20 Maui Waterfalls

Maui is abundant with stunning waterfalls due to its geography and climate. The waterfalls on Maui are in the East and Upcountry regions of the island, particularly along the Road to Hana. Their dramatic cascades and clear blue pools are a refreshing respite from the tropical heat. There are so many waterfalls on Maui because of the island’s volcanic landscape. The island summits at 10,000 feet (3,048 m) above sea level, creating a favourable rainfall environment while the rainfall supplies enough water for streams and rivers to flow, forming many waterfalls throughout the island.

Maui’s unique topography of mountains and valleys also contributes to the formation of waterfalls. The island’s streams and rivers flow from the highlands down to the lowlands, carving deep channels in the rock and creating many cascades and falls along the way. One of the most iconic waterfalls on Maui is Wailua Falls in the Upcountry region. This waterfall plunges over 80 feet into a large pool framed by lush vegetation and towering cliffs. Gorgeous! Another waterfall on Maui is the Twin Falls which has several smaller cascades and pools you can reach on a short hike through a bamboo forest.

Maui’s waterfalls are not only a result of natural forces but also reflect the island’s rich cultural heritage. The native Hawaiians recognise the importance of water and many waterfalls have become important cultural sites. The Hawaiians consider Waihee Waterfall the sacred home to a powerful spirit. The abundance of waterfalls on Maui also provides ecological benefits. Waterfalls create habitats for native plant and animal species, such as the endangered Hawaiian goose and the native o’o bird. Maui’s waterfalls and streams regulate the island’s water supply, feeding local communities with clean and fresh water. Here are the best Maui waterfalls:

20 Incredible Waterfalls In Maui

West Maui Waterfalls

1- Makamakaole Falls

Makamakaole Falls is known for its multiple tiers and stunning views of the surrounding rainforest.

It’s not easy to get to it as you’ll need to hike an unmarked trail along the Makamakaole Stream to get to the falls.

Waihee Ridge Trail is 3.7 miles (6 km) and 14 minutes by car from the trailhead at Makamakaole Stream in the Mauna Kahalawai (West Maui Mountains).

It ascends 2,563 feet (781 m), where you can see Makamakaole Falls on a clear day on the way to the top.

2- Honokohau Falls

Honokohau Falls is known for being the tallest waterfall on the island and is in the West Maui Mountains.

Its height of 1,100 feet (335 m) offers a breathtaking view of a scenic pool at the bottom.

Additionally, this famous waterfall was featured in Jurassic Park, adding to its allure and intrigue for visitors.

A helicopter tour of the falls offers breathtaking aerial views of the cascading waters and lush vegetation.

The Nakalele Blowhole is a natural wonder that shoots ocean water high and is 3 miles (4.8 km) away or eight minutes by car.

Check out the West Maui and Molokai Special 45-Minute Helicopter Tour.

Upcountry Maui Waterfalls

3- The Kings Gardens Maui

The Kings Gardens Maui is a privately-owned botanical garden in Haiku that features a variety of exotic plants and trees, as well as a small waterfall and stream that runs through the property.

Because it is a sacred and historically significant site, the physical address of The Kings Gardens is not publicly listed online.

Instead, driving directions are provided to visitors after their booking is made and verified.

The Twin Falls hike is only six minutes on foot.

4- Twin Falls

Twin Falls has the Twin Falls Maui Farm Stand at the trailhead leading from Hana Highway.

An access road runs beside Hoolawa Stream for about a mile (1.6 km) and you hike uphill to reach the two main tributaries of Hoolawa.

The path splits into two.

One path goes to the left towards the Hoolawa liili (Little Hoolawa) Stream and the other towards the Hoolawa nui (Big Hoolawa) Stream.

Maui Organic Farm Tours is 0.8 miles (1.3 km) or two minutes south by car.

5- Nemo Falls

Nemo Falls is a relatively unknown waterfall in the Koolau Forest Reserve in Kula, a charming Upcountry Maui town.

You hike 0.3 miles (0.48 km) through the forest reserve, cross a narrow utility footbridge, and climb down rock to reach these lovely multi-tiered waterfalls.

Despite the effort required to reach the falls, the multi-tiered falls and stunning swimming pool are a worthwhile sight to see.

Near Koolau Forest Reserve is the Road to Hana, Hana Cultural Center and Museum, Hamoa Beach, Waianapanapa State Park and the Garden of Eden Arboretum.

6- Haipuaena Falls

Haipuaena Falls is known for its tranquil setting, with a natural swimming pool at the base of the falls, perfect for cooling off on a hot day.

