Waimoku Falls is a 400-foot waterfall at the end of the Pipiwai Trail in Haleakala National Park on Maui. It is one of the tallest waterfalls in Hawaii and, in my honest opinion, one of the most spectacular things you can hike to in any national park in the state.
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4 alertsGetting here requires a drive down the Road to Hana, a 2-mile hike through a bamboo forest, and a willingness to get your boots muddy. But the payoff is a waterfall so tall that you have to crane your neck to see the top, thundering down a sheer cliff face into a boulder field that shakes the ground beneath your feet.
I have hiked this trail four times over the years, and every single time, the moment you round that last bend and the full height of the falls comes into view, the effect is the same. It stops you in your tracks.
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About Waimoku Falls
Waimoku Falls drops approximately 400 feet down a sheer basalt cliff face in the Kipahulu section of Haleakala National Park. The falls are fed by rainfall in the upper Kipahulu Valley, one of the wettest places on Maui. Flow varies significantly depending on recent weather. After heavy rains, the falls become a massive, roaring cascade. During drier periods, the water thins to a series of silvery threads trickling down the rock.
You cannot swim at the base of Waimoku Falls. The area directly below the falls is a pile of large boulders, and rocks regularly dislodge from the cliff above and come crashing down with zero warning. Fatalities have occurred here. The National Park Service has placed signs at the viewpoint that say “Do not pass this point.” Heed them. I know it is tempting to get closer, but this is not the place to test your luck.
The Kipahulu district itself is worth understanding before you go. This is not the Haleakala most folks picture when they think of the park. There is no volcanic crater here, no moonscape, no sunrise crowds. Kipahulu is the lush, tropical, rainy side of Haleakala, where streams cut through dense rainforest and tumble off sea cliffs into the Pacific. The Pipiwai Trail and Waimoku Falls are the main draw, but the whole area feels like a different world from the summit 10,023 feet above.
The Pipiwai Trail
The Pipiwai Trail is a 4-mile round-trip hike that starts at the Kipahulu Visitor Center and ends at the base of Waimoku Falls. The trail gains about 650 feet of elevation over 2 miles, making it a moderate hike that most reasonably fit people can handle. Plan on 2.5 to 3 hours for the round trip, longer if you are stopping to photograph everything (and you will).
Here is what you will see along the way, in order.
Makahiku Falls (0.5 miles). About half a mile in, a short spur trail leads to an overlook above Makahiku Falls, a 185-foot cascade that plunges into a deep gorge. This is a nice appetizer for what is ahead. The overlook is fenced and safe. On my first trip here, I remember thinking this would be the highlight. I had no idea what was coming.
The Great Banyan Tree (0.7 miles). Just past the Makahiku overlook, you will encounter a massive banyan tree that has grown into a sprawling canopy covering the trail. This thing is over 100 years old. The aerial roots have dropped down and become secondary trunks, creating a natural cathedral that you walk through rather than past. It is one of the most photographed spots on the trail for good reason. On a still morning with light filtering through the leaves, it feels ancient and alive in a way that is hard to describe.
The Bamboo Forest (1.2 to 1.7 miles). This is the highlight of the trail before the falls themselves. You walk through a dense bamboo forest where the stalks tower 50 to 60 feet overhead and creak in the wind like a haunted house. The sound is eerie and beautiful. Light filters through the canopy in shafts. On a still day, the silence between the creaks is total.
The trail through the bamboo is a boardwalk in some sections and mud in others. How much mud depends entirely on recent rainfall. I have done this trail in conditions ranging from dry and dusty to knee-deep slop that literally sucked the boot off my foot. Locals call this “Hawaiian ice” for a reason. Check the weather for Hana before you go.
The Falls (2.0 miles). After the bamboo forest, the trail crosses a small stream via stepping stones and then opens up to the Waimoku Falls viewpoint. The full 400-foot cascade reveals itself in stages as you approach. It is enormous. The mist from the falls drifts across the entire viewpoint area on windy days, so have your rain jacket handy and keep a dry bag on your camera gear.
How to Get to Waimoku Falls
Waimoku Falls is located in the Kipahulu section of Haleakala National Park, which is completely separate from the summit area. You cannot drive between the two sections inside the park. To reach Kipahulu from most Maui hotels, you drive the famous Road to Hana, which is about 52 miles of winding road from Kahului.
The Road to Hana has 620 curves and 59 bridges, many of them one-lane. It is a beautiful drive, but it is not a fast one. Allow at least 2.5 hours from Kahului, more if you stop at waterfalls and pullouts along the way (and you should).
The Kipahulu Visitor Center is located about 10 miles past the town of Hana. There is an entrance station where you pay the $30 per vehicle fee (or show your America the Beautiful pass). The pass is valid for 3 consecutive days and covers both the Kipahulu and summit districts. If you are planning to catch the sunrise at the summit on a different day, buying the pass here saves you from paying twice.
