Moderate Hike up to the Bamboo Forest

Polynesian voyagers brought many plants with them on their journeys across the Pacific Ocean. One such plant was the versatile ʻohe (bamboo). An instrument, ʻohe hanu ihu (nose flute), is made from ʻohe and the hollow tubes can also be used to start fires, carry water, or split to make irrigation troughs. When immigration to the Hawaiian Islands started to increase, new species of bamboo made their way to Hawaii. Today, many groves of different bamboo varietes can be found throughout the islands. On breezy days the leaves rattle and the bamboo stalks creak, clack, and pop! Hike one mile along the Pīpīwai trail to reach the bamboo forest and listen to this unique type of natural music. The trail begins to the left of the Kīpahulu Visitor Center. Be sure to have water, sun protection, and a snack for the trail! The trail is unpaved, uneven, and can be slippery following rain. If desired, the trail continues past the bamboo forest for another mile and terminates at Waimoku Falls.