The waterfall is in the Koolau Forest Reserve in Haiku.

To reach the falls, visitors must take the Hana Highway and turn onto the Piilani Highway, a dirt road leading to the trailhead.

The hike to the falls is approximately 2 miles (3.22 km) round trip and can be challenging.

The Koolau Forest Reserve offers a variety of hiking trails and scenic vistas for visitors to explore.

Haipuaena Falls is near the Garden of Eden Arboretum, approximately 0.9 miles (1.5 km) or 20 minutes on foot.

7- Waikamoi Falls

Waikamoi Falls is 40 feet (12.2 m) and plunges into a clear pool.

You can explore the smaller cascading falls that lead up to the waterfall near the base of the one-lane bridge that crosses the Waikamoi Stream.

The walk to Waikamoi Falls is short and starts from the shoulder of Hana Highway, where there’s ample parking for visitors.

After a three-minute hike, you’ll reach a charming and intimate waterfall.

While the waterfall may be a trickle during dry weather, cliff jumping is still an exciting activity.

You’ll find tourists and locals enjoying the 17-foot (5.2-meter) jump.

The Garden of Eden Arboretum is 1.3 miles (2.1 km) or seven minutes southeast by car.

8- Upper Waikani Falls

Upper Waikani Falls, or Three Bears Falls, is a beautiful three-tiered waterfall known for its picturesque setting and the three distinct drops that cascade into a refreshing pool below.

Upper Waikani Falls is on the Hana Highway in Haiku, between mile markers 20 and 21.

Visitors can pull over to the side of the road to park before accessing the waterfall.
From there, it is a short walk down to the falls.

3 miles (4.8 km) from Upper Waikani Falls, Keanae Arboretum has over 150 varieties of native and tropical plants and two walking trails.

It is in Koolau Forest Reserve alongside the Piinaau Stream on taro cultivation terraces.

9- Kopiliula Falls

Kopiliula Falls is a stunning waterfall fed by a stream, which you have to hike to reach the falls and its pool.

It is well worth the effort to enjoy this secluded paradise.

Kopiliula Falls is off the Hana Highway, where there is a small parking area on the side of the road where visitors can park and take a short hike down to the falls.

Upper Waikani Falls is 2 miles (3.2 km) or six minutes northwest by car.

10- Wailua Iki Falls

Wailua Iki Falls is unique because it is in a secluded area and requires a short but moderately challenging hike.

The waterfall is tucked away in a lush rainforest setting and has a refreshing pool.

The moderately difficult trail winds 2.5 miles (4 km) through the rainforest and can take about two hours roundtrip.

Nearby attractions include the Pools of Oheo, also known as the Seven Sacred Pools.

11- Puaa Kaa Falls

Puaa Kaa Falls is a series of small waterfalls and cascades rather than one large waterfall.

It is near the road off the Hana Highway in Haiku, between mile markers 22 and 23, where you can park and access the falls.

It’s within a short drive from several other waterfalls, making it easy to go on a waterfall crawl if you’re driving yourself around in a rental car!

• Upper Waikani Falls is 3 miles (5 km) or ten minutes northwest by car.
• Hanawi Falls is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) or four minutes southeast by car.
• Makapipi Falls is 2.5 miles (4 km) or seven minutes southeast by car.
• Koolau Garden is 3 miles (5 km) or eight minutes southeast by car.

12- Hanawi Falls

Hanawi Falls stands at a stunning 200 feet (61 m) with lush vegetation that creates a dramatic tropical backdrop, making it my favourite and one of Maui’s most beautiful waterfalls.

Hanawi Falls, which does not have a known Hawaiian name, is fed by the Hanawi Stream which is supplied by a spring and flows into the ocean nine miles away.

The abundant water supply allows the Upper and Lower waterfalls to flow year-round, making it one of Hawaii’s most impressive and photographed waterfalls.

Photographers love visiting Hanawi Falls as it’s always gushing and perfect for taking photos. 

Hanawi Falls is off the Hana Highway at mile marker 24. 

13- Makapipi Falls

Makapipi Falls flows into a clear blue pool through a lava streambed.

When driving on the Hana Highway and passing over the bridge above Makapipi stream near mile marker 25, stopping and admiring the falls from the bridge railing is recommended.

To reach the location, park in a small pull-off just past the bridge and walk back onto the bridge to observe the falls from the makai side of the road.

The Ko Olau Forest Reserve is next to Makapipi Falls.