The parking lot has an upper and lower loop. Park in the upper loop if there is space. It is closer to the Pipiwai Trailhead. The trailhead is across the road from the visitor center, well signed. You will see it.
One important note. Many folks visit Kipahulu as a day trip from the Wailea or Kihei side of Maui. The drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours each way. Factor in 2.5 hours for the hike and you are looking at an 8-hour commitment minimum. Leave early. I recommend being on the road by 7am at the latest. If you can stay the night in Hana, do that instead. It makes the whole experience dramatically better.
Best Time to Hike to Waimoku Falls
The best time to hike the Pipiwai Trail is on a morning when it has not rained for a day or two. The trail will be less muddy, the stream crossings will be lower, and you will beat the bulk of the crowds who arrive after lunch.
The Kipahulu coast gets about 80 inches of rain per year, and a lot of that falls in the afternoon. Morning hikes tend to be drier. If you see heavy rain in the forecast, consider rescheduling. Flash floods are a real risk in this valley, and the Park Service will close the trail when conditions are dangerous.
Best months. April through September sees less rainfall on average than the winter months, but honestly, rain can hit any time of year on this side of Maui. The driest stretch tends to be June through August. Winter (November through February) brings heavier and more frequent rain, but also bigger waterfall flow if you time it between storms.
Crowds. The Pipiwai Trail is one of the most popular hikes on Maui. If you want fewer people, aim for a weekday and get to the trailhead before 9am. By noon on a Saturday, the parking lot can be full and the trail feels crowded, especially in the bamboo forest section where the boardwalks create bottlenecks.
Trail closures. The Pipiwai Trail closes periodically after heavy storms due to flash flood risk and trail damage. The stream crossings can go from bone-dry to impassable in a matter of hours. Before you drive three hours to get here, check the NPS alerts page for Haleakala. The pools area near the coast (Ohe’o Gulch) closes frequently too, sometimes for weeks at a time, so do not assume that because the park is open, every section is accessible.
What to Bring
- Footwear with grip. Trail runners or hiking boots with good tread. The mud and wet rock on this trail will punish slippery soles. I have seen people attempt this in sandals and it does not end well.
- Insect repellent. The mosquitoes in the bamboo forest section are aggressive. Not “a few bugs here and there” aggressive. More like “you will be swatting nonstop for 20 minutes” aggressive. I carry an eco-friendly repellent and apply it liberally before entering the bamboo. Bring After Bite too. You will want it.
- Rain gear. A lightweight rain jacket takes up no space and will save your day if an afternoon shower rolls in. And showers roll in a lot.
- Water. At least 2 liters per person. The trail is humid and you will sweat more than you expect. There is no potable water on the trail, and none available in the park beyond the visitor center.
- Reef-safe sunscreen. Required by Hawaii law and the right thing to do regardless. Apply before you start.
- A dry bag or ziplock for your phone. Between the rain, the stream crossings, and the general humidity, electronics take a beating on this trail. Cell reception is spotty to nonexistent in Kipahulu, so download your maps before you leave your hotel.
- Food and snacks. There is nowhere to buy food in the park, and the options in Hana are limited. Pack lunch and eat it at the picnic area near the visitor center after your hike.
Safety at Waimoku Falls
I want to be direct about this because the risks here are real and not always obvious.
Rockfall. The cliff face above Waimoku Falls is unstable. Large rocks detach and fall without warning. People have died here. Do not go past the signed viewpoint. Do not try to get closer to the base of the falls. The boulders at the base are evidence of what comes down from above. I have stood at the viewpoint and watched rocks the size of basketballs come crashing down into the boulder field. This is not theoretical danger.
Flash floods. The Pipiwai Valley can flood rapidly after heavy rain, even if it is sunny where you are standing. Rain upstream in the mountains can send a wall of water down the valley with little notice. If you see the water level rising in any of the stream crossings, turn around immediately. Do not try to wait it out.
Trail conditions. Wet, muddy, and slippery in many sections. Fallen trees occasionally block the path. The boardwalks through the bamboo forest can be slick when wet. Take your time and watch your footing. Twisted ankles are common here, and you are a long way from help.
Leptospirosis. This bacterial disease is present in freshwater streams throughout Hawaii. Do not drink the stream water and avoid submerging open wounds. Symptoms include fever, headache, and muscle pain and can appear 2 to 30 days after exposure. This is a real and underappreciated risk.
Mosquito-borne illness. Hawaii has seen periodic dengue fever outbreaks, and the mosquitoes along the Pipiwai Trail are plentiful. DEET or picaridin-based repellent is your best defense. Long sleeves help too, even in the heat.
Photography Tips for the Pipiwai Trail
The Pipiwai Trail is one of the most photogenic hikes in Hawaii, and every section of the trail offers something different.
