I didn't want to put this question to the trekking group as they are probably young and fit: As a 50yr old urbanite I hope someone can tell me what level of difficulty can I expect on the Pipiwail trail in Maui? I understand it's muddy, no problem. Are there points where rock-climbing is required? Is it so steep and narrow at points that you experience vertigo? I'm not afraid of a hard walk nor bush-bashing, not even a steep walk would put me off, but I know I'll be daunted by rock-climbing. Can anyone give me details?
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newfie43
We did this trail a couple of times, the last time in 2007(we were in our early 60's) and I would rate it easy to moderate. Most of it is a well defined trail, muddy in spots where you might have to step off the trail if muddy boots bother you - parts of it through the bamboo forest is a wooden boardwalk. There are no rock walls to climb, really not a lot of elevation to climb, but if you want to visit the infinity pool it will require a short, steep scramble down some rocks. You will also have to cross the stream a couple of times - some places are doable on the rocks, another we just waded across - our feet were already wet! The falls at the end are worth the walk - we didn't swim but others did. The best part was being able to eat lunch by the infinity pool - the water was much too high to try swimming there - we didn't want to be swept over the falls. Make sure you listen to weather reports as flash flooding can be a problem, but the rangers will probably have the trail closed in that case. Unless there have been changes to the trail that I don't know about, I would recommend you go for it and enjoy!!
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