Best Maui Waterfalls (Part I)

“Wai” means water in Hawaiian…

…which is why most waterfall names begin with these three letters.

Escape into the luscious rainforest and discover magical waterfall after waterfall on the breathtaking island of Maui. Known for endless hidden gems and stunning Maui waterfalls, many visible from a car window, the Road to Hana in East Maui, offers a variety of flowing masterpieces. If you prefer to work for your reward, there are hikes ending in waterfalls with epic swimming holes and postcard-worthy views of water crashing down from hundreds of feet in the sky. Popular spots, like Twin Falls, Maui, entice visitors with easily accessible swimming spots, waterfalls, and refreshments.

Most waterfalls are found on or near the Road to Hana, the luscious rainforest area on the East side of Maui. As tourism has increased in this area of the island, there have been many pros and cons for locals. Please be incredibly respectful while you visit and leave no trace—even better, bring a bag to collect any trash you see on the trails. DO NOT park in the roadways and NEVER take rocks or plants and stay on trails to protect native wildlife. Plan ahead and map out your waterfall destinations to maximize your time in Maui.

Ditch the Slippahs

Invest in some water shoes as many adventures call for crossing streams or entice you into swimming holes with uncomfortably rocky bottoms.

Prefer to see Maui waterfalls by helicopter? There are several services on island that offer tours that don’t require any hiking and all the sights. Blue Hawaiian and Air Maui are excellent options.

Without further ado, here are some of our favorite Maui waterfalls.

MAKAMAKAʻOLE FALLS
(MA • KAH • MA • KAH • OH • LAY)

Also known as “13 Crossings,” the hike to this gorgeous waterfall in the West Maui Forest Reserve in Wailuku, leads you back and forth across a cool, flowing stream that feels great on hiking feet. Wear shoes you can get wet, as there are too many rocks to go barefoot and your sneakers will get soaked, making for super squishy steps.

This is one of the only falls that is on the west side of Maui that you can get to by land. Its 270 foot, multi-tiered masterpiece of pounding water is even visible from the picturesque Waiheʻe ridge trail, which is definitely worth a hike (check out more hike suggestions here). Be equipped with bug spray, water, and walking sticks for surer footing.

Location/Parking:  Look for the look-out/pull-out on the left as you come downhill on Kahekili Highway just past the Waihe’e ridge entrance. Coming from the NW mid-way down hill on the road there’s a look out/pull out on your left with tall grass and a narrow opening. You’ve gone too far if you’re in the ravine crossing the bridge.

Hike Directions: Put aside at least two hours to hike in the thick tropical brush on an easily defined foot path for about 0.9 mi, then take the fork to the right 0.1 mi to get to Makamakaʻole Falls. There’s a second pool to the left if you back track and head the other way. If you continue on, you can keep following the stream to an impressive banyan tree and to its roots as a ladder to go down to the third swimming hole/waterfall on its left side.

WAILUA FALLS
(WHY • LOO • AH)

A refreshing stop at Wailua Falls on the Road to Hana.

You may recognize this serene scene from your friend’s Maui vacation photos. Because Wailua Falls is visible from the side of the road and has a convenient parking spot, it’s one of the most photographed waterfalls on Maui. Stop at this sweet spot between the Haleakala National Park in Kipahulu and Hana and take a look from the bridge right across from the parking, possibly even feeling mist on your face from the nearby 85-foot falls. Admire the massive bamboo and tropical flora, while still watching your step to protect native plants.

Local vendors may be set up with jewelry, fresh fruit, or unique gifts that would be treasured by friends or family back home. Beware of cars as you cross the road to dive into a better view of the water spilling over this magical Maui cliff.

Location/Parking: Just past mile marker 45, you’ll usually see tour buses, vans, and plenty of rental cars pulled over on the left after the narrow bridge on this popular curve with the magnificent falls to the right (heading towards Hana).

Hike Directions: For a closer look, follow the short path on the right side of the bridge facing Wailua Falls. Watch your footing and walk the quick hike to the peaceful spot filled with the sound of falling water, gentle mist, and a swimming hole to cool off in.

WAIMOKU FALLS
(WHY • MOH • KOO)

Inhale the scent of fresh rainforest as you trek amongst native Kukui trees, guava forests, magical banyan trees, and tropical ferns, along the Pipiwai trail. Not only are you rewarded with the cascading 400-foot Waimoku Falls at the end of the trail, but you can glimpse the impressive 200-ft Makahiku Falls from a short hike in on the right side. Tilt your head all the way back and try to catch a glimpse of the cliff that houses this enormous water feature that pounds the earth so hard, you can feel it through your whole body.

Waimoku translates to “powerful water” and is the tallest waterfall in the Hawaiian islands accessible by land. It’s extremely dangerous to stand under this beauty, as falling rocks could make for a dangerous selfie. Enjoy the mist from a nearby distance as you fuel up with snacks and water for the similarly scenic way back down.

Parking: Waimoku Falls is located inside Haleakala National Park, Kipahulu District, which means plenty of parking and a required admission fee. This hike is worth every penny of the $30 entry fee and feels good to know you’re helping support this incomparable spot of surreal beauty. 

Hike Directions: Head uphill from the parking lot and across the street (a bit to the right) to find the trail’s beginning. Be prepared to spend a few hours on this hike, as it’s 3.4 miles out and back with a bit of a climb and an impressive ending that you’ll want to admire for at least 20+ minutes.

We’ll share more of our favorites with Best Maui Waterfalls (Part II), coming soon! Still have questions? Reach out to Li Hay for any of your Maui real estate needs or waterfall suggestions.

Maui Waterfall FAQs

Can I wear flip-flops/slippers?

We highly recommend investing in thick-soled strap sandals or heavy water shoes for any of these recommended Maui waterfall hikes. Pro tip: keep your rubber slippers in the car to free up your feet after your hike. One exception: at Twin Falls, Maui, you can get away with wearing just “slippahs.”

Do Maui waterfalls allow for swimming?

There’s no single answer to this question, as each waterfall has different features and are safer in certain seasons (dry season vs wet season). Please do your due diligence and research before you head out. Twin Falls, Maui tends to flood in the wet season, along with many of the Road to Han waterfalls—never enter the water while it’s raining to avoid flash floods.

How many waterfalls are on Maui?

There’s really no way to count them all, but you’ll find a majority of Maui waterfalls on the scenic and peaceful Road to Hana. Please be respectful of local cars and pull over if you’ve got someone on your tail.