The Road to Hana on Maui winds through lush rainforests and coastal cliffs. Along the way, you will find some of Hawaii’s most beautiful waterfalls.
The best waterfalls on the Road to Hana offer a mix of easy roadside stops and hidden cascades along short trails. Travelers can enjoy quick views or take rewarding hikes.
From tall, dramatic drops to gentle pools perfect for a swim, each stop along the Hana Highway brings something unique to the trip.
Many visitors plan their route to include popular spots like Upper Waikani Falls and Wailua Falls. They also leave time to discover smaller, quieter waterfalls just off the main road.
These lesser-known spots provide a peaceful experience surrounded by Maui’s tropical scenery.
The journey includes stops, trails, and parks that make the drive special. With good planning, you can enjoy scenic overlooks, picnic spots, and safe swimming areas along the Hana Highway.
Top Must-See Waterfalls on the Road to Hana
Drivers on the Road to Hana can stop at several waterfalls with safe viewing areas and nearby parking. Some waterfalls are great for quick photos, while others invite longer visits for swimming or exploring trails.
Twin Falls
Twin Falls is one of the first Road to Hana waterfalls you will find, near mile marker 2. The falls sit on private farmland, but the owners allow public access during daylight hours.
A short, mostly flat trail leads to the lower falls, which are easy to reach. The upper falls require a longer walk and have a larger pool.
A small parking lot fills quickly in the morning. Portable restrooms and a farm stand selling fresh fruit and smoothies sit near the trailhead.
You can swim here, but always check water conditions before entering.
Upper Waikani Falls (Three Bears Falls)
Upper Waikani Falls, also called Three Bears Falls, sits around mile marker 19. Its nickname comes from the three side-by-side cascades that change with the rainfall.
You can see the falls from the bridge, making it a popular roadside photo stop. Parking is limited to a few pull-off spaces just past the bridge.
Some people climb down to the base, but the steep, slippery path is dangerous. Most visitors enjoy the view from above, where the falls drop into a clear pool surrounded by greenery.
Wailua Falls
Wailua Falls sits just past Hana near mile marker 45. Its tall, wide cascade and easy access make it one of Maui’s most photographed waterfalls.
A small parking area lets you walk only a few steps for a full view. The falls drop about 80 feet into a pool, which is sometimes open for swimming when conditions are safe.
The area is often busy in late morning and early afternoon. Early visits offer quieter surroundings and better lighting for photos.
Waimoku Falls
Waimoku Falls is the tallest Hana waterfall on this list, dropping about 400 feet. You’ll find it at the end of the 2-mile Pipiwai Trail in Haleakalā National Park’s Kipahulu District.
The hike passes through a bamboo forest, past smaller waterfalls, and along boardwalks. The trail is moderately challenging but well maintained.
Swimming at the base is not allowed because of falling rocks. Plan for at least 2–3 hours for the round trip hike, plus time to enjoy the views.
Parking requires a national park entrance fee, which also covers the nearby ʻOheʻo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools).
Hidden Gems and Lesser-Known Waterfalls
Some waterfalls along Maui’s Hana Highway are close to the road but attract fewer visitors. These spots offer easy stops for photos, short hikes, or a quiet break from driving.
Many have nearby pullouts, so you can visit without a long walk.
Haipua’ena Falls
Haipua’ena Falls is a small cascade between mile markers 11 and 12. It is just off the road and makes a good stop for those who want a short visit.
The pool is shallow and usually calm, so it’s better for wading than swimming. Many visitors stop for a few minutes to take photos before driving on.
Parking is limited to a small pullout. Early morning or late afternoon visits are quieter.
The surrounding greenery creates a peaceful setting, especially after light rain when the flow increases.
Hanawi Falls
Hanawi Falls, near mile marker 24, is one of the most photographed spots on the Hana Highway. You can see the upper falls from the bridge, where they cascade into a lush gorge.
This area gets heavy rainfall, which keeps the waterfall flowing all year. The water drops in several tiers, with the upper tier most visible from the road.
Parking is very limited, and stopping on the bridge is not allowed. Use the designated pullouts to enjoy the view safely.
On clear mornings, sunlight often highlights the mist rising from the falls.
Waikamoi Falls
Waikamoi Falls sits near mile marker 10 and is easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. A small pullout near the bridge offers a quick view of the falls and the pool below.
You can see the lower falls from the road. The upper falls require a short, sometimes muddy trail.
