Experience The Bamboo Forest In Maui
They say it’s stronger than steel,
and can survive 120 years in the wild. Can you imagine? I had seen bamboo in the mid-west. Random patches grow here and there, tall but thin, and I’d never given it a second thought. But in Maui, in its prime habitat, bamboo grows thick and spreads for acres and acres. It’s hard to imagine bamboo growing as high as 1300 feet! Maui’s bamboo forest is accessed off the famed Hana Highway. Ask anyone that has been to Maui, and they’ll probably tell you that driving the Road to Hana is the most iconic thing you can do.
But it’s not exactly for the faint of heart or inexperienced drivers.
With 59 one-lane bridges and more than 600 hairpin turns, the Road to Hana is an adventure in and of itself! My husband would tell you, it’s a bit stressful for the driver, but the passenger will have the most incredible views! Towering rock cliffs on one side and lush forest on the other, it truly is the iconic Hawaiian coastline you imagined. There’s also plenty to stop and see along the route. Black and red sand beaches, waterfalls, rainbow eucalyptus trees, and sacred pools, but by far, my favorite stop is the Bamboo Forest on the Pipiwai Trail. From the trailhead, it’s an easy 20-30 minute hike to the enchanting entrance to the Bamboo Forest.
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another world!
It’s was darker than you’d expect. Sunlight fights its way in from above, barely reaching the footpaths and boardwalk ahead. You can’t feel the wind, but you’ll know it’s there because you’ll hear it. Arrive early, before the footfalls and voices of others can stifle the melody of stalks gently clanking together - that is how you’ll hear the wind. Walking through this dense, tranquil forest, you’ll feel a sense of wonder and gain a new appreciation for this incredible plant.
A member of the grass family, bamboo is the fastest growing plant on the planet, second only to giant sea kelp!
It releases 35% more oxygen than trees, and it’s an excellent replacement for building material - even concrete reinforcement! Bamboo also reduces soil erosion, can be consumed by both humans and animals, and can be used to make everything from clothing and coffee filters to sports equipment. You know what, it would probably be easier to make a list of what bamboo can’t be used for!
But wait, there’s more!
The cherry on top of this entire bamboo sundae (as if we needed one) is the 400 ft. vertical waterfall at the end known as Waimoku Falls, one of the tallest in Maui. Waimoku Falls is the reward at the end of the trail (as if we needed one), but viewing these falls comes with a word of caution: If it’s raining, or if rain is in the forecast, do not cross the stream! Flash floods can occur suddenly and have swept people away. Also, do not venture under the falls, as falling rocks are very real and very dangerous, and like all freshwater streams and waterfalls in Hawaii, the water can contain Leptospirosis bacteria, which you DO NOT want to consume or get in your eyes or an open wound.
Apart from the Haleakalā crater, I’d say hiking the Pipiwai Trail is one of the most unique experiences you can have on Maui. I, for one, can’t look at bamboo the same way anymore. It may be the world's most exploited plant, but I’m thankful that here, on this gorgeous Hawaiian island, its purpose is simply to be its beautiful self.
Pro Tip: In order to get to the bamboo forest early, work your way backwards. While everyone else is stopping at all the sites along the Road to Hana, go straight to the Pipiwai Trail first. If you got an early start, then you’ll have it nearly all to yourself. You can then make all the other stops on the way back.
If you haven’t been to Maui yet, I can’t recommend it enough!
Click here to find out what I learned when first visiting Maui, and why I now call it the perfect destination.
Tired of the overwhelm of travel planning?
Do you keep visiting the same destinations because it’s easier than planning something new?
Do you keep adding destinations to your bucket list, but never seem to have the time to make them happen?
Consider using a travel advisor!
Hi, I’m Elizabeth Dyer, owner of Travel with Elizabeth, a travel agency dedicated to building memorable vacations for people like you. We provide planning and booking services to the U.S. Canada, and Europe. saving you time, energy and a whole lot of stress. Sound too good to be true? Click here to learn how easy it really is!
Follow Travel with Elizabeth on social media!
Get behind the scenes! See more of Maui and other destinations, plus get travel and packing tips from TWE!
