A roughly 2-mile (one-way) trail in Haleakalā National Park’s Kīpahulu District that climbs about 800 feet past Makahiku Falls and through a bamboo forest. It ends at the base area of 400-foot Waimoku Falls.
Why we love it
The bamboo forest, with stalks knocking together in the wind, is unlike anywhere else on Maui, and Waimoku’s sheer cliff is worth every muddy step.
Current conditions: The Kīpahulu District closed Sept. 24, 2026 for Hurricane Nolo and reopened Sept. 27, 2026. HDOT had asked people to avoid nonessential Hāna Highway travel during the storm; check road conditions before you go.
What to expect
The trailhead is by the Kīpahulu Visitor Center, about 12 miles past Hāna. The round trip is about 4 miles and moderately strenuous, on rocky ground with exposed roots that turns slippery after rain. At half a mile you reach the Makahiku Falls overlook; the bamboo forest starts about a mile in, crossed on boardwalks. Expect two and a half hours or more. The Pools of ʻOheʻo nearby are closed to swimming and can be viewed from the Kūloa Point Trail. With the drive, this is a full-day trip.
Know before you go
- Entrance fee
- $30 per vehicle, valid 3 days and shared with the Summit District. The park asks for credit card payment.
- Pools of ʻOheʻo
- No swimming or entry. View the pools from the Kūloa Point Trail.
- Flash floods
- Flash floods and sudden rock falls can happen at any time. Stay out of streams and closed areas.
- Remote
- Emergency medical help is at least an hour away. There is no gas or food in the district, so fill up before Hāna.
- Trail stats
- About 2 miles one way and 800 feet of gain; Makahiku overlook at 0.5 mile, bamboo forest at about 1 mile.
