9 Best Maui Waterfalls: On the Road to Hana and Beyond

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Maui holds a special place in our hearts when it comes to waterfalls. While it doesn’t have the most waterfalls in Hawaii, it has great swimming holes. That are legal.

Here is our list of the nine best Maui waterfalls. You will find most of these on the Road to Hana, a 64-mile-long scenic drive that winds along the northern and eastern coast from Paia to the town of Hana.

However, there are some other beautiful waterfalls in other parts of the island as well! We’ll cover a few of our favorites so you can make the most of your time on Maui.

The best way to see these Maui waterfalls and go for a safe swim is with a guided tour. You can check out our favorite guided tours here, including a 10% discount with Valley Isle Excursions!
Twin Falls is our top pick for a Maui waterfall swim; you don’t have to commit to the full Road to Hana (follow the North Shore day in our Maui Itinerary!).

Maui Waterfall FAQs

This section is the most important on our Maui waterfalls list, as it answers the questions you have been asking since you started your trip planning. Where can you swim in a Maui waterfall? Plus, other pressing questions.

What is the best waterfall for swimming on Maui?

There are many waterfalls with swimming areas on Maui, but our favorite is Twin Falls. Although it can be busy (it’s one of the first stops on the Road to Hana), the surrounding landscape is beautiful, and the pools are picture-perfect! There are also three different waterfalls and swimming holes to choose from.

However, Pua’a Ka’a Wayside Park is another one of our favorites. It’s more like a rest stop rather than an official swimming spot (that means you’ll find restrooms and picnic benches), but there is also a nice pool where you’ll find people swimming. If that one is too crowded, you can cross the bridge to swim in the lower and smaller swimming hole.

What are the most easily accessible waterfalls to visit on Maui?

Some of the waterfalls on this list require hiking. However, some are more accessible for those short on time or with limited mobility. 

Generally speaking, most of the waterfalls on the Road to Hana are easy to see right from the road, especially if your car or tour shuttle is elevated. However, the big issue is finding parking. Famous waterfalls, like Hanawi Falls, prohibit cars from parking nearby. Therefore, you’ll need to drive further away to park and see the falls from the bridge (and not lean out of your car’s window).

Twin Falls is a 20-minute walk from the main parking lot. If you don’t want to walk that far, there are two other waterfalls and pools along the way. The waterfall and swimming hole at Pua’a Ka’a Wayside Park are also right by the parking lot. 

If you’ve already driven to Hana, you can go further down the coast to Wailua Falls. You’ll be able to see the waterfall right from the road, or you can take the steep path down if you plan on going swimming.

What is the best Maui waterfall for families?

We can’t stress enough how much we love Twin Falls! This area is perfect for families, as the pools are well-maintained, and there are restrooms and a food cart to pick up drinks and snacks. While you have to pay for parking, this goes toward the non-profit farm that maintains the park. They even do occasional water testing to ensure it’s safe for swimming!

Planning a family vacation to Maui? These will help:
67 Things to Do in Maui with Kids (By Age): Your Family Will Love Them
The 10 Best Maui Resorts That’ll Make Your Kids Happy: A Maui Mom’s Review
The 7 Best Beaches for Kids on Maui (from a Maui family)

What is Maui’s tallest waterfall?

The award for the tallest waterfall on Maui goes to Honokohau Falls, which is inaccessible except by helicopter. Waimoku Falls technically comes second in the height category, but it is the tallest single-drop waterfall on the island.

Swimming Safely at the Best Maui Waterfalls

Going for a swim in a waterfall is incredibly fun, but there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind to ensure you stay as safe as possible.

Leptospirosis in Maui Waterfalls

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease contracted by swimming in a waterfall with contaminated water. Although it’s infrequent (only 100-200 cases have been confirmed in the entire country, according to Hawaii’s State Department of Health), it is severe if left untreated. Symptoms can vary from nothing to minor aches and fever, or it can cause jaundice and bleeding in the lungs.

