In the Kipahulu area of Haleakalā National Park, Pipiwai Trail climbs 650 ft. over 2 miles through bamboo forests to Waimoku Falls. Hiking through a bamboo forest is like hiking through a fantasy landscape. On parts of the trail, the pungent aroma of fermenting berries is overwhelming. Other parts of the trail drop 100's of feet into a steep ravine mere yards away, concealed by the dense undergrowth. Bamboo, called 'Ohe by the native Hawaiians, was reportedly one of the original plants brought by canoe when Polynesians first settled the Hawaiian islands. Now thick bamboo forests cover much of the Hawaiian geography.
At the end of the trail Waimoku Falls cascades 400 ft. During heavy rainfall, the falls purportedly swells to large proportions, but since we visited during a dry spell, the pool at the base of the falls was little more than ankle deep. While Waimoku is an impressive site nonetheless, it's also overrun with polo-shirt wearing tourists.
A little exploring, however reveals a hidden, unnamed waterfall nearby. Hiking the ravine to this waterfall is reminiscent of entering Jurassic Park (which was partially filmed on Kaua'i). At the falls, a deep pool fills the base. We swam behind the waterfall and enjoyed a nice, cool, Maui Brewing Company CoCoNut Porter.
