There are 50 bridges, most of which are one way!
Waimoku Falls is the most stunning waterfall that I have ever seen. With its drop of over 400 feet, it is the tallest waterfall in Maui, and one of the taller falls across the Hawaiian Islands. It is located in the Kipahulu District of Haleakalā National Park, which is the southern portion of the park that is accessible via the Road to Hana.
Jill and I were lucky enough to go on the Road to Hana drive which takes you around the seat side of Maui. This drive consists of hundreds of curves that wind around the coastline. The road is so narrow in some places that traffic is reduced to one lane total! There are also more than 50 bridges, and many of them are single lane. This exciting drive provides a passage way into the rainforests of Maui. With that being said, the waterfalls are numerous and many flow throughout the year.
The Pipiwai Trail in Haleakalā National Park takes you north from the ‘Ohe’o Gulch and the Seven Sacred Pools. After passing the Makahiku Falls and an impressive banyan tree, the trail passes through a forest of bamboo. This is an astonishing site. The bamboo enshrouds the forest and nearly blocks out the sun. I am also disappointed by the bamboo forest. It is not native to Hawaii and has proven hard to manage within the forests there.
Waimoku Falls present themselves after you break through the bamboo forest. You really must crane your neck back to get the full falls into your view. They come down on a wide expanse of rock debris that has likely been pushed over the top through the year. (It’s highly advisable not to stand under the falls, as you may not know what’s coming over the edge with the water.) As the water tumbles down, it goes by the luscious green ferns and other rainforest plants that thrive in the mists of the waterfall. It truly is a splendor to see.
It truly is a splendor to see
Pingback: Haleakala Sunrise - Wild Boyz Photography
[…] miles above sea level which is where we started. We had actually spent the previous day driving the Road to Hana. During that drive, we were in another part of Haleakalā National Park at sea level! The […]
Pingback: Bamboo in Haleakala
[…] Pipiwai Trail culminated with Waimoku Falls. This 400' behemoth of a waterfall is a sight to behold, and you can read all about it here. […]