We’ve been swimming in many waterfalls, streams, and rivers all over Hawaii and have never caught it, nor have we heard or met anyone who has. But as an extra safety precaution, don’t go swimming with any open cuts, and don’t drink or swallow the water. 

Waterfall Safety

Swimming in Maui waterfalls can be very dangerous, especially if you’re not a strong swimmer. But we have a few safety tips to help you have a fun but safe experience outdoors. 

• Do not swim or stand under the falling water. While this can be fun, it can also be very dangerous, as rocks and other debris can easily fall on top of you!
• Only jump into areas that you know are deep and safe. Check the swimming hole beforehand to ensure no large rocks or things could injure you. If you don’t know where to jump – don’t do it!
• Weather can be drastically different from one part of the island to the next (it could be sunny on the Road to Hana but a tropical downpour on Haleakala!), which can impact the water conditions where you’re swimming. Double-check the weather before heading out, especially during winter, as the wet season can cause dangerous flash floods. If flash flood warnings are issued or you’re in doubt, don’t go out.
• Avoid climbing up the rock faces on the waterfall, even if you’re wearing water shoes. You don’t want to slip, trip, or fall!

Visiting other islands, too? Don’t miss those waterfalls:
Big Island Waterfalls
Kauai Waterfalls
Oahu Waterfalls

1. Twin Falls

If you close your eyes and picture the most idyllic waterfall pool for swimming or rock jumping, it probably looks something like Twin Falls. With turquoise waters and tropical foliage – it really doesn’t get much better than this!

There are three different waterfalls here, the last of which is called Twin Falls. This one is roughly a 20-minute walk from the parking lot, but it’s easy and certainly doable for families or small kids. However, you can go swimming in any of them, so if one is busy, you can always try another. 

However, Twin Falls is one of the first major stops on the Road to Hana, which means it can be extremely busy in the morning! You’ll want to come first thing (before 11 am) or in the afternoon on your way back from Hana if you want fewer crowds and a chance at finding a spot in the parking lot. There is a parking fee ($10), but it all goes to the non-profit farm (Wailele Farms) where the waterfall is located to take care of the property.

After your swim, stop by the farm stand out front. They have amazing smoothies and coffee drinks, as well as warm banana bread!

If the currents are too strong, the farm may close down one of the pools for swimming. You can always text or call Wailele Farm ahead of time to check the conditions to see if they are open that day.

• Waterfall Height: Three falls ranging from 20 to 50 feet 
• Swimming Hole: Yes
• Cost: $10 parking
• Restrooms: Yes
• Ease of Access: Easy
• Distance from the Trailhead: 1 mile
• Directions for Parking: Click here

Check out our Maui Itinerary for self-guided days around the island including our North Shore Day which takes you to Twin Falls without doing a full Road to Hana day!

Related read: 3 Easy Maui Hikes (plus a bonus historic walk)

2. Wailua Falls

After you get to Hana, drive 20 minutes further down the coast until you get to Wailua Falls. This 80-foot waterfall is one of the most famous in all of Maui, thanks to its gorgeous surroundings and picturesque swimming area.

It’s really easy to reach if you can find a parking spot on the side of the road. From there, you just have to walk onto the single-lane bridge to see the waterfall in all its glory. Then you can take the short path down (be careful, it can be steep and rocky) if you want to go swimming.

• Waterfall Height: 80 feet
• Swimming Hole: Yes
• Cost: Free
• Restrooms: No
• Ease of Access: Easy
• Distance from the Trailhead: Right on the road
• Directions for Parking: Click here

Maui Waterfalls on the Road to Hana

We have a video for you on this one! It’s an oldie (pandemic days) but goodie, so check out the footage of these incredible waterfalls below:

There are some beautiful waterfalls dotted all along the Road to Hana. Unfortunately, they are much harder to reach, as the County of Maui has prohibited parking on roads near many of the falls. This is a good thing, as cars were blocking the road and causing a ton of traffic, although it can make parking here quite difficult.

For a more stress-free adventure, we recommend booking a guided Road to Hana tour. With large windows and elevated seating, you’ll have a great view from the shuttle directly into the falls as you approach them. And if the drivers are lucky enough to snag a spot, they’ll also park so you can see the falls up close.

