Top 20 Best Waterfalls in Maui Hawaii to Visit

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter

Are you looking for the most picturesque locations in Maui? Check out this list of the Top 20 Best Waterfalls in Maui Hawaii that are simply breathtaking; scroll down for more information!

Read also: Best Hotels for Kids in Maui

Maui is referred to as the “Magic Isle” and the “Romantic Island” for a reason.

Maui has a more rural and relaxed vibe than the more popular island of Oahu, and the waterfalls contribute significantly to this impression.

Maui is shaped like a somewhat uneven dumbbell, and the majority of waterfalls are located on the northeast side of East and West Maui's slopes.

East Maui is home to the Haleakala Volcano, which is famous for its breathtaking sunrises above the clouds and thrilling downhill bike rides.

West Maui has an older volcano, and as a result of its erosion, deep canyons and other formations such as the ‘Lao Needle have formed. This is an excellent activity for children and the entire family to enjoy together.

With these Maui waterfall hikes, kids can marvel at the magnificence of the waterfalls while staying physically active.

Whether you choose the Big Island, Maui, Kauai, or the private island of Lanai, each Hawaiian island has something unique to offer.

You can always bet on seeing some of the world's most spectacular waterfalls which are along the Road to Hana. You will never have a dull moment.

And on the good side, you and your children will get to explore the exotic rainforest with overgrown flora that characterizes a typical Maui rain forest.

At several waterfalls, you'll find bathing holes where you can take a dip and swim. Additionally, you can wear comfy water sandals or water shoes for hiking – and have a wonderful time waterfall seeking.

However, before partaking in these activities, you should check to see if there is a sign that reads CAUTION or NO SWIMMING, etc. This could be for a variety of reasons, but for your own safety and protection, never jump in until you know how deep it is and what is beneath.

Without further ado, we've compiled a list of the Top 20 Best Waterfalls in Maui Hawaii.

Top 20 Best Waterfalls in Maui Hawaii You must See.

Punalau Falls

Punalau Falls is located off the Hana Highway.
If you and the kids are looking for that wow factor, you will most certainly find it here.

Despite its height of 100 feet, Punalau Falls is fairly hidden; it is not visible from the road, and hence few people notice or are aware of it. However, it is one of Maui's top waterfall climbs.

Depending on the stream level, it can take anywhere between 10 and 30 minutes to reach the waterfall. It's one of the best family-friendly waterfall hikes on Maui.

Due to the presence of volcanic stones, caution should be exercised when walking; a hiking stick and rubber water shoes are recommended in this instance since the terrain can be rather slippery.

If it's raining (or has rained), the flooded rocks might make this hike more difficult, so take extra precautions.

Twin Falls

On the island of Maui, Twin Falls is a pair of waterfalls that may be found near the Hana Highway.

The fact that the Twin Falls are located on private property may come as a surprise, yet they are open to the public anyway.

No entrance fee is required. However, gifts are always appreciated.

A large parking lot and food booths are available, which is quite helpful when traveling with your partner and children.

Waimoku Falls

A huge banyan tree, a bamboo forest, an apple plantation, and a 400-foot-tall waterfall pour over a precipitous cliff.

What do you think that sounds like?

The strenuous four-mile (roundtrip) climb up the Pipiwai Trail to the Waimoku Falls rewards you with these stunning views.

This is the Maui waterfall walk with the clacking bamboo forest that we discussed before.

It's no surprise that we think Waimoku Falls is Maui's best waterfall.

Your sweat will be well worth it once you reach the falls! This is a popular hike, so get an early start and be patient if you meet crowds.

Makahiku Falls

It doesn't get much better than a 184-foot horsetail waterfall and an infinity pool when it comes to luxury.

That's exactly what you'll get at the Falls of Makahiku, which are located in the Oheo Gulch along the Pipiwai Trail and are considered to be another of Maui's top waterfalls.

The journey from the trailhead to the viewpoint of Makahiku Falls is only about a 12-mile round trip.

If the weather is calm, you might also want to try to reach the pool at the top, which appears to extend into the sky but is only a pool of water that pours down into the waterfall underneath you.

We're confident that these Hana waterfalls will be among the most beautiful you've ever seen.

