Maui Waterfalls Guide
The 7 Best Waterfalls in Maui
Updated November 2023
Welcome to Maui
If you’re looking for magical, accessible, swimmable waterfalls, then Maui is the Hawaiian Island for you. Maui’s eastern and northern regions have impressive waterfalls along the stunning, world famous Road to Hana and beyond. In most cases, access to Maui’s best waterfalls only requires a short hike, and as a bonus, swimming is permitted in many of them. Keep reading our Maui Waterfalls Guide to learn more about the island’s best waterfalls.
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Waimoku Falls
Amidst verdant foliage in Haleakala National Park cascades the 400 ft tall Waimoku Falls. It is one of the tallest waterfalls on Maui and is situated at the Ohea Gulch. Visitors can reach the falls via the Pipiwai Trail in the Kipahulu section of Haleakala National Park, about 10 miles south of the famous town of Hana.
Waimoku Falls cascades over a sheer lava rock wall into a boulder-strewn pool. This 4-mile roundtrip trail is known as one of Maui’s best hikes. The trail to Waimoku Falls offers dramatic views of the falls and vistas and, along with its roaring sound, makes this hike a one-of-a-kind experience.
Visitors will enjoy beautiful bamboo forests, pristine swimming holes, and a stunning banyan tree along the way. Since the trail is within Haleakala, guests need to pay the entrance fee for the National Park.
Twin Falls
When mapping out your Road to Hana route, one of your first stops should be the gorgeous Twin Falls. These falls are located a few miles from Paia Town, and visitors should park at Wailele Farm to reach the fall’s trailhead.
The Hawaiian Fruit stand is the starting point for the one mile waterfall approach hike. Port-a-potties are available at the farm, so grab some snacks for the hike at Wailele Farm and note that the parking area is often crowded.
Fed by the Ko’olau Rainforest in the Ho’olawa Valley, Twin Falls cascades into a serene pool. Take a swim if you’d like, or try cliff jumping to the pool below. Explore the area behind the falls for stunning views.
Honokohau Falls
The most magnificent view of West Maui is from above, while also witnessing the mighty Honokohau Falls, Maui’s tallest waterfall. Located in the middle of an inaccessible valley without roads or trails, the stunning Honokohau Falls plunges in two tiers and is a staggering 1100 feet tall.
Helicopter tours will offer you a bird’s eye view of one of Maui’s most awe-inspiring picturesque waterfalls. You may recognize this waterfall as it played a vital role in the classic 90’s movie “Jurassic Park.”
A few excellent options for a Helicopter tour of the Honokohau Falls include this Molokai and Maui Helicopter Tour or this West Maui and Molokai 60-Minute Helicopter Tour.
Alelele Falls
Those looking for a lesser known waterfall will love Alelele Falls. Located on the east side of Maui, these 50-foot falls are a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Visitors will find Alelele Falls in the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park. Parking for the falls is at the Alelele Bridge pullout, and from there, you’ll need to follow the trail from the east side of the stream.
A short and easy .75-mile hike is all it takes to get to this gorgeous waterfall. It’s perfect for families and all skill levels, as it just takes 15 to 20 minutes. The chances are high that you’ll have this 80-foot-tall waterfall all to yourself.
Don’t forget to take your bathing suit, as guests can enjoy a swim in the serene and refreshing pool under Alelele Falls.
Puaa Kaa Falls
The perfect waterfall hike for families, Puaa Kaa Falls roughly translates to “rolling pig” and is another beautiful waterfall on the Road to Hana. You can find these falls in the Puaa Kaa State Wayside Park.
Puaa Kaa Falls is one of the few waterfalls on the Road to Hana that welcomes the public year-round. The .37-mile lightly trafficked Puaa Kaa Falls Trail winds through lush tropical greenery to lead you up to the waterfall. Swimming is allowed at this waterfall too, and the area surrounding Puaa Kaa Falls offers both restrooms and picnic tables.
This is one of Maui’s most popular waterfall hikes, thanks to the short trail length and amenities.
Oheo Gulch (Pools Of Oheo)
The Oheo Gulch, known as the Seven Sacred Pools, is nested in Haleakala National Park, downstream of Waimoku Falls. The seven swimming holes connected by the beautiful Ohea waterfalls are awe-inspiring.
To get to Seven Sacred Pools, you’ll need to hike half a mile, or about 15 minutes, on Kuloa Point Trail. Access to the pools may be restricted if heavy rain makes conditions unsafe. It’s a good idea to check the weather the night before if you want to take a dip in a tranquil pool.
Since the trail is within Haleakala, visitors need to pay the National Park entrance fee.
Kopiliula Falls
A lesser-known waterfall on the Road to Hana is the beautiful Kopiliula Falls. The short 2-mile trail to this waterfall is rated as moderately challenging. The trailhead can be found off Hana Highway, and the falls are visible from the road.
You’ll find Kopiliula Falls nestled along the Kopiliula Stream among lush greenery. This Maui waterfall trail is steep, so don’t forget to wear sturdy hiking boots. To get to the larger falls, first, you’ll need to climb smaller cascades and scramble along a rocky bed of the falls, which promises a wet adventure!
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