Bamboo Forest

There are so many things I want to write and don’t even know where to begin. For starters, I am still flying high off the adrenaline rush, I am writing a review to ease my nerves lol.
Key points: TAKE A WATERPROOF CASE for your cell phone so you can document your experience. That’s my biggest regret. No pictures or videos of this insane hike.
Eat lightly before and hydrate well.
Take a swimsuit and some GREAT hiking shoes.
Let someone know you’re doing the hike who isn’t going and if you don’t send them a text by a certain time, that means you got trapped in the forest.
Get there early so you time to hike and make it back before sunset.
Plan to get dirty.
A large portion of the trail is rocks. Very slippery rocks.
Thrilling
Look for parked cars to cue your entrance.
Plan this on a day where you have nothing else planned.
We found out about this through a local at Twin Falls. Having spent most of the day there, I was not expecting to this hike so I was not prepared mentally or physically. My boyfriend really wanted to go and all I could think was «Don’t be a buzzkill, Cindy.» He saw my face and told me «Just one hour.» and I thought «Fine. One hour won’t be bad.» WRONG!!!
The entrance can be hard to miss but we saw other folks going in, so we just followed them in.
We did the hike down no worries and I was like «Oh, yeah sweet.» We bumped into a lady who led us all the way to the first waterfall. From there, we bumped into other people who kept going down a rocky road to the second waterfall. Then somehow we came across a rock with rope and trekked up to keep going to a ladder and another rope. At this point, I was excited to keep going. We kept hiking and reached a swimming hole with a waterfall. Luckily for us first timers, there were plenty of folks on the trail. This was GOLD!!! They led us in every which way we needed to go. I truly believe had there not been other hikers we would have found out how to get through, nonetheless the last waterfall.
After what seemed an eternity, we got to third waterfall, and saw 2 ladies sitting up above some rocks. They told us the fourth waterfall was around the bend, but we would have to dive into the stream because there was no way of getting there otherwise. It is so hard to describe this, as nothing will compare to doing it. Since I had not expected to do this hike, I had my backpack with water, sevenup, 2 beer cans, two cell phones, boyfriend’s wallet and other stuff. DON’T TAKE SO MUCH CRAP! One water bottle is enough and maybe not even that. Hydrate well before the hike and eat something light but filling. Plan to be hiking 3 – 4 hours.
I was scared it wouldn’t be deep enough, but they assured me. I left my backpack up there, with my other clothes and jumped in. After that, you swim for about 5 minutes to reach another waterfall, about 5 feet tall, that you have to scale up. This part was hard because it was slippery. I prayed I wouldn’t cut my head open or sprain an ankle because I’d be doomed.
After that, you hike for a couple more minutes on a crapload of rocks barefoot and see a pool with a waterfall.
Again, lucky us, there was a man and his 3 sons and a a couple there, so it reassured me of where to go and how to jump in. My boyfriend was so excited to get in, but because he was hiking like a snail, by the time he actually got into the pool, everyone was leaving. I freaked out because all I kept thinking was how am I going to get back down from that waterfall I just trekked up. One of the boys said, «You have to jump.» I thought no way am I jumping that on the way back down, and if I do and I die, I want people to be around so they can send someone to get my body. Of course, I had to leave with them and I started rushing my boyfriend who was not happy about it. I thought, «Ok, I made it this far and I need to get back home.» Best thing I could have done, because I saw the other lady scale down and then slide down some rocky parts of the waterfall and I was so relieved.
At this point, it started to sprinkle, and knowing how a little rain can impact a stream, I started panicking. I kept rushing my boyfriend who was usually 15 – 20 feet behind me. He was so annoyed with me but I wanted to get back to the car FAST! He lagged so much that before we knew it, we had lost sight of the other folks on the trail. We hiked for what seem an eternity amidst extremely slippery rocks. We did not know if we were going the right way and at this point I started freaking out more. Of course, I slip and land hard on a rock. I’d had it and broke down– full on cryfest.“I am going to die in Paradise and no one is going to find my body.” My boyfriend’s face was priceless so I sucked it up, stayed calm. We hiked back the way we had come and found another hiker. He led us all the way back. This was definitely extremely scary for me but I’d go back. I’d just get there earlier, and with a drone following me to ensure my location.
Safe and fun travels folks!

Price = FREE… it’s for me!
Experience = A little slippery after a few days of rain on Maui. The hike down is not terrible, cross the water and follow the path to the nice «horse tail» styled waterfall. It’s a 15 minute hike down. Really nice… look for the cars parked along the road for a clue.

Uggg! This place is nothing like Disney… It’s so freakin dirty and gross and muddy. You walk, for like ever on this creepy mud trail and hope a serial killer doesn’t pop out to get you. All the bamboos look totally the same and just go on forever. They don’t have a single sign saying don’t wear white pants (yeah, thanks), but the biggest problem is that we didn’t see a single panda bear… Not ONE. And I know why. What panda wants to get their white parts dirty??? Remember how dirty I said it is? Pandas are two colors, black and WHITE. If you want pandas, people, you need to clean up the muddy mess… and you need a tram and a sushi restaurant, Duh! Don’t call it a bamboo forest of you don’t even have the most bambooey things. The people that run this need to go to Disney and learn some stuff!