If the pool at the top of the stairs is flooded, avoid entering it because the water will run directly down the steep waterfall (resulting in certain death if you are swept away).

Wailua Falls

Wailua Falls allows you to experience a moment in time on your Kauai vacation. This Kauai waterfall was featured in the classic TV show Fantasy Island. If you don't recall, you can see how a TV show about a secret island became so popular on YouTube.

Wailua Falls is also revered in Hawaiian culture. The Alii (royalty) would dive from a cliff over the pool at this Kauai waterfall. Not to try, but to admire the ancient might. It's an 80-foot drop, although some say it's higher.

Most Kauai waterfalls require hiking. Wailua Falls, with its three beautiful portions, is one of the few accessible by car. Many people visit the falls, where the water plunges into a 30 foot deep pool. The trail is dangerous and closed. Our advice is to savor the vista from above and explore other, safer Kauai hiking alternatives.

This Kauai drive is best done early in the day to avoid crowds. It's a short drive from our North and South Shore Kauai vacation villas. Wailua Falls is 4 kilometers from Lihue. The drive is lovely with views of the mountains. If you're lucky, you'll see a Hawaiian rainbow above the waterfall.

Makamakaole Falls

If you're up for a waterfall walk that includes numerous stream crossings, Makamakaole Falls is one of the top waterfalls on Maui for such an adventure.

We're talking about the 13 Crossings Hike.

GET OUR LATEST POSTS ON TELEGRAM

The rooty trail crosses the Makamakaole Stream 13 times and ends at a fork where both pathways lead to waterfalls and swimming spots.

The dense green rainforest, long grass, and bamboo forest all contribute to the surrounding scenery's wonderful, otherworldly vibe.

For a more calorie-burning adventure – and to get a bird's eye view of the falls — climb the five-mile roundtrip Waihe'e Ridge Trail (the trail ascends 1,500 feet).

The Makamakaole Falls are less well-known than many of the Hana Road waterfalls, but they are certainly worth exploring!

Wear durable water shoes and bring a hiking stick. Allow two to two and a half to two and a half hours roundtrip for hiking the 13 Crossings Trail (with some swimming time).

Upper Waikani Falls

The Upper Waikani Falls' captivating beauty will entice you directly off the road, as they are visible from the Hana Highway.

Three massive side-by-side waterfalls – dubbed the Three Bears – contribute to the fascination of this spectacular destination. Additionally, a massive pool below is seductively tempting.

The tough part is getting down there in the first place. The descent from the bridge to the trail is somewhat daunting.

Once you've mastered the first portion, you're set.

All that remains is to swim and photograph this incredibly lovely location!

The best parking option (as there are few) is to drive to a small parking spot about a tenth of a mile behind the falls and return along the narrow road.

Hanawi Falls

Not to be missed amid the Hana Highway waterfalls is Hanawi Falls, one of Maui's most photographed waterfalls.

The Upper Falls fall 30 feet, while the Lower Falls plunges 200 feet.

It's worth noting that the Lower Hanawi Falls are frequently overlooked because they can only be reached through a route near the village of Nahiku-and the trail passes through the private territory. The surrounding jungle and lush foliage are every bit as spectacular as the falls themselves.

The Hanawi Stream Bridge provides the best perspective and photographs of the Upper Falls.

There are a couple of little pull-outs right before and after the Hanawi Bridge if you want to park and take photos.

The Kings Gardens Maui

The King Gardens are ideal for anyone seeking a private, off-the-beaten-path experience away from the overcrowded places and traffic delays on the road to Hana. Immersion in a prehistoric land.

Excellent for educated people who understand that they are not simply plants (as they may be a rare and endangered species) and that they are not simply a tree, but a living rainforest that provides loads of life-giving oxygen to our world and that they have the opportunity to help conserve.

And it is not simply a rock; it is a revered historical pohaku (stone) with significant cultural significance.

Seeing the gardens before they are restored and in their untamed tropical state presents people with an unmatched treasure trove of intriguing sights and sounds.

These are the folks who delight in bestowing wonderful five-star recommendations on the gardens! allowing other nature conservation enthusiasts to visit.

For those remarkable people, the opportunity to give back while still enjoying the gardens makes this place the highlight of their vacation and one of their most cherished memories.