The rocks can be slippery after rain, so use caution. This spot is less crowded, making it a good choice for a brief stop.
Dense vegetation adds to its secluded feel.
Makapipi Falls
Makapipi Falls is unique because you can stand directly above it and look down at the water dropping into a blue-green pool. It is located near mile marker 25, just after a narrow bridge.
The top-down view gives a different perspective from most waterfalls on the Hana Highway. The pool below is framed by dark volcanic rock, creating a striking contrast with the water.
There is no formal trail to the base, and access can be dangerous. Most visitors enjoy the view from the bridge.
After heavy rain, the flow becomes more powerful and photogenic. For details on nearby stops, check this guide to the best Road to Hana waterfalls.
Waterfall Adventures: Parks, Trails, and Scenic Stops
Along Maui’s Hana Highway, you’ll find waterfalls paired with parks, gardens, and coastal trails. Some stops offer short walks to viewing areas.
Others have swimming spots, picnic tables, and scenic overlooks of the rainforest and ocean.
Pua’a Ka’a Falls and State Wayside Park
Pua’a Ka’a Falls sits inside Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Park, a small rest area on the Hana Highway. The park has restrooms, picnic tables, and paved paths, making it a convenient stop for drivers.
You can take a short walk to the lower falls, which are visible from the road. A small pool at the base often attracts swimmers, but water conditions can change quickly after rain.
The upper falls require crossing the stream, which may be slippery. The park’s location about halfway to Hana makes it a good place to stretch, enjoy lunch, and take in the rainforest views.
Puohokamoa Falls and Garden of Eden
Puohokamoa Falls is best viewed from the Garden of Eden Arboretum, a botanical garden with paved paths and ocean lookouts. The garden charges an entry fee but provides safe parking and maintained trails.
You can see the upper falls from a viewpoint inside the garden. The lower falls are visible from the Hana Highway bridge.
Both are surrounded by thick vegetation, adding to the scenic backdrop.
The Garden of Eden also features labeled tropical plants, peacocks, and panoramic overlooks of the coastline. It’s a good stop for those who want both waterfall scenery and curated gardens.
Seven Sacred Pools at Ohe’o Gulch
The Seven Sacred Pools, or Pools of ‘Ohe’o, are inside Haleakalā National Park near Hana. A short walk on the Kuloa Point Trail leads to a series of tiered pools connected by small waterfalls.
When safe, visitors may wade or swim in the lower pools. The area also has ocean views and a large banyan tree along the trail.
Nearby, the Pipiwai Trail climbs into a bamboo forest leading to Waimoku Falls, though this is a longer hike. The pools are popular, so visit early to avoid crowds.
Tips for Enjoying the Road to Hana Waterfalls
You can make the most of your Maui vacation by planning your trip along the Hana Highway with timing, safety, and preparation in mind. Knowing when to go, how to handle one-lane bridges, and what to bring helps make each waterfall stop enjoyable.
Best Times to Visit and Safety Considerations
Early morning is usually the best time to see the waterfalls with fewer people. Leaving Paia before 8 a.m. helps drivers avoid traffic and tour buses.
This also gives you more time to explore at your own pace.
Rain can increase water flow but also makes trails slippery. Wear sturdy shoes and watch for warning signs.
Some trails may close after heavy rain for safety.
Driving the Hana Highway takes focus. Sharp curves and narrow shoulders mean you should drive slowly and avoid sudden stops.
Pull over only in designated areas to take photos.
Navigating One-Lane Bridges
The Hana Highway has more than 40 one-lane bridges. Drivers yield to oncoming traffic if another car is already on the bridge.
A simple rule is: first to arrive, first to cross.
Patience is important. Waiting a few seconds can prevent accidents and keep traffic moving.
Many bridges are near scenic spots, so slowing down gives passengers a better view.
Making eye contact or giving a wave to other drivers helps keep the drive friendly and stress-free.
What to Pack for Your Waterfall Adventure
The right items make your trip more comfortable. Use a small daypack to carry essentials and save space in the car.
Suggested items:
- Reusable water bottle
- Snacks or light lunch
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Towel and change of clothes
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
If you plan to swim, bring water shoes for rocky streambeds. Use a waterproof phone case to protect your devices from splashes at popular spots like Twin Falls.
Bring cash for roadside fruit stands along the route. Many stands do not accept cards, and fresh fruit makes a great snack between stops.