We had my 7 year old who adamantly refuses to wear anything but flip flops and I am still waiting for the day he finally admits shoes might be a better idea. After reading the reviews to him, he still insisted. Once again I was amazed at his flip flop skills! Go Rainbow Sandals heheh.
Anyways this was a fun December hike with good trail markings and we made it to two very active waterfalls. Went swimming in both. Water felt like 68 – 70 degrees and easy entry/​exit. Not much rain lately so there was no concerns of getting stuck. Loved this trip and we even had my buddy’s 4-​year old (wearing trail shoes) and he did fine but had to be picked up a couple of times for some of the slippery rock crossings.
Never made it to the ladder but had plenty of fun/​adventure just the same. Next year we’ll take it bit further. Not a bad trade-​off for driving to hiking to waterfall ratio!

If I had known upon entering the innocent little passage leading from the street into the Bamboo forest — I honestly wouldn’t have done it because I’m not that adventurous and my stamina is extremely wimpy.
Well, luckily we gave it a try. The first yards are child’s play. It’s just down hill, a little muddy and slippery though. After crossing a narrow but luckily short plank over a gap we reached the stream. I don’t even know what it’s called. I only remember that two years ago this stream was a powerful torrent due to the weather conditions and the thought of crossing it didn’t even come up. Now it seemed quite lazy so we decided to cross it. What an adventure! We gladly made it to the other side without slipping like the couple who tried to cross before us. (The hell it’s lazy!). We sported our neoprene rubber shoes though and wore them for the rest of the trail. It was more convenient than with the hiking boots.
The sight you’ll get when crossing is wonderful. Large bamboo and waterfalls. After a while you have to cross again. This time I felt more experienced and secure. But once we arrived the other shore we couldn’t find the trail and we were lost until two young men passed us and grabbed the rope hanging from the rock face. It took me a little while to gain back my composure and I agreed to go on then as I didn’t want to be a chicken and spoil my husband’s fun. Actually you can manage that part in about 4 moves once you have detected the spots where you have to put your feet in.
You soon reach another fall and from there onwards you have to climb across the streambed to get up. I thought too much about slipping and knocking my head but I comforted myself with the thought that we would soon reach Hana Highway. It was really exhausting to test every step and to shift weight — like I said, I’m usually a couch potato.
And then there was the shaky wooden ladder from which you had to grab a rope and pull yourself over a ledge.
After what felt like at least an hour we met 4 guys coming from the direction we were heading to and they encouraged us that we almost made it. I cheered «To the road?» And they laughed and replied «No, to the last waterfall!» I’d give my pinkie to see my own face when it dawned on me that this was no loop and that we’d have to go back the same way we came.
At that point I didn’t trust myself anymore and we decided to go back. So we missed the last waterfall — which was good anyway because we had our cell phones and even my kindle in our backpack and I heard that the only way to return from there is to jump down the waterfall.
Going down was even more difficult than going up but we made it and I was proud of myself. What an adrenaline rush, what a fun trail. Next year I’m going to hike the whole trail. I can only recommend it. Just think about proper shoes. And leave your valuables «at home».

COOLEST PLACE EVER. Honestly, every second was awesome from start to finish. Not only was it the best part of my Maui trip, but one of the coolest things I’ve ever done.
A few tips:
Wear old athletic shoes or water shoes. DO NOT WEAR FLIP FLOPS
Pack light!!! I can’t stress this enough. You’ll have to ditch everything in a tree by the time you get to the second fall, so don’t bring valuables. You won’t even need a towel. Wear a bathing suit, light clothes on top, and bring a water bottle. That’s it!
It can be treacherous, especially on the way to the third and fourth falls. This isn’t a great hike to bring your grandparents on.
Go to the fourth and final fall! Totally worth the hike over the other falls. It is beyond gorgeous– you aren’t able to bring your phone as the way there involves swimming. I can’t show you, but that makes it all the more special!
You’ll be starved at the end… Maybe have some food waiting in the car.
I can’t recommend this enough!!! Give your group a good 4 – 5 hours, it’ll be the highlight of your trip

BULLSHIT!
Couldn’t find this place. Drove up and down Hana and NOTHING! Drove from Paia all the way to Hana Airport and back to Lahaina. NOTHING! Someone needs to put a sign up somewhere.

This was by far the best hike that I have ever been on. After exploring the bamboo forest you cross the first river and the adventure begins. Along the journey you will experience five amazing waterfalls and there are pools below that you can swim in. this is no easy journey, you have to utilize the ropes and ladders and climb a few areas, jump across slippery boulders and swim through a pool. Your adventures not complete until you have reach the final waterfall. Bring a watertight bag to store your phone and camera, a pair of shoes that can get wet or muddy, and a swimsuit. Keep valuables in your car, out of sight, people may break in.

