Waterfalls in Maui are world-famous for their gigantic waterflow and fantastic surroundings. Maui known as ‘The Valley Isle’, is the 17th largest island in the US. It’s been one of the most reputed and expensive vacation destinations among worldwide travelers. Maui is also known as the ‘Treasure Island’ for its pristine beaches, crystalline water and deep blue oceans and volcano rocks. The charming sphere, extremely palatable food, warming welcome from the natives, extensive cloud formation and luxurious hotels, all these things make Maui an overall celestial destination to explore!
One of the top Maui attractions include the awe-inspiring waterfalls. Hawaii has more than 100 waterfalls and Maui being its second largest island holds 20+ waterfalls. Most of these Maui waterfalls are located near the Road to Hana, majority are on the east side, and the others are on the west side. These stunning waterfalls are always ready to marvel people with their power of fascination! Every year, travelers from all over the globe come to explore these majestic waterfalls. So, here is a list of top 17 most captivating waterfalls you must visit in Maui. Get ready to explore as many waterfalls as you want to with your family or friends in your next trip to Maui.
1.Waimoku Falls
The 400 ft tall Waimoku Waterfall is on Pipiwai Trail, sitting on the head of Ohe’o Gulch. One of Maui’s tallest waterfalls with its gigantic height and ebullient howling, Waimoku Falls will make you amazed!
Its spectacular views, the tropical trees, clear water, bamboo forests, the sound of wind and water of the entire surrounding will make you fall in love with the land. You could seriously feel the power of nature in this place.
The terrain gets very busy during mid-day, so try to reach there early and have the place all to yourself!
Address: Haleakala National Park Kipahulu District, Maui, HI.
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2. Makahiku Falls
Makahiku Falls is a 200 ft horsetail waterfall in Haleakala National Park. This pretty Maui waterfall is considered one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Maui.
Situated in the Pipiwai Trail, the falls is easily viewable on the way to the larger Waimoku Falls. There are some nearby caves and tunnels. These are free activities to check out, if you are willing. Many visitors do also inquire for these caves.
The verdant canopy of the entire place will surely hypnotise you. And you can easily spend the entire day here without being bored for a single moment. In fact, boredom gets bore to bore others who come here for enjoyment.
Visitors do also enjoy the pool atop Makahiku Falls. The pool is told “infinite pool”, as natives think it has the direct connection with the sky. Makahiku Falls is also the source of the seven sacred pools.
Address: Falls of Makahiku, Hawaii 96713
3. Wailua Falls
Wailua Waterfall is one of the most photographed waterfall in Maui because of its classic and vibrant outlook. It’s a 80 ft tall waterfall, located off the road to Hana, at Mile Marker 44, right along the Pi’ilani Highway.
This falls is also very famous for its clean and clear water. So, don’t forget to take your bathing suit. Moreover, the waterfall is easy to access because you could reach to the place thoroughly by driving your car. And the best part is, there is more than enough parking space with free of charge.
Because of its easy accessibility, it is a great day trip destination among the families who want to avoid any kind of hike.
Overall it’s a dramatic waterfall with the tropical foliage around it. Fun fact about the place is that there are many local vendors nearby who run their shops near the falls and their special selling item is Hawaiian souvenir.
Wailua Falls is famous for film locations, as well. It was featured in ‘Fantasy Island’, the 1970s TV series. So, definitely spot the place and make it your fantasy island! Try to reach early morning to catch a rainbow. It’s indeed one of the best Maui waterfalls.
4. Twin Falls
Twin Falls is the first easily accessible waterfall to the Road to Hana, and it’s located a few miles away from the Paia Town. This waterfall trail is filled with diversity. It’s one of Maui’s most popular day trip destinations among various groups.
Try to reach early morning because folks make the terrain overcrowded during mid-day. If you want to sneak away yourself from crowd, explore the nearby small but pretty waterfalls.
Twin Falls trail is a very popular and busy trail, but still the place is very peaceful with verdant canopy, bright flowers, fantastic ferns, the wholly shaded area and wet rocks. Most of the path is gravel paved and thickly forested area.
Though the name is Twin Falls, there are three different waterfalls. And all these three falls are very well maintained. All in all, you will experience here simple, wonderful and natural trails and it’s a family friendly place to visit as there are non- strenuous hikes.
Furthermore, the waterfalls are famous for swimming as the stream is quite gentle, so no worries for kids. Don’t forget to bring swimsuits and water shoes as the pools are loaded with mossy and slippery rocks.
