Visiting Waimoku Falls: Haleakala National Park's Best Waterfall

waimoku falls, haleakala national park waterfall maui, hawaii, pipiwai trail — Waimoku Falls

Waimoku Falls Description

Cascading some 400 feet down to the forest floor is the beautiful Waimoku Falls in the Kīpahulu area of the park.

The falls can be accessed 2 miles into the 4-mile roundtrip Pīpīwai Trail which provides hikers with beautiful views of various waterfalls, streams, and various other natural features.

Table of Contents: Waimoku Falls

Table of Contents: Waimoku Falls

Waimoku Falls Description

Things to Know Before You Visit Haleakala National Park

Entrance Fees

$30 per vehicle OR if you plan to visit more National Parks within the next 12 months we suggest you go ahead and purchase the America the Beautiful Pass (available at the park entrance gate). The pass gets you into all National Parks, Forests, Monuments, and more including 2,000 sites for free after a one time $79 fee.

Sunscreen

Use it. Lots of it. We happen to like this one because it works AND its reef safe meaning it’s not full of a bunch of chemicals.

Leave No Trace

We’re big fans of Leave No Trace, here at MTJP. Want to learn more? Read about the seven principals of Leave No Trace here.

Insect Repellent

We carry around an Eco-Friendly Insect Repellent with us, especially on the Pipiwai Trail, as mosquitoes can be a bit wild in the parks.

Cell Service

Cell service is pretty spotty in the park, particularly in the forests. Higher elevations without tree cover provide better coverage, you can also find service in Hāna.

Best Time to Hike to Waimoku Falls

Best Time to visit the Waimoku Falls is on a bright sunny day when it hasn’t rained recently. This will give you the least muddy conditions. Check the forecast for Hana to see the most accurate weather for the Pipiwai Trail.

Food

Pickings can be slim for food in Haleakalā so you’ll want to plan ahead of time and bring plenty of snacks. That being said, there are a select few great spots to grab a bite near the park.

Where to Stay in Haleakala

Check out these options for full listings of where to stay near Haleakala National Park:

Hana (closest to Pipiwai Trail)
Wailea
Kihei
Lahaina

haleakala national park maui, coast sunrise

Getting to Waimoku Falls

Getting to Waimoku Falls requires a hike down the Pipiwai Trail.

The Pipiwai Trail starts at the parking lot of the Kipahulu Visitor Center of Haleakala National Park. Getting to the Pipiwai Trail requires a drive down the famed Road to Hana.

Once you arrive you’ll have to go through an entrance station where a fee of $30 per vehicle is required. I recommend parking on the upper loop of the parking lot as it’s closer to the Pipiwai Trailhead.

You’ll see signs in the parking lot for the trail which is hard to miss.

If you don’t see the signs then head to the far side of the back loop closest to the road and furthest from the entrance station until you see the signs or the trail. The official trail starts across the road from visitor center.

haleakala national park maui, pipiwai banyan tree — The Great Banyan Tree you’ll pass on the way to the Falls

Basic Facts About Waimoku Falls

How Tall is Waimoku Falls?

Waimoku Falls is 400 ft (122 meters) tall cascading down to a massive (and dangerous) rock pile below.

Where is Waimoku Falls?

Waimoku Falls is located off the Pipiwai Trail in Haleakala National Park on the island of Maui.

How Long is the Hike to Waimoku Falls?

Waimoku Falls is located at the end of the Pipiwai Trail which is 4 miles round trip from the Kipahulu Visitor Center.

Best Time to Visit Waimoku Falls

The best time to visit Waimoku Falls is when it hasn’t been raining. The frequent rain can make the trail especially muddy – so much so that the mud in some areas can suck the boot right off your foot, just take our word for it.

Apart from that aim for winter or one of the shoulder seasons to avoid crowded trails and parking areas.

haleakala national park maui, waimoku falls

Things to Note When Visiting Waimoku Falls

You’ll come across many signs warning you to stay on the trail and they mean it. Flash floods and rockslides are common here and can occur with little to no warning. The area is typically muddy and wet and it’s easy to lose your footing and end up tumbling down a gulch if you’re not careful.

The mosquitoes can be pretty brutal along this trail no matter the time of year so be sure to bring repellent and dress appropriately. Also the jungle here is hot and humid so bring plenty of water and wear light and breathable clothing.

Finally, at the end of the Pipiwai Trail there is a sign at the falls viewpoint that says ‘do not pass this point’. Please heed the sign and don’t go any further. Massive rocks frequently and randomly come flying down the cliff side where fatalities have occurred.

waimoku falls pipiwai trail, end of the pipiwai trail, pipiwai trail sign

Map of Waimoku Falls

Watch Waimoku Falls in the Award Winning Haleakalā Film

HALEAKALA 8K is the culmination of several weeks and multiple trips to the remote outer reaches of the island of Maui in the Central Pacific.

Journey with us to the house of the sun and discover ancient volcanoes steeped in legend, rugged mountains, dense rainforests, hidden beaches, underwater worlds, and the last wild home to spectacular wildlife. This is Haleakalā. Filmed primarily in 8K.