13 Incredible Maui Waterfalls: How to Find Them & What to Expect

Maui isn’t just about pristine beaches and luxury resorts it’s also home to some of the most stunning waterfalls I’ve ever seen. From misty cascades you can spot from the road to secluded falls tucked deep in the rainforest, chasing waterfalls in Maui became one of my favorite adventures on the island.

Most of these gems are tucked along the Road to Hana, and let me tell you every curve hides something magical. In this guide, I’m sharing my personal picks for the best waterfalls in Maui, including how to find them, where to swim safely, and what to skip if you’re short on time. If you’re planning your trip, my 7-day Maui itinerary is a great starting point too.

Waterfalls Along the Road to Hana (Hana Highway)

1. Twin Falls

• Mile Marker 2, Hana Highway
• Trail Difficulty: Easy (0.5 miles round-trip)
• Access: Small parking lot; often fills by 9 AM
• Swimmable: Yes (in the lower pools)
• Facilities: Fruit stand, portable toilets
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning before crowds arrive

This was my very first waterfall stop in Maui, and it was the perfect introduction to the Road to Hana. A short, muddy trail leads you to two main waterfall areas. The first lower fall is easily accessible and has a calm swimming hole great for beginners or families. A second, larger waterfall lies deeper into the trail if you’re up for more exploring.

There’s a fruit stand near the entrance that serves fresh smoothies and local snacks, which was a nice treat after the walk. The trail can get muddy and slippery, so water shoes or hiking sandals are a must. This is one of the few waterfalls with facilities and food nearby, making it a great warm-up for the longer drive ahead.

Tip: Pair it with a stop at Waianapanapa State Park or use it as a starting point for your Maui itinerary.

2. Waikani Falls (Three Bears)

• Mile Marker 19, Hana Highway
• Access: Roadside view (best from bridge)
• Swimmable: Not recommended
• Trail Difficulty: Moderate (unofficial, slippery path)
• Best For: Photos and a quick stop

Nicknamed the “Three Bears” for its trio of cascading drops (big, medium, and small), Waikani Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Maui and for good reason. It spills over mossy rocks into a lush green valley, and the layered falls give it a picture-perfect, storybook look.

You can view the falls directly from the Hana Highway bridge. Although some travelers do attempt to hike down to the base, I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re experienced and conditions are dry. The path is steep, slippery, and not officially maintained. I was happy to admire it safely from above especially since the water was roaring after recent rainfall.

Tip: Park a little further down the road and walk back cautiously for the best angle. It’s a great stop for stretching your legs and snapping a postcard-worthy photo.

3. Upper Waikani Falls

• Trail Difficulty: Moderate (steep, unofficial path)
• Access: Unmarked trail just past the bridge
• Swimmable: Yes (if accessed safely)

Often confused with Waikani Falls, “Upper Waikani” is the name used when referring to accessing the base of the Three Bears. There’s an unmarked trail just after the bridge that some hikers use to reach the pool below.

I gave it a try once, and while the trail was short, it was muddy, narrow, and required scrambling over rocks. If you’re not steady on your feet, it might be better to skip this and enjoy the view from above. That said, the pool at the bottom is tranquil, and standing directly below the falls makes you appreciate just how tall and powerful they really are.

Tip: Avoid after rain. The rocks become dangerously slick.

4. Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park

• Mile Marker 22.5, Hana Highway
• Trail Difficulty: Easy
• Access: Large parking lot, restrooms available
• Swimmable: Yes (designated areas only)
• Good For: A scenic rest and picnic break

This little gem is more than just a waterfall it’s a proper state-maintained rest stop with picnic tables, restrooms, and shaded benches. The main waterfall is just a few steps from the lot, making it super accessible even for kids or older travelers.

There’s a short paved path that leads you to the first viewing area, but if you keep going, you’ll find a few more small waterfalls and streams tucked into the rainforest. It’s one of the safest and easiest spots to enjoy a quick waterfall swim, with calmer pools and clearer access.

Tip: Bring a picnic lunch! This is a perfect halfway stop on your Road to Hana adventure, especially if you’re following my 1-day Maui itinerary.

5. Hanawi Falls

• Mile Marker 24, Hana Highway
• Access: Best viewed from the bridge
• Swimmable: No (dangerous currents)
• Trail Difficulty: Not accessible for hiking

This is one of the more dramatic roadside waterfalls I saw, especially after a night of heavy rain. You’ll hear it before you see it Hanawi Falls rushes beneath the Hana Highway bridge and crashes into a deep ravine below.

