Last updated: December 18, 2020
Thing to Do
Moderate Hike up to the Bamboo Forest
NPS
Polynesian voyagers brought many plants with them on their journeys across the Pacific Ocean. One such plant was the versatile ʻohe (bamboo). An instrument, ʻohe hanu ihu (nose flute), is made from ʻohe and the hollow tubes can also be used to start fires, carry water, or split to make irrigation troughs.
When immigration to the Hawaiian Islands started to increase, new species of bamboo made their way to Hawaii. Today, many groves of different bamboo varietes can be found throughout the islands.
On breezy days the leaves rattle and the bamboo stalks creak, clack, and pop! Hike one mile along the Pīpīwai trail to reach the bamboo forest and listen to this unique type of natural music.
The trail begins to the left of the Kīpahulu Visitor Center. Be sure to have water, sun protection, and a snack for the trail! The trail is unpaved, uneven, and can be slippery following rain. If desired, the trail continues past the bamboo forest for another mile and terminates at Waimoku Falls.
When immigration to the Hawaiian Islands started to increase, new species of bamboo made their way to Hawaii. Today, many groves of different bamboo varietes can be found throughout the islands.
On breezy days the leaves rattle and the bamboo stalks creak, clack, and pop! Hike one mile along the Pīpīwai trail to reach the bamboo forest and listen to this unique type of natural music.
The trail begins to the left of the Kīpahulu Visitor Center. Be sure to have water, sun protection, and a snack for the trail! The trail is unpaved, uneven, and can be slippery following rain. If desired, the trail continues past the bamboo forest for another mile and terminates at Waimoku Falls.
Details
Duration
1 Hour
Hiking up to the bamboo forest takes approximately 30 minutes. Returning from the forest requires about the same amount of time. The total time for a round trip hike is approximately 1 hour.
The trail is unpaved, uneven, rocky, contains exposed roots, and can be slippery following rain. Wear proper footwear and adjust your timing accordingly.
The trail is unpaved, uneven, rocky, contains exposed roots, and can be slippery following rain. Wear proper footwear and adjust your timing accordingly.
Activity
Hiking
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Bamboo Forest
The Bamboo Forest is found along the Pīpīwai Trail in the Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information
The trail is unpaved, rocky, contains exposed roots, and can be slippery following rain.
There are several sets of steps along the trail and a few sections with steep grades as the trail climbs 800 feet in eleveation.
There are several sets of steps along the trail and a few sections with steep grades as the trail climbs 800 feet in eleveation.