Maui could really be called the Waterfalls Isle.
There are dozens of waterfalls on Maui, from roadside falls to ones cascading from steep cliffs. A bunch are accessible without much effort, too. Here are some of the island’s best and most popular waterfalls.
Note: Check weather conditions before heading to any waterfall in Hawaiʻi. Flash floods can happen suddenly, and conditions can make the area muddy, slippery and dangerous.
Waimoku Falls
Waimoku Falls.
Photo: Getty Images/ChristiLaLiberte
This 400-foot waterfall is at the end of the picturesque Pīpīwai Trail, in the Kīpahulu area of Haleakalā National Park. The trail—4 miles roundtrip—is a trek through a forest, past another waterfall (the 185-foot Makahiku Falls) and through a magical bamboo grove before you get to Waimoku Falls. The trail can be muddy and slippery, but the payoff—the falls—is worth the extra effort.
Upper Waikani Falls
Upper Waikani Falls.
Photo: Getty Images/MNStudio
There are dozens of waterfalls off the winding Hāna Highway, aka the Road to Hāna. One of the most popular is Upper Waikani Falls—aka Three Bears—located near Mile Marker No. 19.6. It’s a series of three large, side-by-side falls that drop into a crystal-clear swimming hole.
ʻAlelele Falls
ʻAlelele Falls.
Photo: Getty Images/stockstudioX
One of the last waterfalls on the Road to Hāna (Hāna Highway) is ʻAlelele Falls. Getting here, though, requires a 15-minute hike along ʻAlelele Stream, located in Haleakalā National Park. Find it between Mile Markers 38 and 39. It’s a quick hike to the 50-foot falls, which spill into a secluded pool. Winter—or the rainy season—is the best time to view the falls, but it also makes the trek a little more difficult.
Twin Falls
Twin Falls.
Photo: Getty Images/ajack13
Easily the most popular waterfall along the Road to Hāna, Twin Falls is like a scene from a movie, with its jungle background and emerald pools. The falls, located just after Mile Marker No. 2, is often crowded with visitors, as it’s easily accessible. Wailele Farm Stand on the road marks its location—get fresh sugarcane juice and banana bread—and the family who owns the property has recently implemented a paid parking system to manage the crowd.
Honokōhau Falls
Honokōhau Falls.
Photo: Getty Images/Shobeir Ansari
Honokōhau Falls on the island’s west side is Maui’s tallest waterfall and only accessible via helicopter. The two-tiered fall plunges 1,100 feet into a deep and remove valley. It’s breathtaking from above, especially on a calm, clear day. Best to beat the the clouds and take a morning flight.
Wailua Falls
Wailua Falls.
Photo: Getty Images/M.M. Sweet
Just north of Līhuʻe, at the south end of the Wailua River, this 80-foot falls cascades into two streams. It’s easy to view from the road, and there’s lots of parking. Like other spectacular spots on Kauaʻi used as film locations, Wailua Falls is most recognized in the opening credits of the long-running television show “Fantasy Island.” Mornings are the best for viewing.