There’s no safe hiking trail to the base, but the view from the bridge is absolutely worth the stop. Be careful if you pull over there’s limited shoulder space. I waited until I found a safe pull-out just beyond the bridge, then walked back for a closer look. The energy here was intense and wild.

Tip: Don’t try to descend the cliffs to get closer. It’s not worth the risk. Bring a zoom lens instead for a safer photo op.

6. Makapipi Falls

• Mile Marker 25, Hana Highway
• Access: Bridge viewpoint (you drive over it)
• Swimmable: No
• Best For: Unique top-down view

Makapipi Falls is one of the more unique waterfall stops on the Hana Highway because you actually drive over the top of it. The view is from above straight down into the steep gorge where the falls cascade over sharp lava rock.

At first, I didn’t even realize I had passed a waterfall. I doubled back, parked a short walk away, and stood on the bridge to look down. The contrast between the black rock and white water makes for a dramatic photo. If it hasn’t rained recently, the flow might be low but it’s still a fascinating perspective.

Tip: There’s no signage, so keep your GPS or offline map handy. And watch for traffic if walking on the bridge it’s narrow.

7. Wailua Falls

• Just past Mile Marker 45, Hana Highway
• Height: ~80 feet
• Swimmable: Not recommended (slippery rocks + strong current)
• Best For: Postcard-perfect photos

This waterfall made me stop in my tracks. Wailua Falls is one of the most iconic and photogenic waterfalls in all of Maui cascading down in a wide sheet of water, framed by dense jungle on all sides.

There’s a designated pull-off with parking and a safe viewing area, which makes it a great photo stop. While there’s a narrow path to the base, I stayed up top recent rains had made the rocks dangerously slick. Still, just watching the power of the water from the viewpoint was enough to make it one of my favorite memories on the Hana Highway.

Tip: Visit in the early morning to catch the best light filtering through the trees. It also tends to get crowded with tour vans later in the day.

Beyond Hana: Waimoku Falls & Ohe’o Gulch

8. Waimoku Falls

• End of Pipiwai Trail, Haleakalā National Park – Kipahulu District
• Trail Difficulty: Moderate (4 miles round trip)
• Height: ~400 feet
• Swimmable: No
• Trail Highlight: Bamboo forest

This hike was one of the absolute highlights of my trip. After driving all the way past Hana, the Pipiwai Trail takes you on a journey through tropical rainforest, past massive banyan trees, and then into a bamboo grove that felt otherworldly.

The final payoff is Waimoku Falls a towering, almost surreal 400-foot drop down a sheer cliff face. You can’t get super close (the rocks at the base are unstable), but standing in the clearing and listening to the thunder of the water was a moment I’ll never forget.

Tip: Bring bug spray and water, and wear solid hiking shoes the trail is muddy and involves a few stream crossings. Consider combining this with a visit to ʻOheʻo Gulch nearby.

9. ʻOheʻo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools)

• Near Kipahulu, inside Haleakalā National Park
• Trail Difficulty: Easy loop trail
• Swimmable: Sometimes check NPS alerts
• Best For: Scenic pools and a peaceful walk

This spot has been called the “Seven Sacred Pools,” though there are actually more than seven. What I loved most was how peaceful it felt here in the early morning. Pools of water cascade from one level to the next, framed by black lava rock and dense greenery. When the pools are open, it’s a rare chance to swim in a waterfall-fed stream that’s monitored and managed.

Swimming is often closed after rain (due to flash flood risk), so check the National Park Service site or visitor center ahead of time. Even when closed, the short loop trail makes it a beautiful place to stretch your legs and take photos.

Tip: Park once and do both the Pipiwai Trail and ʻOheʻo Gulch in one visit. Your National Park pass covers both.

Other Gorgeous Maui Waterfalls

10. Alelele Falls

• Alelele Road, Kipahulu (south of Hana)
• Trail Difficulty: Easy (10–15 minutes)
• Swimmable: Yes (usually safe in dry weather)
• Access: Unpaved road, 4WD recommended

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to go beyond the typical Road to Hana stops, Alelele Falls is a quiet little gem worth the detour. I drove down the rough road slowly (it helps to have a Jeep or something with clearance), parked near the bridge, and followed a short trail that led straight to the falls.

The trail is less crowded, and when I went in the afternoon, I had the place to myself. The falls tumble into a wide, shallow pool that’s ideal for a cooling dip. Just be aware that heavy rain can make this trail unsafe due to flash flooding.

