While there is no shortage of waterfalls in Maui, the Pipiwai Trail is the one waterfall hike that you must do!
Not only does it lead to the impressive Waimoku Falls, but the trail will also take you through a majestic bamboo forest and past a sprawling ancient banyan tree.
Keep reading to discover everything you need to know before hiking the Pipiwai Trail!
Everything you need to know before hiking the Pipiwai Trail Maui
Table of Contents
- Pipiwai Trail hike information
- How to get to the Pipiwai Trail Maui
- What to expect when hiking the Pipiwai Trail
- Hiking to the Seven Sacred Pools
- Tips for hiking the Pipiwai Trail
Pipiwai Trail hike information
- Distance: 4 miles out and back
- Time: Plan for about 2-4 hours, depending on how muddy the trail is and how much time you take at the waterfall and along the way.
- Difficulty: The Pipiwai Trail is rated moderate due to the often muddy and uneven terrain. The first half-mile is a little steep. Overall, it is not too difficult for most ages and fitness levels, you just may need to take it slow in some portions.
- Park hours: The Pipiwai Trail is located within Haleakala National Park. The park is open from 9 am-5 pm. However, do not attempt to hike the trail after 3 pm as the park gates close at 5 pm.
- Fee: Entrance to Haleakala National Park is $30 per vehicle. This also allows access to the Seven Sacred Pools, the Haleakala summit, and other hiking trails in the park. The permit is good for 3 days, so be sure to keep your receipt if you are planning to drive to the summit or hike any other trails such as Sliding Sands during your trip. An annual National Park Pass or Hawaii Tri-Park Annual Pass is also valid here. Don’t forget that if you have a 4th grader, they get a free annual National Park pass!
- Elevation gain: 908 feet
- Dog friendly: Unfortunately dogs are not allowed on the Pipiwai Trail or any hiking trails within Haleakala National Park.
- Facilities: Restrooms and drinking fountains are located at the visitor center.
How to get to the Pipiwai Trail Maui
One of the most challenging parts about hiking the Pipiwai Trail is actually reaching the trailhead as it is located in a remote part of the island.
The trail is located in Maui’s southeastern Kipahulu district on the backside of Haleakala National Park. To reach the trail, you’ll need to drive the Road to Hana and continue 12 miles past Hana town.
While the road is paved, it is extremely narrow and winding so you’ll need to take it slow. It will take about 40 minutes from Hana and about 3 hours from Paia.
You can also drive the backside of the Road to Hana to reach the Pipiwai Trail.
This will take about 2 hours from Kula, but the road is unpaved in sections and is much more rough and narrow. It is advised to not drive this way, especially if you are in a rental car or do not have a high clearance vehicle.
The parking lot to the Pipiwai Trailhead is located just inside the park gates.
There is an upper parking lot and a lower parking lot with ample parking spaces. However, this is a popular trail so you may have to wait for a parking spot depending on what day and time you visit.
What to expect when hiking the Pipiwai Trail
What makes the Pipiwai Trail one of the best hikes in Maui is that the joy is in the journey, not just the destination. Before you reach the Waimoku Falls, you’ll traverse through some of the most scenic landscapes on the island.
The Pipiwai Trail starts just across the street from the parking lot. The trail is well marked and well maintained with stone steps and a raised boardwalk over particularly muddy portions.
The beginning of the trail has a fairly steep and steady climb for the first half mile or so. Don’t get discouraged if you find yourself out of breath, this is the hardest part of the trail and it will soon level out.
Makahiku Falls
After 0.5 miles, you’ll reach a viewpoint where you can look out to see the impressive 200-foot Makahiku Falls bursting from the wild jungle.
Some people attempt to hike down to the base of this waterfall, but heed the posted warning signs and stay on the trail as deaths have occurred.
*Related post: Be sure to visit these 11 Most Beautiful Places in the West Maui Mountains!
Pipiwai Trail Banyan tree
The next landmark you’ll soon come to is a sprawling ancient banyan tree.
For years, the trunk-like aerial prop roots have been spreading outward encompassing a massive area.