In the bamboo forest, shoot straight up. The converging lines of the bamboo stalks create a natural leading-lines composition that works especially well on overcast days when the light is soft and even. If you get a shaft of sunlight breaking through, that is your shot. Overcast is actually ideal for this section because you avoid the harsh contrast between sun and shadow.
At the banyan tree, go wide. A 16-35mm or similar ultrawide lens captures the full spread of the canopy and the hanging roots. The tree is massive, and a standard lens will not do it justice. Morning light filtering through the leaves creates a warm, golden glow that is hard to recreate any other way.
At the falls, the challenge is scale. Waimoku Falls is 400 feet tall, and from the viewpoint, you need a wide lens to get the full cascade in frame. Including a person in the foreground (at a safe distance from the base) gives the viewer a sense of just how enormous this waterfall is. A vertical orientation works better than horizontal here.
One practical note. Your lens will fog up constantly. The humidity in the bamboo forest is extreme, and if you are coming from an air-conditioned car, the temperature difference will coat your lens in condensation within minutes. I leave my camera bag open for 10 minutes at the trailhead before I start shooting. Bring a lens cloth and give your gear time to acclimate. Rushing this step will cost you shots.
If you are shooting video, bring a stabilizer. The boardwalk sections are uneven and the mud will throw off your footing. Handheld footage on this trail tends to look like you filmed it during an earthquake.
Common Mistakes People Make
I see the same mistakes on this trail every time I hike it.
Starting too late. By noon, the parking lot is full, the trail is crowded, and afternoon rain is more likely. Get to the trailhead by 9am at the latest. Earlier is better.
Wrong shoes. Flip-flops and smooth-soled sneakers are a disaster on this trail. I have watched people turn around at the first muddy section because they physically cannot continue. Bring shoes with tread.
No bug spray. The mosquitoes in the bamboo section are relentless. Folks who skip the repellent spend the second half of the hike swatting and miserable. Apply before you enter the bamboo and reapply at the falls viewpoint for the hike back.
Turning around too early. Some people see the mud and decide the trail is not worth it. It is worth it. The bamboo forest and the falls are both in the second half of the hike, past the worst of the mud. Push through.
Not checking conditions. The trail closes after heavy rain due to flash flood risk. Check the best time to visit Haleakala and the NPS website before you drive three hours to get here. I cannot stress this enough. People show up after a two-hour drive down the Road to Hana only to find the trail closed and the gate locked. A two-minute check on your phone the night before saves you from that.
Skipping the banyan tree. It is easy to walk right past it because the trail does not make a big deal of it. There is no sign screaming “stop here.” But the banyan tree is one of the most remarkable things on this hike. Slow down and spend a few minutes with it.
Where to Stay Near Waimoku Falls
The Kipahulu section of the park is remote. The closest town with any services is Hana, about 10 miles north. If you want to hike the Pipiwai Trail without the grueling 3-hour drive from west Maui, staying in Hana the night before is the move.
Hana has a handful of vacation rentals, the Hana-Maui Resort, and some small inns. Book early, especially during peak season. Options are limited and they fill up. The Hana-Maui Resort is the nicest option in town, but it is priced accordingly. Vacation rentals on sites like VRBO tend to be the better value.
If you are staying on the other side of the island, Kihei and Wailea are popular bases with the most hotel options. The drive to Kipahulu takes about 2.5 to 3 hours from either town, which is why most people make it a very long day trip.
There is no camping at Kipahulu. The former campground was closed due to flood damage and has not reopened. If you want to camp on Maui, look into Hosmer Grove near the Haleakala summit. It is free, first-come first-served, and sits at 6,800 feet elevation, which means cool, quiet nights.
Other Things to Do in Haleakala National Park
Haleakala has two completely different sections that feel like two different parks. The Kipahulu coast, where Waimoku Falls is located, is a lush tropical rainforest. The summit area, about 70 miles away by road, is a volcanic moonscape above the clouds.
The Haleakala Crater hike is the park’s other must-do experience. Descending into the 3,000-foot-deep volcanic crater on the Sliding Sands Trail is like walking on Mars. The colors in the cinder cones shift from red to orange to purple depending on the time of day, and the silence at the bottom is unlike anything I have experienced in any other park. Combine it with the Pipiwai Trail and you have seen two of the most dramatic landscapes in the Hawaii national parks.
The Haleakala sunrise is legendary, but you need a reservation ($1 fee, but they go fast and are released 60 days in advance). If you cannot get one, sunset from the summit is nearly as good and requires no reservation. I have photographed both, and while sunrise gets all the attention, the sunset light painting the crater walls is the one I would choose if I could only do one.
Down in Kipahulu, the Kuloa Point Trail is a short, flat 0.5-mile loop that takes you along the coast to views of the rocky shoreline and the Ohe’o Gulch pools from above. It is an easy add-on before or after the Pipiwai Trail and worth the 20 minutes.
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