Visitors do also experience things like mossy caves, shallow pools, cold and refreshing water, warm hearted and friendly people and a very well organised ambit. There is also a mysterious cave behind the falls.
The best part is there is no parking issue. Parking fee is $10 worth. Lastly, be aware of flash flooding that might come during rainfall.
Address: 6300 Hana Highway, Haiku, HI 96708.
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5. Waikani Falls
Waikani falls, known as “Three Beras”, is a group of three parallel waterfalls residing together. The waterfalls are accessible from Hana Highway. These are flower covered waterfalls. The three waterfalls really resemble the little bears. Though the falls are 70 ft in height.
The problem to reach these waterfalls is the hike is a little hazardous. So many visitors prefer to watch the beautiful views of Waikani Falls from a safer distance.
Else, the parking space is also limited. If you really want to go there, be patient and drive very carefully as the entire path is quite slippery and filled with lush vegetation.
Address: Hana Highway, Haiku, HI 96708.
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6. Hanawi Falls
Hanawi Falls inflicts some really strange sounds that will surely make you enamoured! Hawaii’s one of the most desired tourist spots is Hanawi Falls because of its majestic looks. The upper falls is 30 ft cascade, and the lower falls is 200 ft. The location is right after Mile Marker 24 on the Hana Highway. To be more specific, it’s located between Secret Lava Tube and Makapipi Falls.
Being the most gigantic and photographed waterfalls in Hawaii, its magnificent views can be enjoyed from Hanawi Stream Bridge. The falls is surrounded by affluent jungle. Also, the entire terrain is surrounded by numerous rubber trees and majestic Ohio trees.
Hanawi Falls is perennial, so its stream is rapid most of the time throughout the year. In fact, Hanawi Falls holds a split persona, sometimes gentle, and other time quite wild. And flash flooding is a matter of concern. Though many people enjoy the crystal-clear water by taking a bath or wading around.
The size of the falls becomes bigger after heavy rainfall. If you want to enjoy the lower Hanawi Falls, you have to put some extra effort as the private landowners won’t allow you to trespass their land.
To get the glimpse of the lower falls, you have to cover a trail from the town Nahiku. Otherwise, the view from the stream bridge is also eye-catching.
Parking issue is a big concern here. Firstly, parking space is very limited and the second problem is driving path is quite slippery, so drive very carefully.
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7. Pua’aka’a Falls
Pua’aka’a Falls tops many visitors’ list. Travelers who like to explore a hustle-free hiking trail, this falls is the perfect option for them. It’s just off the Hana Highway. It is an easily accessible waterfall. And there are two beautiful waterfalls available, the near one is more crowded and the distant one is larger. Both hold their unique elegancy.
This falls is family-friendly and a famous picnic spot. You could organize your family picnic very peacefully and being very close to nature, also. The trail is also famous for bird watching and exploring the canopy with Maui waterfalls around every corner.
Also, there is a popular spot for swimming, too. People love to cannonball themselves standing from the top.
The plus point is you can access here clean street bathroom. All-in-all, Pua’aka’a waterfall and its surrounding area are an island by itself.
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8. Honokohau Falls
Hokonohau Falls is Maui’s tallest waterfall with a towering height of 1119 ft. The watercourse looks just heavenly from the top. Also, Honokohau Falls offers a popular helicopter tour. Fed by Honokohau stream, the falls plunges down into two tiers. From bottom, if you look upward, it looks like it has the source from heaven.
Being located in a remote and inaccessible valley, the only way to enjoy this falls is through helicopter. In the movie “Jurassic Park”, this falls played an important role for showcasing wildlife wizards. So, book morning helicopter (for getting clear and cloud free views) and enjoy your desirable tour.
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9. Alelele Falls
The 50 ft cascading Alelele Falls is located in the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park. Vastness of this Maui waterfall depends on the season’s rainfall.
Hike to the waterfall is a short and easy trail. The entire area looks quite green and bright with multiple anonymous flowers and ferns. A perfect picturesque and scenic place for photography and relaxation. It’s also a family-friendly and easy to reach trail.
But because of its location in one of the last stops of the Hana Road, it’s a less discovered waterfall by most of the tourists.
In summer, the falls is little drier, and winter is the best time to visit Alelele Falls. Parking is also available nearby Alelele Bridge pull out.
Address: Kipahulu Valley, Hawaii 96713, USA.
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10. Punalau Falls
Punalau Falls is one of the hidden waterfalls in Maui. As the falls is not visible from the Hana Road, visitors usually overlook it.
