The majority of the waterfalls on Maui are located near the Road to Hana on the east side of the island. Although many of the falls are located on the east side, there are also some located in West Maui. Witnessing the unique beauty of every waterfall on the island would be quite the feat for an ambitious adventure traveler. If you plan ahead, the goal of seeing every waterfall could definitely be possible.
East Maui
Upper Waikani Falls
The Upper Waikani Falls is a series of three large, side by side waterfalls. This group of waterfalls is also known as the Three Bears. The Upper Waikani Falls are very popular because they are so easy to see from the road. They are located right off of Hana Highway. The hike to get down by the falls is slippery at first but it gets much easier after the first couple of steps. Bring your swimming suit because the pool at the bottom of the falls is a great spot to take a swim and relax.Makapipi Falls
The Makapipi Falls waterfall is also located along Hana Highway near mile marker number 25. It offers a beautiful and unique vantage point that you do not get from very many waterfalls. You can view the cascading water from above. You see a bird’s eye view of the waterfall and its blue pool from the bridge that goes over the Makapipi stream.Twin Falls
Twin Falls is the first waterfall group along the Road to Hana at mile marker 2. There is a fruit stand by the entrance to the trail. The parking lot at the Twin Falls Farm Stand is usually pretty packed but most people stop exploring the area after they see the first waterfall. The waterfalls that are surrounded by swimmable pools are scattered all over the area. There are waterfalls of all different sizes to be discovered if you follow the foot trails off of the beaten path. This is a perfect place to stop if you want to enjoy the waterfalls but don’t have time for the full Road to Hana trip.Lower Puohokamoa Falls
The Lower Puohokamoa Falls is only a five-minute hike off the Road to Hana but the trail entrance is very easy to miss. So, if you don’t know that the 200-foot waterfall is there before you embark on your Hana Highway adventure, you will probably miss this gem. The only trail marker is a telephone pole near mile marker 10 on Hana Highway. Keep in mind that the trail is narrow and slippery but the view is more than worth it.Makahiku Falls
The Makahiku Falls is a 200-foot tall waterfall in Haleakala National Park. It is considered a horsetail waterfall because it keeps contact with the bedrock almost the whole way down. The water begins falling as a narrow stream and then widens towards the bottom, similar to the appearance of a horse’s tail. This waterfall located along the Pipiwai Trail, which is the same trail that Waimoku Falls is located on. It is in the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park.Waimoku Falls
The Waimoku Falls is a 400-foot tall waterfall located at the end of the Pipiwai trail. The hike to get here is 2 miles long, but once you get here you can stay for as long as you want and enjoy the view. Even if the flow isn’t raging, the sheer height of this waterfall is still incredible.Alelele Falls
Alelele Falls is also located at the end of a 10-minute long hiking trail in the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park. It is an 80-foot tall seasonal waterfall which means that it flows much more heavily during the rainy season on Maui. This isn’t a very well known waterfall so you will likely get to have the incredible view all to yourself. It is a good idea to bring your swimming suit because you can swim in the waterfall’s pool.Ohe’o Gulch
Ohe’o Gulch is also known as the Seven Sacred Pools at Ohe’o. It features seven swimming holes connected by waterfalls. These pools are currently closed so you are not able to swim in them but you can still see them within Haleakala National Park.Nemo Falls
This little-known waterfall and pool called Nemo Falls is located in Ko’olau Forest Reserve on Maui. Reaching the falls requires a fairly easy third of a mile hike through the Ko’olau Forest Reserve and then you have to cross a narrow utility footbridge. These multi-tiered falls and beautiful swimming pool are worth the effort needed to find them.Waikamoi Stream and waterfalls
This drive up waterfall and pool is located near mile marker 10 on Hana Highway. The best time to stop at the Waikamoi waterfall is right after a rainstorm because the flow increases significantly and is a breathtaking sight.Four Falls of Na’ili’ili Haele
You can hike through Bamboo Forest to reach the Four Falls of Na’ili’ili Haele. The falls are located on private property owned by the East Maui Irrigation Company (EMI). Before visiting this location, make sure to check the EMI website to make sure the falls are open during the time you want to visit.West Maui
Honokohau Falls
If you have time for a helicopter tour, you should definitely check out Honokohau Falls on West Maui. It is the tallest waterfall on Maui, standing at 1,119 feet tall. Unfortunately, it is located in a valley that is inaccessible by road or trail. It is only visible on a helicopter tour.Makamaka’ole Falls
Makamaka’ole Falls is one of the few waterfalls on the west side of the island that is accessible by land. It is 270 feet tall and can be viewed from the Waihe’e Ridge Trail. The lower falls portion of the waterfall is visible from Kahekili Highway. About the Author: Skyline Hawai’i offers unforgettable tours for the lover of natural beauty, the adventurous thrill-seeker, and everyone in between. Let us show you what the Aloha spirit is all about. For more information or to make your reservation today, visit: www.skylinehawaii.com.
