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There’s a lot to see and do on the island of Maui. It is one of the only destinations on earth where you can go snorkeling, explore the West Maui Mountains and see the East Coast’s waterfall attractions all in one day.
There are an endless amount of excursions on Maui – from spending time on the beaches to exploring Haleakala National Park and visiting the Nakalele Blowhole.
However, the waterfalls on this Hawaiian Island are one of the best ways you can spend a day trip. They are among the greatest treasures Hawaii has to offer. Some of them are so spectacular they have been featured in major motion pictures like Jurassic Park.
In the midst of it all, nature lovers (and even those who aren’t necessarily self-professed nature lovers) may want to make time in their itinerary to visit one of the island’s many beautiful waterfalls. No matter what area you stay in around Maui, you’ll likely be within driving distance of one of the island’s waterfalls. There are 15 on the Road to Hana alone!
They’re undeniably magnificent, whether it’s the rush of water that appeals to you or the sheer beauty of one of Mother Nature’s most impressive feats before you. Maui’s waterfalls are especially notable for the picture-taking opportunities alone.
Here are some of the essential waterfalls to visit while you’re on the “Valley Isle.”
Twin Falls
The east side of Maui has some amazing waterfall opportunities. If you are on the Hana Highway, you’ll want to stop at one of Maui’s most spectacular natural attractions: Twin Falls.
It flies a bit under the radar but is a wonderful place to visit if you’d like to experience at least part of what makes Maui so memorable. Getting to the waterfall itself is part of the experience.
Twin Falls is part of the incredible island trail system and one of the many Maui hikes that stands out. It involves a 1.8-mile roundtrip hike that takes just under an hour to complete.
One mistake many explorers make is turning back on the trailhead once they discover the first waterfall. That’s not the only one — in fact, there are several, and it pays to continue on your journey and listen closely to the sound of rushing water in the distance.
It’s perfectly safe (in fact, it’s necessary) to venture away from the trail during your exploration. Look and listen for pools, diversionary ditches, and waterfalls. You may even encounter caves and some beautiful wildlife on your journey. As you make your way back, stop for a snack at the stand in the parking lot. It’s popular for its selection of fresh fruits, smoothies, and baked goods.
Getting There
The parking lot is likely to be jam-packed, but don’t let that fool you — Twin Falls is large enough that you can expect plenty of space to yourself.
Once you park, you can access the waterfall via the trail surrounded by well-maintained jungle. Expect to get a little wet during your trek, so wear either swim gear or casual clothes that you’re ok with getting a little bit dirty.
Upper Waikani Falls
Another stop that makes Hana such a paradise is Upper Waikani Falls, just outside of Wailua. Often referred to as Three Bears, this waterfall is actually broken into three distinctive waterfalls that cascade side by side, falling some 70 feet directly into the Wailua Nui Stream.
It’s a humbling experience to witness the three waterfalls right before your eyes, and certainly something you’ll want to photograph and look back on time and time again.
Note that if you do prefer to hike, you’ll need to take a little road trip and drive approximately a tenth of a mile from the waterfalls and park in the small lot there. Then, make your way down with extreme caution — it’s pretty slippery at this point, but it becomes easier as you progress.
Getting There
While many visitors opt to remain in their car and snap a couple of photographs because there’s minimal parking available, some might prefer to take a more adventurous approach. If that describes you, don’t be afraid to enjoy a relatively simple hike that grows easier every few feet.
Punalau Falls
If you’d like to say you experienced a true hidden gem while on Maui, make it a point to visit Punalau Falls. This is another awe-inspiring waterfall that can be found just north of the east Maui town of Ke’ane off of Hana Highway.
It’s not visible from the highway, a key reason why so many tend to miss it on the Road to Hana. But that doesn’t have to apply to you — especially if you’ve got a taste for a fun and memorable waterfall hike. Because the hike itself can be a bit tricky due to the number of submerged rocks and volcanic boulders, it’s essential that you prepare for the journey in advance.
The key to this waterfall adventure is to dress the part, ensuring that you’re wearing hiking boots that will keep you steady on your feet and a pair of gloves to protect your hands. You may even want to grab a hiking stick for added support as you negotiate your way to these impressive 100-foot falls.
The only caveat is that if it’s rained recently or there’s a risk of rain, it’s best to avoid the area entirely. It can become very slippery, and there’s a real threat of injury due to tumbling rocks.
Getting There
These falls lie a quarter mile east of Mile Marker 13 on the Hana Highway. Parking can be found in a pull-off area east of the bridge at this marker. From there, a trailhead can be found just behind the lot.
Honokohau Falls
Nothing could possibly impress you more than Honokohau Falls, which is smack in the middle of the West Maui Mountains. if your primary goal is to experience an epic view that you won’t forget for a lifetime.