Book this Road to Hana Tour on an elevated 12-passenger cruiser and save 10% off the booking by using promo code HVG10.

Here are a few waterfalls you can expect to see from the road on the drive:

Tackle the Road to Hana with confidence with our full guide and more resources here:
If you want to try the route on your own, be sure to check out etiquette for the drive to keep everyone safe and happy.
Choose between 5 different routes to find the one that works best for you.
We recommend taking a guided tour for your first time, and we even have a list of the best private tours if you want a more personalized experience!

3. Waikamoi Falls

Located just a few steps from the road on mile marker 10, Waikamoi Falls is a beautiful waterfall with a swimming hole at its base. Because the stream leading to the falls is used for irrigation for a nearby sugarcane farm, it might be “turned off” and dry so you won’t see much. Your best chance of seeing it is after a day of heavy rain.

4. Upper Waikani Falls (Three Bears)

Just past mile marker 19 you’ll find Upper Waikani Falls. Also known as the Three Bears, this waterfall has three different-sized streams (like Mama, Papa, and Baby Bear!).

This waterfall is best viewed from the bridge as you drive by. Parking is hard to get and the waterfall is on private property. While you may find people walking under the fence and past the private property signs, please refrain from swimming here. Mahalo!

5. Hanawi Falls

Continue a bit more and you’ll come across Hanawi Falls at mile marker 24. It’s one of the most impressive falls with a cascade that flows even in the drier months. There is a pool for swimming, although you can always enjoy the views of the falls from the historic Hanawi Falls Bridge.

If you want more time to explore Road to Hana waterfalls, consider staying the night in Hana. We love the Hana-Maui Resort, and it can be booked with points!

6. Pua’a Ka’a Wayside Park

Another one of our favorite swimming spots on the Road to Hana is Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Park. This five-acre park has three different waterfalls, as well as bathrooms and picnic tables, so it’s a great place to rest and refuel before continuing the drive.

We came here on a tour and it was our favorite stop! Check out the video below to see!

The upper waterfall is the most popular for swimming, although the middle waterfall also has a nice but smaller pool. The third waterfall is under the bridge, which requires a bit more effort to reach. Just make sure to keep an eye on the water conditions. As this is an unofficial swimming spot, there are no warnings for flash floods or strong currents.

A nice thing about coming here is that there is a small parking lot with spaces for about 15 cars. And you don’t have to hike to see falls or go swimming. Just be careful not to jump in (from the bridge or from anywhere on the side) as the waters and shallow and there are lots of rocks.

• Waterfall Height: 15 to 20 feet
• Swimming Hole: Yes
• Cost: Free
• Restrooms: Yes
• Ease of Access: Easy
• Distance from the Trailhead: Right on the road
• Directions for Parking: Click here

Discover more of Maui with a tour:
We Tested: The 9 Best Snorkeling Tours on Maui (+ discount!)
The 18 BEST Maui Farm Tours You Don’t Want to Miss
The 4 Best Haleakala Sunrise Tours (+ our 10% off code)

7. Puohokamoa Falls at the Garden of Eden

Despite being located on the Road to Hana, Puohokamoa Falls is on private property and completely closed off to the public. There is no trail that leads to the falls, however, you can catch a quick glimpse of it as you go over the bridge.

If you want an unobstructed view of the falls, you’ll need to go to the Garden of Eden, a botanical garden between Kailua and Ke’anae. While we wouldn’t pay the entry fee ($20 for adults and $10 for kids) to specifically see the falls, it is a nice bonus if you’re interested in visiting the arboretum.  

And here’s a fun fact: the opening scene of the Jurassic Park movie shows a helicopter approaching an island next to a cliff. The valley in this scene is where the Puohokamoa Falls flows into! However, the helicopter lands at Manawaiopuna Falls, which is actually a waterfall on Kauai!

