Pipiwai Trail is probably one of the best hikes that I have ever been on. It is found in Haleakala National Park on the backside of the volcano just past Hana. Make it an afternoon either enjoy Oheo Gulch and then take the 4 mile roundtrip hike on Pipiwai Trail or do the trail first and then enjoy the “Seven Sacred Pools” of Oheo Gulch. The trail is peppered with one spectacular view after another and after the trail you will finally know why you made the effort to drive to Hana.

The trail begins just on the other side of the Kipahulu Ranger Station and the trail is clearly marked and very easy to follow. Since it is on the rainy side of the island prepare for muddy conditions in spots so if you can help it you might not want to wear your brand new shoes.

It is pretty much an uphill climb to the first significant highlight of the trail is the roughly 200 foot Makahiku Falls. This waterfall is picture perfect; unfortunately with the abundance of vegetation it was a little hard to get the perfect view. I took my camera and stretched it as far as I could above my head to get the shot that I did. Still the view of this beautiful waterfall is Hawaii at its best. Once you make it past the overlook of Makahiku Falls the steepest part of the journey is over.

Once past the waterfall the trail will lead you to a banyan tree. Banyan trees just amaze me. They look like they have been standing since the beginning of time. The roots of the tree just dangle from it limbs so it looks like you are walking into a wooden net.

A little ways down the trail you will cross over two bridges that have amazing views of Oheo and Pipiwai Streams. This is a good place to stop and soak it all in. There are several mini waterfalls in this area. As amazing as seeing the waterfalls on the bridges the most amazing spot of the trail is just a few feet away in the bamboo forest. There is a platform here to walk on so you do not have to walk in the mud, which is really nice that they included this because there is not much sunlight that reaches the forest floor here. The bamboo forest is awe inspiring so much so that it is almost seems unnatural. The neatest thing is that when the wind blows it gives the impression that you are in the middle of a gigantic bamboo wind chime.

Once past the bamboo forest you will almost be to the final destination of the hike, the 400 foot tall Waimoku Falls. Unfortunately, once out of the bamboo forest the board walk will also come to an end. Any hiker will need to be extra careful here because you will have to do a little boulder hoping on slippery rocks in probably muddy shoes. Just take your time and you will be ok. The final obstacle to get a good look at Waimoku Falls is Pipiwai Stream. Once past the stream there will be a few more rocks you will have to navigate over and around and then just look up and Waimoku Falls in all its glory will be for your perusing.

Pipiwai Trail is the best hike in Maui in our opinion. It is something any visitor in reasonably good condition should do. Make sure you bring plenty of bug spray and water and you will be in for the hike of a lifetime.