MAUI VACATION DAY 4 :: HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK, HI :: Our final destination of the day was Waimoku Falls via the Pipiwai Trail in Haleakala National Park. The trailhead is at the ranger station near The Seven Sacred Pools, just a few miles beyond the town of Hana.

The trail began in alternating grassy and forested areas filled with large banyan and fruit trees. Guavas covered the ground in some parts, their bright pink centers smashed and smeared across the trail. Their strong scent made the air sickeningly sweet. Fortunately, the guava trees made way for a bamboo forest about a mile into the hike.

For us, the bamboo was the highlight of this trail. The path narrowed and meandered through the bamboo's tall, narrow stalks that often blocked most of the light. In the wind, the bamboo clacked together. Most of the time, their hollow, haunting sound resonated at a peaceful, Zen-like rhythm. Occasionally, a strong wind would blow and the forest became a loud cacophony of creaking and clacking. It was a very cool and unique experience, but kinda creepy at the same time.

The trail through the enchanting bamboo goes on for about a mile to Waimoku Falls. The water drops 400 feet, straight down a concave wall. The fall was pretty, but I think it would have been more impressive if there was more water flowing. We only spent a few minutes here before heading back to the car and then driving all the way back to Kaanapali.

That Bamboo forest looks so neat and clean. Cool.

Beautiful pics & your descriptions give the reader a true sense of the area. My favorite is the vertical shot through the bamboo to the sky above...totally awesome. Visiting Hawaii soon, hope we are able to witness some of this beauty.