The Waimanu campsite is located at the end of the 7.6 mile Muliwai Trail. The trail zig-zags up the western wall of Waipiʻo Valley, climbing approximately 1,200 feet. It then leads across a forested plateau area to Waimanu, crossing twelve gulches that are up to 500 feet deep. The trail then descends a final 1,200 feet into Waimanu Valley.
Measured from the trailhead, the Muliwai Trail is approximately 15.2 miles round-trip. Measured from the Waipiʻo Lookout, it is approximately 19 miles round-trip.
The trail is minimally maintained, steep, eroded in places, rocky, and slippery when wet.
There are four emergency helipads along the trail used for maintenance and fire and rescue teams only. There is also a shelter about half way into the hike.
There are nine designated campsites accommodating up to 48 campers total. There are 2 composting outhouses.
* Please read the “Conditions & Hazards” tab before making reservations *
Contact Nā Ala Hele Trails and Access Specialist, Jackson Bauer at jackson.m.bauer@hawaii.gov, or 808-657-8041 with any questions.
From Māmalahoa Highway 19, turn onto Waipiʻo Road (Highway 240).
Continue on Waipiʻo Road to the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout.
Cars parked over 24 hours at the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout may be towed. Overnight parking is available at Waipiʻo Valley Artworks for $20 per day. Call ahead to verify (808-775-0958).
Hike approximately 9 miles from the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout to the Waimanu campsites. This hike is difficult. Please prepare appropriately for steep incline changes, river crossing, and muddy weather, etc.
Use extreme caution when hiking in wet weather. Footing can be slippery and rocks may be dislodged from slopes above the trail.
Heavy rains regularly cause flash floods. Attempted stream crossings can become POTENTIALLY FATAL. This region of Hawaiʻi Island receives over 100 inches of rain annually.
High surf occasionally floods the camp grounds. Check local weather forecasts before departing on your trip.
High winds can cause trees and branches to fall. Be aware as they may fall on the trail and in the camp grounds.
Treat all water before use. Leptospirosis, a disease causing, waterborne organism, should be considered to be present in all untreated water. Hepatitis is also a potential threat.
Cars parked over 24 hours at the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout may be towed. Overnight parking is available at Waipiʻo Valley Artworks for $20 per day. Call ahead to verify (808-775-0958).
Reservations can only be made within one month in advance.
No refunds will be given if requested within 15 days of your first scheduled camping or lodging day.
For any questions, contact the Hilo DOFAW office at (808) 974-4221. Hilo Office Hours: M-F 7:45 AM-4:30 PM Kamuela Office Hours: M-F 7:00 AM-3:30 PM CLOSED on weekends and holidays
Contact Nā Ala Hele Trails and Access Specialist, Jackson Bauer at jackson.m.bauer@hawaii.gov, or 808-657-8041 with any questions.
Campsite Map PDF
Falling Rocks
Hazardous Cliff
Flash Flood
Dangerous Shorebreak
High Surf
Slippery Rocks
Strong Current
No Motorized Vehicles/ATV's
No Bicycles
No Boat Landing or Launching
No Open Fires
No Littering/Dumping
No Removal of Sand/Rocks/Plants
Beachgoing
Camping
Canoe
Diving
Dogs on Leash
Fishing
Hiking
Hunting
Sightseeing
Swimming
Wildlife Viewing
Non-potable water
Restrooms
Camping area
Hiking trails
Secluded Location
Campsites
Restroom
Scenic Viewpoint