Hanawi Falls is 1 mile (1.6 km) or three minutes north by car, and Koolau Garden is 0.7 miles (1.1 km) or two minutes by car.

Looking for adventure? Try the Epic Waterfall Adventure (Best of Maui).

14- Nahiku Falls 

Nahiku Falls is a beautiful waterfall that cascades over a rocky cliff into a clear pool amidst a lush jungle.

Visit the falls and Nahiku Landing, which is a small beach cove at the end of a scenic road that passes through tropical forests and offers stunning ocean views.

Nahiku Road is a steep downhill road pass marker 25 on the Hana Highway past a bend in the highway.

With an annual rainfall of 300 inches (762 cm), Nahiku is a green paradise.

The road passes by Nahiku Village, which has a few houses and abandoned vehicles, and leads to Opuhano Point, a beautiful bay with breathtaking coastal views.

Looking over to the left is Honolulu Nui Bay, where you’ll see some of the best coastal views on the entire Hana Highway, extending back to Wailua.

Like many of these sites, Nahiku Falls and Nahiku Landing are experiencing over-tourism, so pass by this site if it is crowded, as there are many sites to enjoy.

Kahanu Garden, National Tropical Botanical Garden, is 9.5 miles (15.3 km) or 30 minutes away.

East Maui

15- Paihi Falls

Paihi Falls cascade 50 feet (15.2 m) into a pool.

If you start driving at mile marker zero and drive clockwise on the Road to Hana, Paihi Falls is one of the final waterfalls at mile marker 45.

Wailua Falls and Paihi Falls are both on the winding Road to Hana,

Visitors encounter 15 significant waterfalls and numerous smaller ones, making it an awe-inspiring sightseeing experience.

16- Wailua Falls

Wailua Falls is a stunning 80-foot (24.3 km) waterfall that is especially beautiful for photographers.

For those looking to capture the perfect photo, the waterfall’s unique setting, lush foliage, and the water cascading into a large pool below make it an ideal spot to take photos or capture memories.

Follow the Hana Highway and turn onto Highway 31, the Piilani Highway.

Beyond the 45th mile marker on Honolewa Stream (not Wailua Stream), Wailua Falls is often called Maui’s most photographed waterfall.

Hana is 7.3 miles (11.7 km) or 20 minutes northeast by car. Pepeiaolepo Beach is 1.8 miles (2.9 km) or 8 minutes south by car.

You’ll like this tour: Road to Hana, Black Sand Beach, Waterfalls & Turtles Tour.

17- Pools of Oheo

The Pools of Oheo, known as the Seven Sacred Pools, is a series of natural pools and waterfalls.

To get there, take the Hana Highway and park in the lot near the Kipahulu Visitor Center.

It is a short easy walk to the pools and waterfalls and there are several hiking trails.

The Pipiwai Trail goes through a bamboo forest past several waterfalls before arriving at the stunning 400-foot (122-meter) Waimoku Falls.

18- Makahiku Falls

Makahiku Falls is a stunning and picturesque waterfall 200 feet (61 m) high, surrounded by lush vegetation, making it a sight to behold.

This horseshoe waterfall in Haleakala National Park lies along the Oheo Gulch stream.

It is on the Pipiwai Trail in the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park in East Maui.

You’ll have to hike the 4-mile (6.44 km) round trip on the Pipiwai Trail to reach the falls, which will take about two to three hours.

Haleakala National Park has various attractions, including scenic drives, hiking trails, and breathtaking island views.

Nearby attractions include the Seven Sacred Pools (Oheo Gulch), natural pools and waterfalls, and the Kuloa Point Trail, which offers stunning coastline views.

19- Waimoku Falls

Waimoku Falls is about 400 feet (122 m), with lush forest surrounding it, making it a breathtaking sight.

Take the same trail as Makahiku Falls, which is closer and keep walking as the sight of Waimoku Falls is worth the effort. 

20- Seven Sacred Pools

The Seven Sacred Pools, known as the Oheo Gulch, is a series of natural pools and waterfalls in East Maui.

The Oheo Stream feeds the pools and offers a refreshing and tranquil place to cool off on a sweltering day.

21- Alelele Falls

Alelele Falls is a lesser-known but worth-visiting waterfall at the edge of Kipahulu Forest Reserve in Hana, off the Hana Highway, between mile markers six and seven.

You can park on the side of the road and hike down to the falls.

Alelele Falls is near Pipiwai Trail, which is 3.7 miles (6 km) or 14 minutes by car, and Mokulau Beach is 2.8 miles (4.5 km) and 12 minutes by car.