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Private Pīpīwai Trail & Waimoku Falls Hiking Tour
Pricing
Up to 7 Guests!
Description
Walk Through Towering Bamboo to Maui’s Spectacular 400-Foot Waterfall!
Before hitting the trail, visit a sustainability-focused organic farm to sample exotic fruit grown on the property, and take in Wailua Falls when roadside access allows. Then it's time to hike: pass the Makahiku Falls overlook and a giant banyan tree with sprawling aerial roots, follow boardwalks through a towering bamboo forest that whispers in the breeze, and arrive at Waimoku Falls, cascading nearly 400 feet (122 m) down a sheer cliff face.
With the vehicle and your guide all to yourselves, the day moves at your pace. Linger for photos, ask about Kīpahulu's layered Native Hawaiian, plantation, and ranching history, and wrap up with a local food stop of your choosing on the way home.
Duration
- 8 to 9 Hours
- Pīpīwai Trail hike: approximately 3–4 hours, about 4 miles (6.4 km) round trip with roughly 800 ft (244 m) of elevation gain.
- The office will confirm your exact pickup time for your area before your tour.
Location / Where to Meet
- Door-to-door pickup from your resort, hotel, condo, cruise-port meeting point, or another agreed location on Maui, with return to your original pickup point.
- Cruise Guests: contact the team after booking so pickup can be coordinated with your ship's schedule!
- Restrooms: Rest stops are built into the day, and restrooms are available at the Park Headquarters Visitor Center.
Ages & Requirements
- All Ages Welcome: Children are welcome, although the length of the tour and time spent in the vehicle may be better suited to older kids and adults.
- Car Seats & Boosters Required: Families traveling with young children must bring their own appropriate car seats or booster seats, as these are not provided.
- Private Group Size: Maximum of 7 guests per private vehicle. Groups of 6–7 guests should be aware that the additional passengers will occupy middle seats.
- Physical Fitness Required: Physical fitness is recommended. The Pīpīwai Trail is a moderate, approximately 3–4 hour hike in a remote area that the National Park Service describes as moderately strenuous.
- Uneven Terrain: Terrain: uneven footing with roots and rocks, plus boardwalks and footbridges that can be slick even when the coast is dry. Expect warm, wet weather. Guests who prefer not to complete the full trail may wait at the Kīpahulu Visitor Center while the rest of the group hikes.
What's Included
- Private Luxury Ford Expedition and local guide
- Door-to-door pickup and return from your resort, hotel, condo, or meeting point
- Haleakalā National Park entry (for the hike to the falls ONLY, this tour does NOT go to the summit)
- Guided hike on the Pīpīwai Trail to Waimoku Falls
- Customizable pace and stops
- Yeti cooler with ice and drinks
- Hand sanitizer and bug spray on board
- Air-conditioning, charging outlets, and Bluetooth sound system
Not Included
- Gratuity – Never expected, but if you have a great experience, please consider gifting 10–25% to your guide!
- Food and drink purchases at stops (provisioning stop in Kahului and local food stop)
- Car seats and boosters
- Towels
What to Bring / Wear
- Sturdy Hiking Shoes – Broken in, closed-toe, with grippy tread. The trail can be muddy and the boardwalks slick.
- Water Shoes or Flip-Flops – For after the hike.
- Change of Clothes & Towels – You may get wet or muddy on the trail.
- Swimwear (Optional)
- Warm Layers – For the drive through Upcountry and changing weather.
- Rain Protection – A lightweight rain jacket or poncho for the rainforest.
- Sun & Insect Protection – Brimmed hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, and insect repellent (bug spray is also available on board).
- Reusable Water Bottle & Snacks – Stay hydrated on the hike.
- Dry Bag – To protect your phone and camera from rain on the trail.
- Credit Cards & Cash – For food, drinks, and purchases at stops.
- Camera – A waterproof camera or phone case is handy in the rainforest.
- Personal Medications – Bring any medications you may need, including motion sickness medication (take before the tour).
- Please remove any jewelry, watches, or anything that can get damaged by water or dirt, or that you don't want to lose.
Check Out Our Tour Here!
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Hawaii By Storm Tours, LLC
FAQs
How long and difficult is the Pīpīwai Trail?
The full hike is approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) round trip with about 800 ft (244 m) of elevation gain, and we allow approximately three to four hours for it. The National Park Service describes the trail as moderately strenuous, with uneven footing, roots, and boardwalks that can be slick when wet. You'll return along the same trail.
