Is the Bamboo Forest on Maui Closed?
Have you heard the news about Maui’s bamboo forest?
The world-famous bamboo forest, also known as Na’ili’ili Haele, is now closed and considered private property. If you’re wondering why that is, read on to find out more!
We hope this blog post will help clarify any confusion about what happened and why the bamboo forest in Maui is now closed. It was a fantastic place to visit, and we are so sad to report that this beautiful place is officially closed.
Why is the bamboo forest closed?
The area of the bamboo forest that was open to the public is now considered private property. It’s a somewhat controversial decision, but for a good reason.
This area was considered to be a National Natural Landmark, but the recognition was revoked when multiple injuries have been reported by people trying to access the trail.
But how did it all come about?
The main reason why the bamboo forest is closed is due to safety reasons for the number of visitors that visit Maui’s famous attraction.
Some tourists who hiked this trail found themselves in dangerous situations when exploring this natural wonder, and multiple injuries were reported.
To get into the forest, people must walk across slippery rocks. It’s not an easy place to reach, which is why so many people were getting hurt. Trust me, I have been there myself and witnessed multiple people taking unnecessary risks to get that perfect Instagram shot!
The forest is also on tricky terrain since it’s located at the bottom of a gorge. Climbing down or up to it can be dangerous in itself and accidents were prone to happen. These conditions were even worse after heavy rainfall, and we all know it rains a lot in Hawaii.
In short, The bamboo forest was overwhelmed by tourists, and it was reported as the number one rescue area on the Road to Hana, which says a lot.
There are also some parts of the area that have encountered problems due to over-tourism.
It’s not just because of safety reasons either, but to conserve this natural wonder.
Closing off access helps keep this place protected from damage or overuse, which conserves the area and helps restore its natural state.
Does this mean that I can never see the bamboo forest?
The short answer is yes. Since it is now private property, access is no longer permitted. That means don’t try to sneak into the bamboo forest — you’ll be trespassing!
Trust me, I know what it feels like to not be able to go to a place that’s been on your bucket list for so long. I felt the same way when I found out that the stairway to heaven was closed. The good news is that there are always alternatives on other things you can do on the island.
Is Twin Falls trail next to the bamboo forest?
The Twin Falls hike is not next to the bamboo forest trail, it is located on The Road to Hana on mile marker #2. This hike is one of the prettiest hikes on Maui, and it’s definitely worth doing.
The trail will lead right to Twin Falls and passes by many other beautiful waterfalls along the way. Its easy access and stunning waterfalls make it an excellent option for beginners too.
If you’re interested in hiking this trail, here’s a great blog post that talks about some of the best stops on the road to Hana.
Places to visit instead of the Bamboo Forest
What else can I do instead of the bamboo forest?
Even though you can’t get inside the bamboo forest, there are still some spectacular places to visit on Maui instead.
The Twin Falls hike mentioned above is an excellent alternative to seeing stunning waterfalls. There are multiple waterfalls, and it’s one of the prettiest hikes on Maui.
Maui has many other beautiful places that you can visit and will make you forget the closing of the bamboo forest.
I recommend visiting Waikamoi Falls, the Pools of Oheo, Waiʻānapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach), and the Garden of Eden as an alternative. You can learn about these places in the above article about the best stops on the Road to Hana!
Is there a bamboo forest in Oahu?
As of now, there is no bamboo forest in Oahu. The island of Oahu does have a large number of bamboo groves, but they’re all located on private property.
To Wrap it Up
We hope this blog post has helped clarify any confusion about the bamboo forest and why it was closed.
It’s a loss, particularly for those who loved this place and hoped to visit again, but we believe that they made the right decision to close this natural wonder.
If anything, hopefully more resources will be put towards supporting preservation in Hawaii.
Thank you and until next time!