Nailiili-Haele Trailhead Bamboo Forest Hike - Activities On Maui Haiku, Hawaii

Na'ili'ili-Haele trailhead showcases all of Maui's incredible beauty, without driving to far away from Paia. This hike has it all - a thick bamboo forest, tropical trees, streams, pools, and waterfalls.

When I first heard of the Na'ili'ili-Haele trailhead, these were the directions I received: "On the Hana Highway, once you see the trees with the rainbow colored bark (rainbow eucalyptus trees), turn around because the trailhead is 200 yards behind you." There are no signs, but there may be a few cars parked on the side of the road near the bamboo trees.

There are two entrances through the thatch of bamboo that leads to the trailhead, neither of them marked. The trail is steep on some parts, but manageable. After traversing through some cool bamboo forests you'll come across a stream, then a waterfall with a pool. This may be as far as some people may go - but for the adventurers, you'll climb a rope, then a ladder, then hike along a ledge to the upper stream.

This is where it gets fun. Once you hike up a bit further there is another waterfall only accessible by swimming up a 100 yard chasm, then you'll climb up the side of that waterfall to see the grand 100 ft+ waterfall behind that. Spectacular! We brought a dry bag to pack our valuables when we swam up the chasm, but others feel safe leaving their electronics at the chasm entrance. If at any point you choose to swim in the water you'll do so at your own risk of Leptospirosis.

When returning back you'll need to make a choice. Either make a 20ft jump beside the waterfall into the pool, or climb down the side of the waterfall where you came up. Climbing down can be scary since some of the rocks are slippery - easier going up than climbing down. For some, jumping off the 20 foot ledge into the area about 10 feet out from the waterfall is the safest way to head back out. It can be scary for some to jump off the ledge and if you do this you're doing so at your own risk of serious injury.

Bring water, hiking shoes or water sandals, a waterproof camera, sunscreen, and swimwear and don't forget to first read Hiking Safety & Essentials. Be sure to allow yourself some time to hike out before sunset as you don't want to hike in the bamboo forest when it's dark. Remember, there are no lifeguards or rangers so be careful and always watch for the risk of a Flash Flood.

• General: Photo Opportunity	• Hiking: Hiking	• Hiking: Level: Difficult	• Hiking: Minor Elevation Changes	• Hiking: Out & Back Trail
• Sightseeing: Great Views	• Sightseeing: Waterfalls

Na'ili'ili-Haele Trailhead (Bamboo Forest) Hike