Punalau Falls is 100 ft in height and the trail is only 15 minutes walking distance. But the lack of maintenance and presence of various slippery rocks make the trail little hazardous. And that is the reason, many travelers skip this pretty waterfall.
Lastly, Punalau Falls trail demands little experience and courage. If you really want to explore this site, take necessary equipment with you, like a good hiking boot (the most important thing), a stick and rubber gloves.
11. Haipua’ena Falls
The 25 ft tall, Haipua’ena Falls is another magical waterfall in Maui. It is a very easy to get waterfall, only a little hiking path. You need to walk just 5 minutes to reach the falls. But the trail is little uphill and slippery, so use proper footwear.
Haipua’ena Falls can be found one and a half miles past the 10 Mile Marker. The water is very cool and refreshing. You will definitely fall in love with this bewitching waterfall!
Furthermore, the waterfall is located in a calm and crowd-less area. So if you are silence lover, definitely grab this alluring place with your family and friends. And the pool on the basin is a perfect swimming pool. Many visitors truly enjoy the wading and swimming in the pool.
Sometimes, the area is muddy and filled with uneven rocks. And the trail comes with wild ginger, bamboo trees, rainbow eucalyptus trees, and many other exotic flora.
Before reaching Haipua’ena Falls, you will come to another trail that leads to the uphill upper falls. But the upper falls is very risky, and you are advised not to set out on a journey there.
12. Naili’ili-haele Stream and Waterfall
Naili’ili waterfall is located under the private land. The area is prone to flood. It is an enjoyable hike through the shadowy bamboo forests. Following the stream, you can easily reach to the waterfall. Another way of reaching the falls is by crossing the huge, gigantic rocks. Rock hopping is must here!
Naili’ili Falls trail is considered one of the best overall hikes in Maui. Popular activities among visitors are hiking in riverbeds, swimming in the streams and exploring the bamboo forest.
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13. Kopiliula Falls
Kopiliula Falls is also easily visible from Hana Highway. The hike is also very short, only two miles hiking trail, but the path could be little muddy and rocky at times. Here you will see both smaller and larger waterfalls. To reach to the larger falls, you need to climb up the smaller one, first.
The water quality is very refreshing, cool and clear. The site is well known for various culturally significant fish and plant life. Earlier it was home to Taro Groves.
As Kopiliula Falls is a lesser known destination among visitors, you will have the place all to yourself!
14. Makamako’le Falls
The 270 ft tall Makamako’le Falls is also very famous among the waterfall explorers. But the hike is a little bit of challenging. Makamako’le Falls is located within the West Maui Forest Reserve in Wailuku.
It’s a medium-height waterfall with a small pool and in the down, there’s a big pool that requires a rope to climb down 25 ft cliff, and the entire trail is very narrow and overgrown.
Makamako’le waterfall is not directly connected to the Road to Hana Highway. And the venturesome surroundings won’t allow you to reach the cascade very easily. The five-mile round trip Wailhe’e Ridge Trail passes the narrow and overgrown bamboo forest that leads people to the natural oasis.
You might also enjoy the beauty from a safer distance. From Kahekili Highway, visitors can enjoy the charm of the lower pool.
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15. Makapipi Falls
Makapipi Falls is one of the most easily accessible Maui waterfalls. The falls has direct connection to the Hana Highway, and it is located after Mile Marker 25. You can access a pull-off area over the nearby bridge. Makapipi waterfall flows before plunging 40 feet into its basin. There are many other waterfalls sitting nearby.
From the bridge, you’ll get the mesmerising views of the falls. It’s been told, visitors can get a bird’s eye view of the Makapipi Falls from this bridge. And it’s one of the most beautiful photographed regions, as well.
Unfortunately, there is no safer trail available to the Makapipi Falls pool. And you are advised to enjoy its beauty from the bridge. The best time to visit Makapipi Falls is only after heavy rainfall. If it’s a dry season, you can’t enjoy the grace of waterflow of this waterfall.
Address: Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708.
16. Ohe’o Gulch (Pools of Oheo)
Ohe’o Gulch is nestled in Haleakala National Park in Kipahulu district, just downstream of Waimoku Falls. It is near Mile Marker 42 on the Hana Highway. Here, seven swimming holes are connected by the Ohio Waterfall and cascades from one to the other and eventually all the seven holes’ water flow into the ocean together with amity.
It is a 15-minute walking distance, and avoid going there after heavy rainfall. Rather a day with suffice sunlit will make your Ohe’o Gulch visit a memorable experience. The pools are great for swimming because of the cold, refreshing and tranquil water quality.
There is also a parking space in the National Park, and visitors need to pay $30 parking fee.
Do explore the popular Kuloa Point trail, the lower part of the waterfall. There is a loop that takes the visitors near the Bland Sand beach. You can wade in the falls as it’s the biggest waterfall wading area in Maui.
After heavy rainfall, the entire terrain becomes more watery with brown water. And you might discover more than seven pools. There are actually dozens of pools and waterfalls nearby which fall through the Ohe’o Gulch.
17. Nemo Falls
Nemo Falls is a lesser-known waterfall in Maui. It’s nestled in Ko’olau Forest Reserve. After crossing a narrow footbridge, you need to trail a few hundred yards upstream and you are welcome to Nemo Falls!
Once you reach there, you can feel the magical vibes with mossy rocks, various colourful flowers, overgrown trees, soft mosses, bright mushrooms and chirping of birds. Just a fairy-tale! These multi-tiered falls along with a refreshing pool are really a perfect goal of every waterfall philander!
FAQ
1. What is the huge waterfall in Maui?
Honokohau Falls is 1,100 feet tall, two-tiered waterfall and it is said to be the tallest waterfall in Maui. Honokohau Falls is located in West Maui.
2. What is Maui best known for?
Maui is filled with amazing natural landscape. It’s the 2nd largest Hawaiian island. Tourists praise the island as a treasure island, and Maui is bejewelled with beautiful beaches, breathtaking waterfalls, mesmerising valleys, delicious cuisine and much more amazing richness.
3. What are the best waterfalls in Maui for swimming?
Wailua Falls is best known for its clean water and suitable surroundings. It’s one of the best waterfalls in Maui where you could enjoy refreshing swimming. Other amazing waterfalls that are appropriate for swimming in Maui include Waikamoi stream and waterfall, Ohe’o Gulch and Upper Puohokamoa Falls.
4. What are easy to access waterfalls in Maui?
Makapipi Falls, Upper Waikani Falls, Twin Falls, Wailua Falls, Honokohau Falls, Seven Sacred Pools are the most easily accessible waterfalls in Maui.
5. What is the most beautiful waterfall in Maui?
Waimoku Falls is considered the most beautiful waterfall in Maui. Waimoku Falls hike is 4 miles round-trip. While covering the hike, visitors can go up close with the tropical trees, dense bamboo forests, and jaw-dropping pools.
6. Are there any waterfalls in Maui not on the Road to Hana?
Makamaka’ole Falls is some of the best waterfalls in Maui that is not on the road to Hana. To watch the majestic Makamaka’ole Falls, visitors have to cover Waihe’e Ridge Trail, one of the most beautiful hikes that runs through the tropical rainforest.
7. Why is Hana Maui famous?
Hana is a world-famous destination among every heart! The world-famous Road to Hana allows visitors to encounter some really unique and fantastic attractions to explore, and visitors can experience beautiful nature, breathtaking waterfalls, so many hidden gems and of course, the stunning landscape!
8. What is the secret waterfall in Maui?
Makamaka’ole Falls is considered as the secret waterfall in Maui. It’s truly a hidden gem, and also the waterfall is not located on the road to Hana. The hike to Makamaka’ole Falls is really challenging but could be adventurous for courageous soul. This is the only waterfall in Maui where visitors need to cross the Makamakaole Stream 13 times when they’re completing the hike. Interestingly, the trail is known as the 13 Crossing Hike.
9. What part of Maui has the most waterfalls?
Countless waterfalls are scattered throughout the island. Although many beautiful waterfalls are located on the west part of Maui, but the majority of waterfalls and the most stunning waterfalls are visible on the east side of Maui, and near the Road to Hana.
10. What is the most photographed waterfall in Maui?
The location of Wailua Falls make it the most photographed waterfall in Maui. No doubt, it’s a picturesque waterfall, but the best part is visitors could explore the breathtaking views of the rushing water of Wailua Falls from the Hana Highway. The more interesting is, you don’t even need to get out of your car to see it!
11. What is the easiest waterfall to get to in Maui?
Twin Falls, one of the first stops on the Road to Hana, is some of the easiest waterfalls to get to in Maui. It’s a very short hike from the road. Wailua Falls is another easy to access waterfall in Maui. The views are so clear and stunning from the road, visitors can enjoy Wailua Falls while seating inside their car.
12. Can you swim in waterfalls in Maui?
Upper Puohokamoa Falls, Waikamoi Stream and waterfalls and Seven Sacred Pools (Ohe’o Gulch) are the most popular waterfalls in Maui best known for their marking swimming opportunities.