What will we see along the Pīpīwai Trail?
The Makahiku Falls overlook is about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) from the trailhead, followed by a giant banyan tree. About 1 mile (1.6 km) in, the trail enters a towering bamboo forest crossed by boardwalks and footbridges, and the Waimoku Falls viewing area sits roughly 2 miles (3.2 km) in, where the falls drop nearly 400 feet (122 m) down a sheer cliff.
Where is the Pīpīwai Trail?
The Pīpīwai Trail is in the coastal Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park, beyond Hāna—not at the Haleakalā summit. The trail starts beside the Kīpahulu Visitor Center, where exhibits introduce the area's Native Hawaiian, agricultural, plantation, ranching, and park history.
Is this a Road to Hāna tour?
This tour focuses on the Pīpīwai Trail and Maui's quieter backside route through Upcountry Kula, ʻUlupalakua, and remote Kaupō, rather than covering the complete Road to Hāna in the same day. That way, neither adventure feels rushed.
Can we swim on this tour?
This is a waterfall-viewing hike. The Pools of ʻOheʻo are listed by the park as closed to entry, and guests must stay behind all barriers at the Waimoku Falls viewing area and follow current park directions. Wailua Falls is viewed from a legal roadside area when traffic and access permit, and a swim is not promised. Weather, water, and park conditions can change swimming opportunities and access.
What if someone in our group doesn't want to hike the whole trail?
Because the tour is private, the pace is tailored to your group. Guests who don't complete the entire trail may wait at the Kīpahulu Visitor Center while the rest of the group enjoys the hike.
Where do we eat?
Food isn't included, but there are several chances to eat along the way: a provisioning stop in Kahului at the start of the day, fruit sampling at an organic farm in Kīpahulu, and a local food stop of your choice on the return route.
Are your tours private?
Yes—every tour we offer is private. Your group has the vehicle and your guide to yourselves, with room for up to 7 guests in our Luxury Ford Expedition (guests 6 and 7 will ride in a middle seat). Pricing is a flat rate for the entire vehicle, not per person.
Is transportation included?
Yes. We offer door-to-door pickup and return from your resort, hotel, condo, cruise-port meeting point, or another agreed location on Maui. Our office will confirm your exact pickup time before your tour based on your location, the season, and your departure. If you're arriving by cruise ship, please contact us after booking so we can coordinate pickup with your ship's schedule.
Can we customize our itinerary?
Absolutely. Because every tour is private, your guide can shape the pace and stops around your group's interests and energy level, as well as the day's weather and park conditions. Stops on the typical itinerary may change with conditions and access.
What is the vehicle like?
Our Luxury Expeditions are modern, fully air-conditioned SUVs with charging outlets, a Bluetooth sound system (you're welcome to play your own music), and storage space in the rear. Vehicles are cleaned and disinfected before every tour.
Can we bring our own food and drinks?
Yes. We keep a Yeti cooler stocked with ice and drinks, with room for your own refrigerated items. Your itinerary also includes stops where you can pick up snacks, drinks, and local food (food purchases are not included).
Do you allow children? Do you provide car seats?
Children are welcome! Keep in mind that the length and content of a full-day tour may be more enjoyable for older kids and adults than for small children.
Car seats and boosters are NOT provided, but you're welcome to bring your own.
Do you provide motion sickness medication?
Due to liability, we can't provide motion sickness medication. If you're prone to car sickness, please take your medication before your tour begins.
What is your approach to sustainability?
We believe in sustainable tourism and follow the Hawaiian principle of Mālama ʻĀina—to care for and live in harmony with the land. On every tour, we stay on marked trails, follow current National Park Service rules and closures, and help protect Maui's sensitive natural and cultural places.
Cancellation Policy
Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 7 days notice of cancellation. Customers will receive a 50% refund or credit with 4-6 days notice of cancellation. Customers will receive no refund and 100% of the cancellation fee will apply with 3 days notice of cancellation. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. All bookings may be rescheduled for an alternative date at anytime subject to availability. No-shows will be charged the full price.
If the client asks to reschedule within 24 hours of the tour, a mandatory fee of $100 applies. If the company reschedules the tour within 24 hours, the fee will not apply.
Availability
Reviews
Location
Address
2171 Holowai Pl
Wailuku, HI, 96793
US
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