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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