They are the ones who are excited and honored to have visited and been a part of something greater than themselves, regardless of the weather.

And they enjoy it when it rains since it provides an opportunity for a rainforest adventure!

Nemo Falls

Nemo Falls is a little-known waterfall and lagoon located in Maui's Ko'olau Forest Reserve.

To reach the falls, go through the Ko'olau Forest Reserve for about a third of a mile and then over a narrow utility footbridge.

These multi-tiered falls and stunning pools are well worth the effort required to locate them.

Honokohau Falls

Honokohau Falls is Maui's tallest waterfall, a 1,119-foot chute of pure water that cascades in two stages.

The falls are located in a secluded and inaccessible valley in West Maui, which is why the helicopter is necessary. From any perspective, the vista of this magnificent waterfall and its jungle-like environs is quite breathtaking.

Don't miss this opportunity to see this Hollywood film star up close. Honokohau Falls was a featured attraction in Jurassic Park and lived up to the promise!

Reserve your helicopter excursion in advance to ensure availability. This 5-star, 55-minute scenic helicopter flight with Maverick Helicopters includes views of Honokohau Falls and Molokai's magnificent waterfalls.

Kopiliula Falls

Kopiliula Falls, alternatively spelled Kopihula Falls, is a stunning waterfall viewable from the road.

East Maui Irrigation is an infrastructure built around the waterfall bridge.

The pullouts are located on both sides of the road, approximately 0.9 miles after the 21-mile marker.

It's a less well-known waterfall located on the Hana Highway.

The water is crystal clear and unbelievably cool.

However, the terrain is quite slick and steep, with virtually no handholds.

The second fantastic aspect of this road is its history and environment. It became well-known with the establishment of a cattle ranch a few years ago.

Previously, it was home to taro groves, a staple food of indigenous Hawaiians, as well as other culturally significant fish and plant species.

Makapipi Falls

Among the numerous Maui waterfalls along the Hana Highway, Makapipi Falls is the only one where you can stand at the top and view the torrent of water cascading into a magnificent pool below.

To access this unusual vantage point, drive into the little pull-out just after the Makapipi Bridge that spans the Makapipi Stream. Then return to the bridge.

The falls are best viewed after significant rainfall, so if Maui has been exceptionally dry, you may not see much.

Pua’a Ka’a Falls

Pua'a Ka'a Falls is an easily accessible choice for one of the quickest Maui waterfall treks that include a quick soak in a small pool.

There are two waterfalls.

The one nearest to the parking lot is smaller and busier as a result of its proximity to the parking lot. It is directly accessible via a paved stairway.

The second, a larger waterfall, is accessible via a dirt trail. Additionally, it features a swimming pool.

About halfway along the Hana trip, the Pua'a Ka'a State Wayside Park is an excellent place to pause for a restroom break.

With several covered picnic tables, you may like to stop here for lunch or a snack as well.

The little waterfall and shaded tables make this an ideal picnic area for families. Parking is on the left (as you approach Hana), and the waterfall and picnic area are on the right.

Seven Sacred Pools(The Oheo Pools)

The Oheo Pools are located in the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park. It is also known as the Seven Sacred Pools and is one of the swimmable Maui waterfalls.

The series of magnificent waterfalls and swimming holes are conveniently located near the Oheo Gulch parking lot.

Indeed, there are multiple waterfalls that cascade from pool to pool, until they reach the ocean.

GET OUR LATEST POSTS ON TELEGRAM

You must pay a National Park charge at the vehicle park, and then walk around half a mile to the waterfalls with your family.

The bottom section of the waterfall is called the Kuloa Point Route, and the circle trail is called the Kuloa Point Trail.

To reach the waterfalls, walk for approximately 15 minutes.

Read also: Clifton Victoria Inn At The Falls

Alelele Falls

For a magnificent, moderate waterfall walk that is suitable for hikers of all abilities, the Alelele Falls are ideal.

The trail is only around a mile and a half to a mile and a half roundtrip. The hike up ancient Hawaiian terraces to the falls takes less than 15 minutes.

The falls are 50 feet tall and provide the most tranquil setting for a relaxing dip and relaxation. At these lesser-known Maui waterfalls, you feel as if you may have carved yourself your own little bit of heaven.

The only element that is somewhat problematic is driving there.