Honokohau Falls is the tallest waterfall on the island of Maui, making it especially noteworthy. What’s doubly important to note, however, is that you can’t actually access this waterfall by foot or car. It’s completely inaccessible due to its location in a valley, so you will need to book a helicopter tour to experience it in all its glory.
The good news is that this experience is well worth all of the effort. Measuring 1,119 feet, it’s a stunning example of Mother Nature’s beauty at its finest, featuring tiers of water delivered by the Honohokau Stream.
It’s almost impossible to believe it’s real when you see it in person, but the vision of the water cascading down into fluffy froth, surrounded by nothing but picturesque valleys, is truly stunning to behold.
Getting There
The best way to see these falls is by helicopter ride from the access point to these falls from Kahului. The Kahului Airport is the launch point for many sightseeing tours that cover this area.
Waimoku Falls
Located at the forefront of Ohe’o Gulch near the town of Kaupo is the Waimoku Falls, a spot so beloved that even native Hawaiians visit whenever they have a chance. Among the best waterfalls on the island, this is a dramatic and lovely attraction that seems to emerge, almost as if by magic, from lush green surroundings that are so rich and deep they alone might transfix you.
But you’re here for the water, and it won’t disappoint! Watch as it cascades, shimmering as it flows over a lava rock wall before making its way directly into a lush pool dotted with boulders.
There’s an easy pathway here where you can stop along the stretch and admire the waterfall from different vantage points. The 400-foot tall waterfall is just as beautiful as it sounds, a true celebration of what the world has to offer if you only stop and explore for a bit.
It routinely tops “must-see” lists for Maui visitors, and once you see it in person, you will understand why there’s such appeal for this beloved waterfall spot.
Getting There
These falls are located off the Pipiwai Trail. A drive down the famed Road to Hana will bring you to the Kipahulu Visitor Center of Haleakala National Park, where the trailhead begins.
Alelele Falls
You might be accused of being a Maui expert if you suggest visiting Alelele Falls. It’s not nearly as popular as many of its sister water features, yet it should earn just as much respect for its wild beauty.
Situated on the eastern side of Maui in the Kipahulu District and within Haleakala National Park, it offers visitors a simple 15-minute hike on Alelele Falls Trail. It’s not only fairly quick but also pretty straightforward.
The only thing to note about the journey is that there are several stream crossings along the way, so be mindful if it’s recently rained and the chances of flash flooding increase. Otherwise, be on your merry way and prepare to encounter the wonders of Alelele Falls within moments.
The 80-foot waterfall is simply lovely, and you can even take a dip if you choose — just make sure to bring your bathing suit if that’s the case! It’s a serene spot, perfect for relaxing a little bit and enjoying the simplicity and rich beauty of your surroundings before heading back to the real world.
Getting There
Alelele Falls are located just off the Hana Highway. To get to them, you’ll need to take the “backside road” from the Kipahulu district by way of Maui’s Pi’ilani Highway. This is the last waterfall on the famed Road to Hana circuit.
Wailua Falls
Many people make their way to Wailua Falls sheerly because it’s so easily accessible. It also happens to be the most photographed waterfall on Maui! However, don’t let its immense popularity turn you off or keep you away if you don’t want to deal with crowds. It’s definitely worth the visit at least once while you’re on Maui.
At 80 feet, it’s situated in a dense thicket of tropical foliage and falls in a pair of spectacular streams. It is surrounded by a lush jungle and falls into a beautiful plunge pool. This is the primary reason it’s among the most heavily photographed spots on all of Maui.
Getting There
The Wailua Falls are very near the Road to Hana and are easily spotted from the highway. You have two options to reach the waterfall. There’s a trail that begins in the parking lot, and it’s a fine choice if you enjoy a bit of a challenge and are actually dressed for a hike, complete with boots.
If that’s not the case, use the second trail — it’s longer than the first, yes, but it’s also much safer and far less steep, so you don’t have to worry about slipping if you’re inexperienced or with someone who doesn’t have much of an affinity for hiking.
Kopiliula Falls
Kopiliula Falls is a special place for many reasons. This gem is close to Upper Waikani Falls, and visiting both in one day is very doable. Both are just outside the city of Wailua.
Although it’s not very widely known, you can be confident you’re going in search of a hidden treasure. It offers adventure in its pursuit as it also happens to be a challenging hike. This trek is not for the faint of heart and certainly not for anyone who doesn’t have some good hiking experience under their belt.
The journey is rocky, and you’ll need to venture on a relatively muddy bed to reach there. The entire walk is only about a mile, give or take, but it does require some confidence and a good pair of hiking shoes.
For nature lovers, though, every bit of that hike is worth the effort. You’ll encounter absolutely beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, and as you advance to the actual waterfall, you’ll be treated to a magnificent look at Kopiliula Stream. It’s nestled in a bed of greenery, an awe-inspiring sight that is sure to dazzle anyone with an appreciation for the many wonders of the world.
