
moderate
6–8 hours
Moderate fitness; able to hike 4 miles round trip with elevation changes and uneven ground
Take a private open‑air Jeep down the Road to Hana, then hike the Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls. This curated day pairs scenic coastal drives, bamboo groves, and a dramatic waterfall with guided logistics and local insights.
The Jeep eases out onto Hana Highway as the coastline unspools: sheer cliffs drop into a restless Pacific, and clouds move inland like slow tides. On a private open‑air Jeep, the Road to Hana becomes a passage rather than a checklist — windows full of emerald gulches, roadside waterfalls that seem to appear on cue, and drivers who know which pullouts are worth lingering at. The day's real destination, though, is a narrow trail that threads through rainforest into a cathedral of bamboo and finishes at Waimoku Falls, a 400‑foot sheet of water that announces itself before it is seen.

Morning departures reduce traffic and afternoon showers on the east side of Maui; aim to be at the trailhead before late morning.
The Pipiwai Trail has roots, boardwalks, and mud—wear hiking shoes with good traction.
Microclimates shift quickly; a lightweight waterproof layer keeps you comfortable during showers.
Many roadside stops are adjacent to private properties—follow signs and parking rules to minimize impact.
The Kipahulu region has been cultivated by Native Hawaiians for centuries—traditional taro terraces and canoe routes shaped valley life, and place names here carry ancestral meaning.
This area is ecologically sensitive; stay on trails, pack out waste, and avoid touching or feeding wildlife to protect native species and fragile riparian zones.
Provide traction on wet roots, boardwalks, and uneven terrain.
Protects from sudden tropical showers common year‑round but especially in wetter months.
spring specific
Carry 1–2 liters, snacks, and a camera; guides may provide limited water.
summer specific
Captures the scale of bamboo groves and Waimoku Falls more effectively than a tight zoom.