The Hana falls are located beyond the Seven Sacred Pools, and the road is quite narrow and hilly. The Alele Bridge is approximately as far as you want to drive, as the route begins to round Haleakala National Park. Due to the topography, the majority of automobile rental agreements prohibit driving along the backside.

Possessing a jeep could be an alternative. (A jeep is an excellent alternative for driving the Hana Highway.) Alternatively, several Hana waterfall tours include a visit to these falls.

Because the route is easy and the falls are rarely crowded, this is one of the greatest Maui waterfalls to bring the kids for some calm family time.

Puohokamoa Falls

The Puohokamoa Falls is only a five-minute climb off the Road to Hana, but the trail entry is very easy to overlook. So, if you don’t know that the 200-foot waterfall is there before you go on your Hana Highway excursion, you will surely miss this jewel.

The only trail marker is a telephone pole near mile marker 10 on the Hana Highway. Keep in mind that the trail is small and slippery, but the view is more than worth it.

Nahiku Pond and Nahiku Landing

This is a less popular location because it is not on the Hana Highway's main road. It is located at the end of Nahiku Road.

The path is lush and verdant.

The lovely thing about Nahiku Pond and Nahiku Landing is that there is a quiet pool with a perfect view of the Keanae Peninsula's shoreline.

There is a little waterfall and a rope swing near the pool.

This is a more serene and pleasant spot to visit with the family, and it also makes for an excellent hike.

Haipua'ena Falls

Haipuaena Falls is a small yet lovely waterfall located along the Road to Hana (Hana Highway). Due to its inaccessibility from the road, many people are unaware it exists and pass it by.

The waterfall is surrounded by rugged cliffs and lush vegetation, with a lovely pool at its base. The trail is lined with wild ginger, and ferns grow on the rock wall behind the waterfall, creating an exquisite setting. However, due to the cliffs, it is not recommended to stand beneath the waterfall due to the danger of falling boulders and other debris.

The trek to the falls is a short one (about 100 yards – 90 meters) on the Hana side of the bridge, leading to the lower falls and pool. Additionally, there is a larger waterfall upstream, but the hike can be somewhat treacherous, even on dry days.

CAUTION: As with other freshwater streams and waterfalls in Hawaii, the water may contain Leptospirosis bacteria. Avoid drinking the water and keeping it away from any open wounds (including minor scratches) or eyes.

Waikamoi Falls

Many people simply pass the Waikamoi Falls on their way to other destinations. It's such a pity because they're missing out on some absolutely delightful falls!

The first waterfall cascades into an alluring crystal-clear pool just a few steps from the road.

However, it is the second larger waterfall that steals the show — if you make the extra effort to get there.

Once there, you can swim or simply sit in the pool and let the crystal-clear waves wash over you.

To our minds, this is an excellent way to spend some relaxed Maui time!

To reach the second fall, you'll need to scramble up a dry stream bed, which is very simple when the bed is dry. However, you should avoid this if the water level is rising.

Waterfalls in Maui Hawaii FAQs

Can you swim in waterfalls in Maui?

Yes and No. You'll want to exercise caution, as not all Maui waterfalls are swimmable.

If you wish to swim in Maui waterfalls, the greatest places to go are Seven Sacred Pools, Upper Puohokamoa Falls, and Waikamoi Stream.

How many waterfalls are on the Road to Hana?

There are far too many waterfalls to count, but these are some of the greatest Maui has to offer. That is because the Road to Hana is traversed by more than 50 streams, each of which runs into waterfalls (both big and tiny.)

What is the biggest waterfall in Maui?

Honokohau Falls should be seen at least once during your stay on Maui. It is by far the island's tallest waterfall, plunging over 1,100 feet!

Which places provide the best waterfalls in Maui for couples?

These are the top waterfalls on Maui for couples:

Waimoku Falls
Wailua Falls
Upper Waikani Falls

Which is the best waterfall in Maui?

There are far too many stunning Maui waterfalls to choose from!

Which places provide the best waterfalls in Maui for travelers on a budget?

The following are the best places for budget-friendly waterfalls in Maui:
• Waimoku Falls
• Wailua Falls
• Waikani Falls
• Upper Waikani Falls
• Hanawi Falls

You might also want to check out: