10 Best Maui Waterfalls
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Twin Falls
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Lower Puohokamoa Falls
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Makapipi Falls
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Wailua Falls
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Makahiku Falls
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Waimoku Falls
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Pools of ‘Ohe‘o (Seven Sacred Pools)
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Alelele Falls
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Honokohau Falls
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Makamaka‘ole Falls
No trip to Maui is complete without a visit to one of the island’s postcard perfect waterfalls. And lucky for you, Maui’s got plenty, ranging from side-of-the-road photo ops to adventure worthy cascades. Although the majority of waterfalls are concentrated along the road to Hana, an infamously winding road that follows Maui’s tropical east coast, you can view beautiful falls without making the full Hana trip, as well as discover a few hidden gems in West Maui.
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1) Twin Falls
Your first waterfall along the Road to Hana, Twin Falls has been seriously underrated by many guidebooks. Although the roadside parking is typically full, few travelers make it past the fruit stand. A short walk leads to two falls, both of which are surrounded by swimmable pools.
Photo: @InstaMaui
What You Need to Know
Height: Varies (10 – 30 feet)
Access: Park at “Twin Falls Fruit Stand” just past mile marker 2 on Hana Hwy
Tips: Best if you want to enjoy waterfalls but don’t have time for the full Road to Hana journey. Don’t forget your bathing suit.
2) Lower Puohokamoa Falls
Photo: Charlie Whelton via Flickr
Continuing along Hana Highway is the towering 200-foot waterfall known as Lower Puohokamoa Falls, an incredible sight often missed by the majority of Hana-bound travelers. A five minute hike along a steep, slippery trail will lead you to a fantastic lookout point. Although you can only see it from a distance, Lower Puohokamoa is a sight to behold.
What You Need to Know
Height: 200 feet
Access: A solitary telephone pole about 8/10 of a mile past mile marker 10 on Hana Hwy marks the trail’s entrance. Because the pull off is tight and located on a blind turn, the safest access is when traveling towards Kahului.
Tips: Although short, the trail is slippery and narrow, and thus recommended only for able hikers.
3) Makapipi Falls
Photo: Lesley Wilson via Flickr
As you drive along Hana Highway you’ll cross over the Makapipi Stream, which flows to form Makapipi Falls. Unlike most of Hana Highway’s waterfalls, Makapipi is unique in that you see it from above. From a bridge you have a bird’s eye view of the waterfall and its gorgeous, blue pool.
Photo: Thats via Flickr
What You Need to Know
Height: 40+ feet
Access: Pullout just past mile marker 25 on Hana Highway (Hwy 360)
Tips: Easily accessible, but watch for cars crossing the bridge.
4) Wailua Falls
Photo: Cleminca via Flickr
Wailua Falls is a scenic “can’t miss it” falls located a few miles past the town of Hana. The falls cascade over an 80-foot drop and flow under a one lane bridge. Park in the large pullout on the ocean (makai) side of the road and walk back to the bridge to snap some epic pictures.
What You Need to Know
Height: 80 feet
Access: Hana Hwy (Hwy 360) just past mile marker 45
Tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds (particularly the tour buses).
5) Makahiku Falls
Photo: Brian Uhreen via Flickr
Located along the Pipiwai Trail near Hana, Makahiku is a 185-foot waterfall set amidst a lush forest backdrop. An overlook lets you see it from above, giving you a great photo opp. But keep going down the Pipiwai Trail and you’ll find something almost twice its size.
What You Need to Know
Height: 185 feet
Access: A half mile hike from the Pipiwai trail head (Haleakala National Park Kipahulu)
Tips: Arrive before noon to avoid crowds.
6) Waimoku Falls
Further upstream of Makahiku is the granddaddy of Maui’s waterfalls – the 400-foot tall Waimoku Falls. Here at the very end of the Pipiwai Trail, you’re left to linger in awe and snap pictures to your heart’s content. Even if the flow isn’t raging, the sheer height of Waimoku – not to mention its incredible setting - will leave you soaking in the beauty.
What You Need to Know
Height: 400 feet
Access: 2 mile moderate hike along the Pipiwai Trail (Haleakala National Park Kipahulu)
Tips: Don’t forget the camera.
7) Pools of ‘Ohe‘o (Seven Sacred Pools)
Photo: Joe Parks via Flickr
Located downstream of Waimoku falls are the Pools of ‘Ohe‘o, also known as “Seven Sacred Pools.” While heavy rains may restrict access to the pools, a short walk from the parking lot leads you to an absolutely stunning scene: a series of tiered falls emptying into the ocean. When the pools are open you can enjoy an incredible swim, however cliff jumping is prohibited by the National Park Service.
Photo: jdegenhardt via Flickr
Photo: Steve St.Amand via Flickr
What You Need to Know
Height: Varies
Access: Short walk from parking lot at Haleakala National Park in Kipahulu
Tips: One of the most popular attractions in Hana, arrive early and bring your bathing suit.
8) Alelele Falls
About 14 miles past Hana in Kipahulu, Alelele Falls lies at the end of an unassuming 10 minute trail. Chances are you’ll have this beauty to yourself, so pack your bathing suit and be prepared to take a relaxing dip in Alelele’s accompanying pool.
Photo: Andy Beal via Flickr
What You Need to Know
Height: 60 feet
Access: Kipahulu; 1/3 of a mile past mile marker 29 on Hana Hwy look for the bridge marked “Alelele” - a dirt trail (that requires rock hopping) leads to the falls.
Tips: Prepare to get wet.
9) Honokohau Falls
Photo: lilianajen56 via Flickr
Reputedly the tallest waterfall on Maui, Honokohau Falls is situated deep within an inaccessible West Maui valley. Only visible via a helicopter tour, the two-tiered waterfall tops out at an astounding 1,119 feet.
What You Need to Know
Height: 1,119 feet
Access: Only accessible via helicopter
Tips: Choose the combined West Maui/Moloka‘i tour to view Honokohau Falls and the dramatic sea cliffs of Moloka‘i.
10) Makamaka‘ole Falls
Photo: Garry Stewart via Flickr
One of the few West Maui waterfalls accessible by land, Makamaka‘ole is a series of two falls set against a lush, jungle backdrop. The full 270-foot falls can be viewed from a distance by hiking the Waihe‘e Ridge Trail, while the lower falls, approximately 60 feet high, can be seen from Kahekili Highway (Hwy 340) just past mile marker 8.
What You Need to Know
Height: 270 feet
Access: One mile hiking up the Waihe‘e Ridge Trail or Kahekili Hwy (Hwy 340) just past mile marker 8.
Tips: Great stop to add if you’re planning the Kahekili Highway loop drive from Honolua Bay to Kahului.
