We've driven the road to Hana several times, enjoying waterfalls along the way and ending at Wainapanapa State Park--great place. I've heard about a hike along the road that takes you through a bamboo forest to a waterfall. Any info? How long of a hike? Would like to try something new.

The hike you are referring to is at the 'Ohe'o Gulch aka 7 sacred pools. The trail you would take is the Pipiwai Trail. It is worth the hike to see a fabulous waterfall called Waimoku Falls. It does go thru a bamboo forest along with some pasture area with cattle. It takes a good 2 hours if you walk at a normal pace. We were there in early Dec. 03 and the fall was spectacular. Just a note if you do hike it, leave early because the canopy of the bamboo makes it dark alot earlier than the normal sunset times. Also, if it has been rainy be sure to have a old pair of shoes because it can be very muddy.

Just a thought that might get you there early to enjoy it more. If you have driven Road to Hana before, start out counterclockwise and you will be at 7 pools early in the morning depending when and where you depart from.

Yendys:

Can I ask you a quick question? I have read several threads about starting "counter-clockwise" direction on the Hana Rd.

Do you mean to drive straight to the Oheo Gulch and then turn around and make your way back slowly? or do you mean that you can acutally come from the south side of the island (with the unpave roads) and then make your way back towards Paia?

Rugtown - You can go south and instead of going thru Paia on the way to Hana you would go thru Paia on the way back from Hana. Everyone basically travels the Road to Hana thru Paia first and ends up at 7 pools and turns around. We went all the way around going thru Paia first and then when we got to 7 pools and hiked Pipiwai Trail it was late in the afternoon. So we rushed up to see the falls and literally ran back because it was getting so dark. Jogger has been on the Road to Hana before and sounds as if turned around after Black Sand Beach. That is why I suggested going the opposite way around this time to reach the trail early to take more time and enjoy everything that is there.
We drove a chevy cavalier on the "unpaved roads". One other thought, all the maps, tapes, books, mark everything with milemarkers and the like going on the Road to Hana thru Paia first. So if this is your first time traveling Road to Hana it would be easier to follow any of those directions
by traveling clockwise. If you have a map you would take 37 (Haleakala Hwy) which turns into 31 around to Hana. If you do go this way you can also stop at Tedeschi Vineyard. We missed it, early evening when we got their. Hope this helps.

thanks for the help

I did that hike to Waimoku Falls in November of 2002 and it was awesome!