• Waterfall Height: 30 feet
• Swimming Hole: Yes
• Cost: $20 for adults and $10 for kids to enter the Garden of Eden
• Restrooms: Yes
• Ease of Access: Easy
• Distance from the Trailhead: Short walk through the garden
• Directions for Parking: Click here

Tackle the Road to Hana with confidence with our full guide and more resources here:
If you want to try the route on your own, be sure to check out etiquette for the drive to keep everyone safe and happy.
Choose between 5 different routes to find the one that works best for you.
We recommend taking a guided tour for your first time, and we even have a list of the best private tours if you want a more personalized experience!

8. Iao Valley Waterfall: Kepaniwai Falls

Most people go to Iao Valley to see the Iao Needle, a green, foliage-covered monument that stands 1,200 feet above the valley floor. As you walk along the paved, short path toward the needle, you’ll find a medium-sized waterfall (about 30 foot) under a bridge along the trail. Once when we were there, we saw some kids swimming in the falls, but we don’t recommend doing this as flash floods are likely.

After seeing the waterfall, you can continue along the path to the Iao Needle observation deck. There is a set of stairs to reach it, so it’s not stroller-friendly or handicap-accessible. But overall, the hike is a short, paved 0.6 miles out-and-back trail, so it’s an easy excursion to do with kids.

You can also choose to walk down to the river to explore the unofficial trails around the park. On a nice day, you can dip your toes in the water or cool off at one of the little pools amongst the smaller waterfalls down there. 

• Waterfall Height: Unknown, less than 10 feet
• Swimming Hole: Yes
• Cost: $5 entrance fee and $10 parking fee
• Restrooms: Yes
• Ease of Access: Easy
• Distance from the Trailhead: 0.6 miles
• Directions for Parking: Click here

9. Pipiwai Trail (2 Waterfalls)

If you don’t mind a little hike, then you can tackle the Pipiwai Trail to see not one but two different waterfalls on your way. The 3.4-mile out-and-back trail starts in the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park, which is a short drive past Hana.

The trail is well maintained, but it can be challenging in some sections due to steep, rocky terrain (with an elevation gain of 1,017 feet). We did it with our 3-year-old and it took us about two hours.

The first waterfall you’ll see along the way is the 200-foot Makahiku Falls. It’s roughly half a mile into the trail and features a small overlook where you can admire the falls up close.

If you are here for just a short hike, you can turn around and make your way back to the parking lot. Or, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can continue on to reach the second (and, in our opinion, the more spectacular) Waimoku Falls.

Waimoku Falls is at the end of the Pipiwai Trail. If you see a bunch of social media influencers taking photos in the Bamboo Forest, you know you are getting close! This waterfall is impressive with a powerful drop of over 400 feet! In fact, it’s the tallest single-drop waterfall on the entire island of Maui! For best results, try to come after heavy rain; otherwise, the waterfall may only be a light trickle.

As an added bonus, there’s a beautiful banyan tree between Makahiku and Waimoku Falls. It’s the second-largest banyan in Maui, so it’s an incredible sight to see in person!

• Waterfall Height: 200 feet (Makahiku Falls) and 400 feet (Waimoku Falls)
•  Swimming Hole: No
• Cost: $30 pass to enter the Haleakala National Park
• Restrooms: Yes
• Ease of Access: Moderate
• Distance from the Trailhead: 0.5 miles to the first falls, 1.7 miles to the second falls
• Directions for Parking: Click here

If you want to stick around in the Kipahulu District to enjoy the trail and the area more, you can camp at Kipahulu. See our Maui Camping Guide for everything you need to know and how to reserve your spot!

Don’t stop at the best waterfalls! Maui is the best Hawaiian island for whale watching, so if you’re planning your trip between December and March be sure to check out these articles:
The Ultimate Guide to Whale Watching on Maui: Best Tours and Tips
The 7 Best Whale Watching Tours on Maui: get our exclusive discounts
Sail with the Whales from Ma’alaea Harbor, Maui

Finish Your Maui Trip Planning with a Click

Whether you’re in your first or final stages of planning your Maui vacation, our Maui Itinerary has all you need to finish planning early! We’ve taken care of all the details, both big and small, so you get to just head out on the perfect trip without all the hassle.