Pipiwai Trail

The Basics

Head out on the Pipiwai Trail from the Kipahulu Visitor Center and stay on the well-trodden path to Makahiku Falls, a 200-foot (60-meter) cascade that’s a worthy endpoint for visitors looking for a shorter hike. For the real treasures, though, continue on to discover a massive banyan tree, tunnel-like bamboo forest, and the 400-foot (122-meter) Waimoku Falls.

The trail is easy to follow on your own, but you can also join a ranger-led hike to learn more about the sights along the way. Some guided Road to Hana tours include the hike.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Take both sun and rain protection, as the weather can change quickly on this part of the island.

• Wear sturdy shoes—the unpaved trail is well-maintained, but there are roots and steep, often muddy portions.

• There’s a fee to enter the national park, but no permits or additional payments are required to hike the trail.

• Ranger-led hikes must be reserved in advance. Call up to a week before your visit to schedule.

• Pets aren’t permitted on the trail.

How to Get There

The trailhead is located at the far end of the Road to Hana, around 12 miles (19 kilometers) past the town of Hana at mile marker 41. You can skip the hassle of navigating the cliffside road by booking a tour that includes round-trip transportation.

When to Get There

The ideal time to hike this popular trail is in the early morning or evening, when crowds are fewer. Expect rain and humid weather, regardless of the season.

Visiting the Pools of ʻOheʻo

While visiting the Pipiwai Trail, don’t miss the Pools of ʻOheʻo, a series of waterfalls and pools surrounded by lush rain forest. You can swim in the pools, but jumping off the cliffs—while popular—isn’t technically allowed. Conveniently accessible from the Kipahulu Visitor Center, the pools are one of the park’s top attractions, so get there early.

Ways to explore

Head out on the Pipiwai Trail from the Kipahulu Visitor Center and stay on the well-trodden path to Makahiku Falls, a 200-foot (61-meter) cascade that’s a worthy endpoint if you’re short on time. For the real treasures, though, continue past the freshwater stream and through the tunnel-like bamboo forest to find the much taller Waimoku Falls.

Pipiwai Trail is easy to follow on your own, but it’s also a great add-on to guided Road to Hana tours, which often include famous spots such as Wai'anapanapa State Park and Ke‘anae Point.

Accessibility

Due to the 800-foot (244-meter) elevation gain and uneven terrain, Pipiwai Trail is not wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None—but keep the moderate difficulty and 2-hour completion time in mind if you have kids.

What to pack

Water, sunscreen, rain gear, bug spray

What to wear

The Kipahulu District is hot, humid, and rainy, so dress accordingly and wear non-slip hiking shoes for the often muddy Pipiwai Trail.

Not allowed

Tampering with natural and cultural artifacts, feeding wildlife, veering off marked trails

Amenities

The Kipahulu Visitor Center has restrooms, a water bottle-filling station, and a gift shop.

Address

Driving is the best way to get to Pipiwai trailhead, located along the Hana Highway about a half-hour drive south of Hana. If you’d rather not navigate the Road to Hana’s hairpin turns, join a guided driving tour that stops at Pipiwai Trail.

Driving

From Hana, drive south on the Hana Highway to the Kipahulu Visitor Center, located near the 42-mile marker. You’ll find parking there, but be aware that there are no gas stations in Haleakalā National Park.

Public transportation

There’s no public transportation to Haleakalā National Park, so plan to rent a car or join a guided tour with round-trip transfers included.

Best times to visit

Start hiking the Pipiwai Trail in the early morning to maximize your time in Haleakalā National Park. Note that the Kipahulu Visitor Center near the trailhead is open from 9am to 5pm.

Best days to visit

Every day is a good day to hike Pipiwai Trail—just check the National Park Service’s daily updates on weather and park conditions before you go.

Best months to visit

The Kipahulu District is warm and rainy year-round, but April–October generally offers the best weather in Maui.