Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
last half mile of this trail winds its way through bamboo which is so thick it blocks out the
sun, and just when you think the scenery couldn't get any more tropical, the trail emerges
at the base of 400-foot Waimoku Falls. This two-hour expedition more than justifies the
winding drive out here. Or, for the best way to experience the trail, camp overnight at the
Kipahulu campground and hit the path before the throngs of day-tripping tourists arrive.
To find the trailhead for the Pipiwai Trail, drive 30-40 minutes past the town of Hana.
At mile marker 41.7 you'll reach the entrance to the Kipahulu section of Haleakala Na-
tional Park, and parking for the trailhead is within the park boundaries. You'll have to pay
the park entry fee ($10/car) to hike, but since you should spend additional time exploring
the pools down by the ocean, it's no different than if you were visiting the park.
Find the trailhead by walking back out to the road and going 100 yards in the direction
toward Hana. Here you'll see the signs for the trailhead on your left. From the time the
trail departs the road, it steeply climbs its way up a rocky slope until you are a greeted with
a sign offering trail distances and words of caution. Much of the Pipiwai Trail parallels
'Ohe'o Gulch, and you can hear the rush of the water as your make your way uphill toward
the falls. However, it is never safe to access the pools or waterfalls located in the river.
There may be days when you
can
get to the river by scrambling down a sketchy hillside
or undefined trail, but a number of visitors have been swept to their death in flash floods.
The National Park Service advises against any attempt to access the stream.