Tracking across the rain/​mud, scaling slippery and unsteady rocks, floating through a narrow path carved within thick bamboo stalks, diving into a river stream, swimming 300 yards to reach to a waterfall, asking a complete stranger to take our photo and email it to us because we left our phone underneath a tree before diving into the water. by far, THE most riveting yet peaceful experience I’ve ever had.
Tip: KEEN shoes if you have them, they saved my foot from all sorts of disaster and provided the safety I needed so I enjoy every bit of adventure. DON’T bring stuff, a cell phone in a waterproof pouch if you have it, all the extra stuff will only weigh you down, again taking away from the experience.

Yes. Do it!
The first part of the hike, all uphill and muggy and not so pretty, can make you wonder why you are doing this. But keep at it. I promise, you will want to see what lies ahead.
The bamboo forest is magical, all bamboo as deep as the eye can see. Laced with a couple smaller beautiful water falls, and and if you continue to the end, it opens up to a giant waterfall that you don’t want to miss.
So put on some sturdy shoes and coat yourself with bug spray, then hit the trail!

It would be five stars if we hadn’t gotten lost. We were there fairly late in the day, and somehow missed the last part of the trail, uphill, to where we’d parked our car by the bamboo entry point. We trailblazed instead, and ended up much further down the canyon, where the river eventually passes under Hana Hwy, about a mile from where the car was parked.

I’m so excited this hike is here to review! We made it here thanks to a tip from a friend and absolutely loved it! Probably our favorite stop along the road to Hana. Most of the hike you are completely surrounded by bamboo. What an adventure. Not an easy hike. You go up and down steep muddy terrain and cross over rivers and streams. We saw several waterfalls along our journey. I would definitely recommend stopping here. Its a bit hard to find. But if you are on your way to Hana, it will be on your right. Just look for other cars and an opening in the trees. Thats how we found it!

This hike was sooo beautiful! I felt like I was in a ninja walking through this place… the bamboo was very tall and at times the path was very quiet and secluded, albeit peaceful. My friend whom I was hiking with ended up splitting up since we were going at different paces, so I was alone to take in the forest throughout my senses.
I really recommend this hike to anyone who is even thinking about it. Wear good shoes because some parts are muddy.
Amazing place… definitely got my zen on here!

This is a magical forest, let me tell you!
High, high stocks of bamboo, tranquil and serene environment, I loved it!
Do not shake the bamboo, you can get hurt!

Read reviews for the Pipiwai Trail because bamboo forest is just a part of that AWESOME trail.

The Bamboo Forest is amazing. about 2 miles each way but SO worth it. Once you’ve hit it, it is so tranquil and a little bit scary! The bamboo is so thick and there is little sunlight coming in. It was amazing. Highly recommend.
Wear appropriate shoes and watch out for bugs. Don’t do this in flip flops!

Beautiful! MUST check out this short hike, not strenuous and big payoff. I’ve seen small children, a dog, and an elderly couple do this hike.
The path is shaded by tall stands of bamboo and the effect of the light filtering through the leaves is magical. Wear water shoes or like me flippy floppies. =) For clothes just wear swim stuff because you def. want to take a dip in the pools created by the waterfall.
When hiking take care because the muddy path can get slippery, but even if you fall and get covered in mud no matter because you can just jump in the water. Bring a waterproof camera or if you’re okay to chance it, put your camera in a watertight plastic bag and bring a towel to dry off hands before shooting.
Don’t be an A-​hole Tourist so when you park on the side of the road park as off the road as much possible so you don’t block traffic. Also if you have the bright idea of changing from your regular clothes to swim trunks don’t lock you keys in the car with your regular clothes like a lumix. x_​X It takes about 30 – 45 minutes for the rental people to get to you and unlock your rental car. Well at least there’s gorgeous scenery to look at in that time.

I have never seen anything like the bamboo forest. My 6 years old hiked the entire way. From the bamboo forest to the waterfall are all amazing. The total travel and leisure time took over 4 hours.
Must wear hiking shoes or anything with a good sole and be ready to get wet as you have to cross two streams. I wore my water shoes and it was perfect.
Must eat breakfast or lunch before the hike. Take a pit stop at Hana and fill your tummy up.
Enjoy the hike.

You can either park in the National Park lot ($ 10 or so) and walk across the road, or you can try to wedge your car in along the road before the Seven Sacred Pools, but either way, the trail head is very close and the hike is fairly quick.
I’ve done it during the day, which is way better than when we did it at night and it was almost pitch black on the walk back (and there are wild pigs around there).
The waterfall at the end is breathtaking. No other way to describe it. And it cascades down all around you. If you have a waterproof camera, bring it.
Just FYI, if there has been a rain storm recently (and they are frequent) getting to the waterfall requires crossing some streams, if no storms, you can jump them. So bring some plastic trash bags for your feet and wade across (akin to when Venice floods).

This is the most perfect hike ever.
Less than 2 miles one way. Up hill going. Down hill returning.
Terminates at a pair of 400 foot waterfalls in which you can spash around. Mind the falling rocks! They ARE falling all the time.
On the way back, about ²⁄₃ of the way down, there is a little gate. Make a left and you’ll find a beautiful waterfall fed pool above yet another waterfall featuring infinity views (well, sort of) in which you can swim.
No matter how hot it is, you will never return from a hike more refreshed. BRING INSECT REPELLENT!!!