Waimanu Campsite Division of Forestry and Wildlife

Description

The Waimanu Campground is CLOSED until further notice due to limiting the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic virus. 

Unfortunately, the Waimanu campground is still closed until further notice due to COVID-19. Due to the remote nature of the campground, it is not possible to sanitize shared surfaces(i.e., the toilets) in the frequency as required by the CDC and while keeping our staff safe. Our plan is to start the process of opening Waimanu once the Governor determines we are in the "Green" recovery status phase (see: https://recoverynavigator.hawaii.gov/reopening-status/). Even then, it will take a month or two to accomplish what we need to do to reopen the campsite due to the logistical challenges of that remote campground, while keeping our employees safe within CDC guidelines. Note, enforcement officers make routine sweeps of the campground and have been citing anyone in the area. Having said that, the Muliwai trail itself is open for day hikes only.

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. 

NOTICE: The road down into Waipi‘o Valley is closed to ALL users every 3RD WEDNESDAY of every month due to ongoing rockfall mitigation work. Hikers to or from the Muliwai Trail and Waimanu Campsites will not be allowed to use the road on these days.

BEFORE MAKING YOUR RESERVATION:

1. Read throroughly the Muliwai Trail's information page: https://hawaiitrails.hawaii.gov/trails/#/trail/muliwai-trail/11
2. Check the Weather forecast: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-155.6164698425291&lat=20.13102515046762#.WUCCl-vytpg. Continue to monitor the forecast as your trip date gets closer.

At-A-Glance Trail Info:

• 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. 

Location

The Waimanu Campground is CLOSED until further notice due to limiting the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic virus. 

Unfortunately, the Waimanu campground is still closed until further notice due to COVID-19. Due to the remote nature of the campground, it is not possible to sanitize shared surfaces(i.e., the toilets) in the frequency as required by the CDC and while keeping our staff safe. Our plan is to start the process of opening Waimanu once the Governor determines we are in the "Green" recovery status phase (see: https://recoverynavigator.hawaii.gov/reopening-status/). Even then, it will take a month or two to accomplish what we need to do to reopen the campsite due to the logistical challenges of that remote campground, while keeping our employees safe within CDC guidelines. Note, enforcement officers make routine sweeps of the campground and have been citing anyone in the area. Having said that, the Muliwai trail itself is open for day hikes only.

NOTICE: The road down into Waipi‘o Valley is closed to ALL users every 3RD WEDNESDAY of every month due to ongoing rockfall mitigation work. Hikers to or from the Muliwai Trail and Waimanu Campsites will not be allowed to use the road on these days.

• 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.
• Regulated commercial activity allowed by permit only.
  (see https://hawaiitrails.hawaii.gov/trails/#/vendor-welcome)

* 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. 

Campsite Map PDF

Special Conditions

The Waimanu Campground is CLOSED until further notice due to limiting the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic virus. 

Unfortunately, the Waimanu campground is still closed until further notice due to COVID-19. Due to the remote nature of the campground, it is not possible to sanitize shared surfaces(i.e., the toilets) in the frequency as required by the CDC and while keeping our staff safe. Our plan is to start the process of opening Waimanu once the Governor determines we are in the "Green" recovery status phase (see: https://recoverynavigator.hawaii.gov/reopening-status/). Even then, it will take a month or two to accomplish what we need to do to reopen the campsite due to the logistical challenges of that remote campground, while keeping our employees safe within CDC guidelines. Note, enforcement officers make routine sweeps of the campground and have been citing anyone in the area. Having said that, the Muliwai trail itself is open for day hikes only.

NOTICE: The road down into Waipi‘o Valley is closed to ALL users every 3RD WEDNESDAY of every month due to ongoing rockfall mitigation work. Hikers to or from the Muliwai Trail and Waimanu Campsites will not be allowed to use the road on these days.

• Check the Weather forecast: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-155.6164698425291&lat=20.13102515046762#.WUCCl-vytpg. Continue to monitor the forecast as your trip date gets closer.
• Read throroughly the Muliwai Trail's information page: https://hawaiitrails.hawaii.gov/trails/#/trail/muliwai-trail/11
• 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. 

Park Rules and Regulations PDF

Photos