The 10 Best Waterfalls in Maui You Can’t Afford To Miss

Rifle Falls Colorado
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Written by Volia Schubiger

Updated: May 28, 2022

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Searching for beautiful, swimmable waterfalls? Then make Maui your next vacation destination. The northern and eastern regions of Maui are densely packed with wonderful sights to see, particularly along the famed “Road to Hāna.” But since there are so many waterfalls in Maui, you might have a hard time choosing which ones to visit.

We’ve narrowed down the list to include the 10 best waterfalls in Maui that you won’t want to miss out on. You’ll be blown away by a lot of the natural wonders on the island of Maui in Hawaii!

1. Twin Falls 

Maui Twin Falls

Twin Falls is the first waterfall and pool on the Road to Hana that can be reached easily.

Location:Maui County, Hawaii
Nearby Attractions:Leilani Farm Sanctuary
Animals to See:Chameleons, Mongoose

It’s no surprise that Twin Falls is one of the most popular waterfall treks on the island because it is the first large waterfall along the Hana Highway. Families tend to like the trip as it’s only a quarter-mile long. But the real beauty of Twin Falls is its circular pool that is hard to resist. A tranquil pool awaits at Twin Falls, where you should definitely take a soak and explore the region behind the falls for great views.

2. Waimoku Falls 

Haleakala National park in Maui

Waimoku Falls can be found on the Road to Hana, above Seven Sacred Pools, at the end of the Pipiwai Trail.

Location:Hana, Maui
Nearby Attractions:Haleakalā National Park
Animals to See:Bats, Nene Goose

Waimoku Falls in Haleakalā National Park in East Maui is a 400ft waterfall at the end of the 4-mile roundtrip Pipiwai Trail. It is one of the tallest waterfalls in Maui, and the dramatic scenery, along with the roaring sound of the water cascading, promises a unique experience. As you hike the 4-mile round trip Pipiwai Trail in Haleakalā National Park, you pass lush foliage, bamboo forests, and banyan trees. Also, this hike happens to offer some of the best views of the falls in Maui.

3. Wailua Falls

Kauai, Hawaii Islands, Wailua Falls

Wailua Falls is a majestic waterfall in Maui that is close to the highway so you won’t have to leave your car to see it.

Location:Maui County, Hawaii
Nearby Attractions:Haleakalā National Park
Animals to See:Hawaiian Pueo Owl, Ringneck Pheasant

A waterfall visible from the highway and near the Road to Hana, Wailua Falls is one of the most remarkable and accessible waterfalls in Maui. Located in thick tropical foliage, this waterfall flows 80 feet in two streams, making it Maui’s most photographed waterfall. Easy access makes it a good choice for families or those who don’t want to hike. Plus, the pool beneath the falls is the perfect place to cool off on a hot day. 

4. Punalau Falls

Location:Ke’anae, Maui
Nearby Attractions:Hana Highway
Animals to See:Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, Hawaiian Monk Seal

Located in the jungle, Punalau Falls is one hundred feet high and accessible from the Punalau Stream. Due to its secluded position, it is one of Maui’s hidden treasures. Since the falls aren’t visible from the road, they’re often overlooked on the Road to Hana, so there won’t be any crowds when you go visit. The falls are surrounded by volcanic boulders and partially submerged rocks, so take care when hiking near them.

5. Pua’a Ka’a Falls

Pua'a Ka'a Falls

Pua’a Ka’a Falls is one of the easiest waterfalls in Maui for kids to access.

Location:Haiku, Hawaii
Nearby Attractions:Pua’a Ka’a State Park
Animals to See:Ferrel Pigs, Tree-dwelling Rats

The waterfall here is perfect for swimming under if you want a classic Hawaiian swimming hole. In Hawaii, this park and waterfall are named for rolling pigs introduced by British settlers over 200 years ago. There are restrooms and picnic tables set up at the falls, so it’s a great place to relax and hang out – especially with the family.

6. Honokohau Falls

Honokohau Falls

Honokohau Falls is said to be the tallest waterfall in Maui.

Location:Western Maui
Nearby Attractions:Honokohau Bay
Animals to See:Geckos, Snakes

The Honokohau Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Maui, with a total drop of 1100 feet. This breathtaking waterfall is hidden deep within the West Maui highlands and can be difficult to reach by land. Helicopter trips offer the best opportunity to view this waterfall. It was even featured in the movie “Jurassic Park” because of its grandeur.

7. Upper Waikani Falls 

Upper Waikani Falls Maui Hawaii

Upper Waikani Falls has three beautiful waterfalls surrounded by lush vegetation and a scenic swimming hole.

Location:Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI
Nearby Attractions:Hana Highway
Animals to See:Scarlet Honeycreeper, Hawaiʻi ʻAmakihi

A visit to Upper Waikani Falls, also known as the Three Bears Falls, along the Road to Hana is a must for photographers and swimmers. There are three waterfalls in the area, surrounded by beautiful tropical vegetation and easily accessible on foot. Although there is a slight drop-off in order to reach the pools, you can just take a photo right off the road and be on your way if you’re not feeling adventurous!

8. Makamaka’ole Falls

Makamaka'ole Falls Maui, Hawaii

The Upper Makamaka’ole Falls, one of Maui Hawaii’s hidden beauties, is reached by the Makamakaole Stream Trail.

Location:Wailuku, Maui
Nearby Attractions:Maui Ocean Center
Animals to See:Humpback Whales, Hawaiian Monk Seal

Located on the island of Maui, Makamaka’ole, also called thirteen crossings, is a cool afternoon hike to a waterfall if you are feeling adventurous. Before reaching the multi-tiered Makamakaole Falls, which rise 270 feet in total, the path crosses the creek 13 times. The trail offers wonderful views of the waterfall and ends at its foot where you can swim.

9. Makahiku Falls

Makahiku falls view in Waimoku falls trail, Maui island, Hawaii

Makahiku Falls is one of Hawaii’s most spectacular waterfalls.

Location:Maui County, Hawaii
Nearby Attractions:Haleakalā National Park
Animals to See:Hawaiian Petrel, Japanese Bush-Warbler

In Oheo Gulch on Maui’s east coast, Makahiku Falls is a 184-foot waterfall located along the Pipiwai Trail. The waterfall is nestled among gorgeous foliage in the Haleakalā National Park and can be seen easily on the route to the bigger Waimoku Falls. A great surprise also awaits visitors. There is a path from the Makahiku Falls to a pool at the top of the falls that you can enjoy swimming in! 

10. Kopiliula Falls

Location:Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI
Nearby Attractions:Wai’anapanapa State Park
Animals to See:Yellow-billed Tropicbird, Laysan Albatross

Kopiliula Falls, also known as Kopihula Falls, is a stunning waterfall viewable from the road. Although you can see this waterfall from the road, hiking upstream along this flowing stream offers you a glimpse of several others. If you’re hiking out to Kopiliula Falls, watch out for slippery stones and muddy inclines.


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About the Author

Volia Schubiger is a freelance copywriter and content editor with a passion and expertise in content creation, branding, and marketing. She has a background in Broadcast Journalism & Political Science from CUNY Brooklyn College. When she's not writing she loves traveling, perusing used book stores, and hanging out with her other half.

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