Pipiwai Trail, Hawaii, United States

5Dayna 5:00 PM Jan 20, 2021

Banyan tree, bamboo forest and waterfall !
At the end of the Road to Hana awaits a 4 mile hike for you! One small loop overlooking Oheo Pools which were closed (unsure due to covid or safety/maintenance). Longer one way up (double back same path to return) for moderate intensity hike passing a fun/cool banyan tree, through a charming/enchanted bamboo forest and ending at a stunning waterfall. Trail is well kept with rock steps and board walks at some parts. Took us the anticipated 2-3 hours roundtrip. Plan for longer if a large group, kids or on busy days getting stuck behind beginner hikers. Climate is humid so you'll get quite wet, but no swimming. Parking $30/car allows admittance to both Haleakala park entrances within 3 days. So if you're coming from the summit, no need to pay and if you haven't been to the crater yet, this pass will allow you to go within the next 3 days. Signs everywhere say the park closes at 5pm and if you're not out, you'll get locked in. Ranger at the top reiterated the same verbal warning late in the afternoon to remind everyone to be aware of timing. This is not a joke and it's quite strictly enforced. Be accountable for your time, speed and experience. If you're beginner, arrive early in the morning. This experience is worth more than 5 stars, definitely nothing less especially if it's because you didn't follow the rules!

4ERL 5:00 PM Aug 4, 2021

Please don't wear open-toe shoes
Please DO NOT drive to Pipiwai Trail on the backside of Haleakala National Park! I accidentally drove on this road in light rain because I was following google map's direction. It's extremely dangerous and there are a few segments of dirt road. The roads on the back side are narrow with many blind curves (WITHOUT mirrors!!!) and falling rock areas. There are a few narrow one way roads along the cliffs without rails, which are extremely dangerous. I would recommend joining guided tours so you can take pictures along the way. We arrived Pipiwai Trail a bit after 9 AM. I would recommend wearing proper footwear—definitely NO open toe shoes/sandals. The trail is pretty muddy and slippery with lots of insects on the ground so not the best place to wear open-toe shoes. There are some mosquitoes so please spray some bug repellant before you start the trail. Also bring lots of water in summer. The waterfall at the end of trail and the bamboo forest are definitly worth the $30 that i paid at the national park entrance. We left the trail around 12:30PM(Tuesday) . According to the Haleakala National Park service people, it's better to leave around or before 12PM to avoid the traffic. We did not encounter any traffic on the road going back to Kapalua.