Tip: If you’re looking for a non-touristy experience, this one feels like a secret locals’ spot. Bring water shoes and your swimsuit and check weather conditions before heading in.

Here’s the final detailed expansion for the remaining waterfalls in your Maui guide (11–13), keeping everything warm, descriptive, and aligned with your Travel with Zee brand voice and formatting style:

11. Makamakaʻole Falls

• 13 Crossings Trail, West Maui Mountains
• Trail Difficulty: Moderate to hard (stream crossings + rocky trail)
• Swimmable: Yes (in calm weather)
• Access: Off Kahekili Highway; parking along roadside

This one is a bit of an adventure and one of the few lush waterfalls in West Maui, away from the popular Road to Hana route. I’d read about the “13 Crossings Trail,” and it did not disappoint. True to its name, the trail crosses a winding stream over a dozen times. That meant hopping over rocks, navigating muddy sections, and getting my feet wet totally worth it.

The reward? A multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by dense jungle, without the tour bus crowds. The trail is a bit rugged, so wear hiking shoes with grip, and bring a towel in case you slip into the water (like I did). Combine this with a day exploring nearby Lahaina or Kahului.

Tip: This trail is best tackled in dry weather. After rain, water levels rise quickly and can make crossings slippery or dangerous.

12. Honokohau Falls

• Remote West Maui Mountains (Honokohau Valley)
• Access: Only visible by helicopter
• Height: ~1,100 feet (tallest waterfall in Maui)
• Best For: Scenic flights and aerial views

This is Maui’s tallest waterfall but it’s not one you’ll reach by foot or car. Honokohau Falls is nestled deep in the remote valleys of the West Maui Mountains and can only be seen from above. I didn’t take the helicopter ride myself, but several travelers I met raved about the views.

The double-tiered drop is absolutely breathtaking in photos, and if you’re splurging on a scenic helicopter tour of Maui, this is one of the highlights. It’s often included in flight paths that also pass over Haleakalā or the sea cliffs of Moloka‘i.

Tip: Choose a morning flight for the best visibility, as clouds tend to roll in during the afternoon.

13. Haipuaʻena Falls

• Mile Marker 11.5, Hana Highway
• Trail Difficulty: Easy (5–10 minutes)
• Swimmable: Yes
• Vibe: Quiet and under-the-radar

This little-known spot ended up being one of my favorite “secret” finds on the Hana drive. Tucked away between Twin Falls and the more popular stops, Haipuaʻena Falls is easily missed if you’re not looking for it. I pulled over at the small shoulder, followed the short path through the trees, and emerged into a peaceful clearing with a waterfall spilling into a calm pool.

There were only two other people there when I visited, and we all quietly agreed to let each other have the space. The setting felt almost sacred fern-covered rocks, jungle all around, and cool mist in the air.

Tip: This is a great option if Twin Falls is packed. It feels just as refreshing and is often much quieter. Perfect for a mid-morning swim or photo break.

Bonus: Iao Needle Waterfalls (Small Cascades near Iao Valley)

• Iao Valley State Monument, Central Maui
• Trail Difficulty: Easy paved walk
• Swimmable: No
• Pair With: Cultural visit to the valley

While the towering Iao Needle usually gets all the attention, the surrounding area is dotted with small, serene waterfalls that trickle down the valley walls and feed into the Wailuku River. I stopped here on a quieter day after exploring Makawao and Kihei, and it felt like a peaceful contrast to the jungle energy of the Hana Highway.

The trail is short and paved, making it a great option for families or travelers who want waterfall views without hiking.

Tip: Visit early in the morning for the best light and a more tranquil vibe.

Tips for Visiting Waterfalls in Maui

• Go early to avoid crowds (and secure parking)
• Wear water shoes the trails can be muddy and rocky
• Check weather alerts before going: flash floods are real
• Be respectful of no-trespassing signs and private land
• Bring a waterproof bag for your phone/camera
• Pair your adventure with a relaxing stop at a Maui state park or a beach in Kihei

Final Thoughts

Waterfall-hopping in Maui gave me a whole new appreciation for the island’s natural beauty. Whether you’re road-tripping around Hana or planning a 1-day itinerary from Kihei or Lahaina, these stops are totally worth it.

For more help planning your trip, check out:

• Best Things to Do in Maui
• Things to Do in Kihei
• Things to Do in Makawao
• Ultimate Maui Travel Guide

Next up? Maybe some snorkeling after a long hike.