In fact, this banyan tree is the second-largest banyan tree in Maui, the first being the one located in downtown Lahaina. (*update: unfortunately the downtown Lahaina banyan tree was severely damaged in the devastating fire in August 2023)
If you have a sense of adventure, you can give in to the temptation and climb up the branches of the tree. Just do so at your own risk and use caution as the branches are often slippery and wet.
Bridge crossings
The trail continues to follow along the freshwater Palikea Stream where you’ll cross over a set of bridges spanning across a pool and small cascading falls.
You may see some local kids jumping from the bridge to swim in the pools, but keep in mind that the 50-foot jump is not only extremely dangerous but also illegal.
Pipiwai Trail Bamboo forest
About one mile up the trail, you’ll climb a series of stone steps and soon enter into the heart of the mystical bamboo forest.
Pictures can’t express the feelings exuded while walking amidst the towering shoots. The bamboo stalks are so tall and the forest so dense that oftentimes the sun can’t even pierce through.
A raised wooden boardwalk leads deep into the forest where you’ll experience a calming silence. The only sound you’ll hear is the hollow percussion of the wind blowing through the bamboo shoots.
This is definitely one of our favorite stops on the Road to Hana. For more recommendations, check out our guide to the 15 Best Stops on the Road to Hana!
Towards the end of the bamboo forest, keep your eye out for a grove of mountain apple trees. If you visit in the summer, the oblong “Ohi’a ‘ai” apples may even be ripe enough to pick for a refreshing snack break.
*Related Post: Discover the Best Beaches in Maui!
Waimoku Falls
The trail leads through the bamboo forest for about a half mile before opening up to reveal the last stretch before the waterfall.
You’ll soon come around a bend in the path and be greeted by the thundering 400-foot Waimoku Falls hidden deep in the East Maui rainforest.
The roar of the water is deafening and the mist can be felt hundreds of feet away. It is truly an exhilarating experience and a testament to the force of Mother Nature.
You’ll see a sign at the end of the trail just before the waterfall that warns visitors not to cross past that point.
Boulders and rocks often fall from the top of the 400-foot moss-covered cliff. Even a pebble falling at that height can cause serious injury.
Many hikers choose to ignore the warning and cross over the stream to get a closer look at the waterfall, but you are doing so at your own risk.
Take time to appreciate the untamed beauty of Waimoku Falls before turning around and continuing back down the trail the way that you came.
And if you’re looking for another awesome waterfall hike in Maui, check out the Makamakaole Falls!
Hiking to the Seven Sacred Pools
After you complete the Pipiwai Trail, you can choose to take the short 0.5-mile loop trail to Ohe’o Gulch to see the Seven Sacred Pools.
The trail starts at the parking lot by the visitor center and loops around to Kuloa Point where you can see spectacular views of the Pools of Ohe’o, more commonly known as the Seven Sacred Pools.
Here you’ll find a waterfall flowing under the roadway bridge and cascading down to fill the pools of water before emptying into the ocean.
The Seven Sacred Pools used to be a popular swimming hole for locals and tourists alike. However, the pools are closed for the foreseeable future as the area is prone to flash flooding.
There is even a fence put up to prohibit anyone from going near the pools.
Check with the gate attendant at the park entrance to see if they are still closed when you visit.
To discover more waterfalls in Maui, check out our guide for 9 of the Best Waterfalls in Maui!
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Tips for hiking the Pipiwai Trail
- Plan to begin hiking no later than 3 pm in order to exit the parking lot before the gates close at 5 pm.
- Bring bug spray as the mosquitos can sometimes be ruthless on this trail.
- The trail will most likely be hot and humid but you may want to bring a light jacket as it will often rain off and on.
- Expect the trail to be muddy and slippery, use caution and consider bringing hiking poles.
- Wear sturdy closed toe shoes with good tread. I couldn’t believe how many people we saw attempting this hike in flip flops!
- Pack plenty of water, you will be sweating through the humidity and incline so be sure to stay hydrated and replenish lost electrolytes!
- Make sure to bring snacks and even a lunch. The closest stores and restaurants are about 40 minutes away in Hana and they often close early.
- As always, practice Leave No Trace and pack out anything that you pack in.
- Always stay on the designated trail. Warning signs are posted for your own safety and protection.
*Related post: If you’ve worked up an appetite after your hike, be sure to check out these 11 Best Places to Eat in Maui!
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