Getting There
These falls are accessible by an easy two-mile trail that is 1/10th of a mile from Mile Marker 21 on the Road to Hana. Look for the Kopiliula Stream, and the falls are a short walk up the stream.
Makamakaole Falls
West Maui is not particularly rich in waterfalls, making Makamakaole Falls especially noteworthy. It is situated on the Waihe’e Ridge and fairly easy to access via the Makamakaole Trail.
Requiring about a five-mile trek, the trail takes you through a humbling bamboo forest before you arrive at the actual 270-foot waterfall. For some, that journey may end up being a bit too long — but don’t lose heart, as you can actually see the water even along the way.
The waterfall cascades in a pair of tiers against its lush jungle setting. You can spot the lower of the two from the Kahekili Highway — and it is an awe-inspiring sight even for those who make a habit of waterfall-seeking.
You can’t venture too close to this waterfall, given its location, but viewing it from a distance is a dynamic experience. It’s also your chance to see one of the island’s few waterfalls that are not situated on the Road to Hana.
Getting There
You’ll access these falls by way of the Makamakaole Stream trailhead. Take the Kahekili Highway north from Kahului to Mile Marker 8 and look for signs for the trailhead. The falls are just 0.9 miles into the hike.
Makahiku Falls
At 200 feet, Makahiku Falls is an undeniably impressive Maui waterfall. Located in the Kīpahulu area of Haleakala National Park, it offers convenient proximity to the famed Seven Sacred Pools as well.
The hike itself is exquisite, a wondrous journey through a verdant wonderland that unveils itself in rich abundance, eventually rewarding you with a beautiful view of the waterfalls. It’s easy to spot from a distance if you’re on the Pīpīwai Trail overlook, and if you venture deeper, you may want to spend a good day or so there.
The overlook arrives at about the trail’s half-mile marker, at which point you can spy the waterfall itself along with the valley below. Go deeper along the trail, and you will ultimately arrive at the equally amazing Waimoku Falls.
Getting There
The trailhead for these falls is just up from Ohe’o Gulch and Kīpahulu. The trail is located across from the Banyan Tree Monument in Haleakala National Park.
Pua’a Ka’a Falls
Translated into “rolling pig,” Pua’a Ka’a Falls is situated on the Road to Hana within the Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Park. It’s open to the public year-round, unlike many other waterfalls on the highway, and is easily reached via the Pua’a Ka’a Falls Trail, which takes you on a jungle journey before eventually reaching the waterfall.
This waterfall is on the smaller side but offers a spectacular photo opportunity. It’s also a great place for families as the pool offers easy swimming. There’s no hiking involved and a paved path to the waterfall makes for an easy stroll.
Be mindful of weather conditions if you decide to make this particular excursion. If it’s recently rained, the trail will likely become muddy and make the actual walk difficult and potentially dangerous. It’s worth noting that on an otherwise pleasant day, this is a great option for bird-watching or just taking a more leisurely walk.
Getting There
These falls are on the Road to Hana route across from Pua’a Ka’a Falls State Wayside Park. You’ll find access about half a mile past Mile Marker 22.
Seven Sacred Pools
Known as Ohe’o Gulch, the Seven Sacred Pools of Oheo is located in Haleakala National Park, a bit downstream from Waimoku Falls in the Kipahulu District. This is an absolutely show-stopping spot that is more than worth your time and energy to reach and explore.
The emerald surroundings alone are worth the trip, but you’ll want to take a moment to savor the sight of seven distinct swimming holes, each linked by the Ohe’o waterfalls that move seamlessly from one to the next before ultimately ending up in the ocean.
What’s especially nice about visiting the Seven Sacred Pools is that it requires very little experience. You only need to hike about 15 miles on the Kuloa Point Trail to reach the water. Again, check the weather forecast, as recent rainfall may limit access.
Otherwise, a little sunshine in the forecast is good news – and you should wear your swim gear so you can enjoy a dip in the water and marvel at your surroundings at the same time. Be forewarned, visitors should not swim in the water after it rains, as it’s impossible to gauge the depth of the water at that time.
Getting There
The pools are just a 30-minute drive from the town of Hana. Just head south until you arrive at Haleakala National Park’s entrance. From there, you’ll turn left into the Kipahulu Visitors Center, where you will find the trailhead.
The Best Places To Stay While Exploring Waterfalls On Maui
Each of the best waterfalls on Maui are as impressive as the last. Whether you chose Maui over the other Hawaiian Islands of the Big Island or Oahu specifically to see all of them or you have your mind set on a particular waterfall, you can be certain that you will not leave disappointed by the experience.
Planning a spectacular waterfall adventure starts with a dream vacation rental, and Rent By Owner has you covered for your dream holiday.
