glen's for ice cream or Hana Farms for local treats. +1
Expect local Hawaiian fare, fresh fruit, banana bread, plate lunches, and seafood. Many stands offer unique roadside snacks.
It's highly recommended to pack snacks and drinks, as dining options can be spread out and sometimes busy.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light, with soft, diffused rays filtering through the dense bamboo canopy.
Use a wider aperture to blur the background and emphasize the towering bamboo. Consider a polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance colors.
Drone usage is restricted in national parks. Always check the latest regulations for Haleakala National Park before flying a drone.
Experiment with low-angle shots to emphasize the height of the bamboo, or look for leading lines created by the stalks. Capturing the play of light and shadow is also key.
Beyond the bamboo forest, look for the unique bridges and the impressive Waimoku Falls at the end of the trail.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Ensure everyone wears appropriate footwear as the trail can be slippery. 🚶 Solo Adventurers
While the trail is generally safe, it's always wise to inform someone of your plans and be aware of your surroundings. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Experiment with different angles, from low shots emphasizing height to capturing the ethereal light. The bridges along the trail also offer unique compositional opportunities. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Pipiwai Trail Experience
As you progress, the trail also features two impressive bridges that offer unique perspectives of the surrounding ravines and waterfalls. The path itself can be challenging, with rocky, root-filled, and sometimes muddy sections, so sturdy footwear is essential.
The ultimate reward at the end of the Pipiwai Trail is Waimoku Falls, a breathtaking 400-foot waterfall cascading down a sheer cliff face into a pool below. While you can't swim directly in the main pool due to safety regulations, the view is awe-inspiring and a perfect culmination of the hike.
Navigating the Iconic Road to Hana
Popular stops include Twin Falls, various other waterfalls like Wailua Falls, the black sand beach at Wai'anapanapa State Park (reservations often required), and charming roadside stands offering local delicacies like banana bread and fresh fruit.
To enhance the experience, consider using a guided audio tour app, such as Shaka Guide or GyPSy Guide. These apps provide real-time narration, historical insights, and directions to points of interest, transforming the drive into an informative and engaging exploration.
While the drive can be long and tiring, the unparalleled natural beauty and unique experiences make the Road to Hana an unforgettable part of any Maui vacation. 
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