15 Best Maui Waterfalls To Visit (+ Map, Hikes & Tours)
Waterfalls of Maui!
I consider no vacation to Hawaii complete without a visit to one of its many stunning waterfalls, and Kauai and Maui are probably the two main islands with thousands to choose from!
Most of the best waterfalls in Maui are easily accessible, either viewable directly from the road or along relatively easy hikes, unlike Kauai, where most of the island is undeveloped, and we needed to take a helicopter ride to see the best waterfalls.
Not only that, many of the best Maui waterfalls are stops on the road to Hana, a must-drive 64-mile stretch of road on every visitor’s itinerary.
Adventure tourist seeking thrills?
We have the best Maui waterfall tours for you: helicopter rides to view the tallest Maui waterfall, rappelling down Maui waterfalls and rainforest cliffs, cliff jumping into natural waterfall pools or viewing waterfalls from horseback!
Hiking your thing? You’ll love this too!
Some of the best hikes on Maui are waterfall hikes that include stunning waterfalls. Our three favorite Maui hikes: the Pipiwai Trail, the Waihee Ridge Trail and the Twin Falls Trail are three of the best Maui waterfall hikes!
Come join us in a virtual exploration of the best Maui waterfalls, and pick a few to add to your itinerary – you won’t be disappointed!
Planning a trip to Maui? Sunrise at the top of the Haleakala crater is a magical experience you will remember long after your visit!
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Best Maui Waterfalls
If you have time to see only one waterfall in Maui, let that be the impressive Waimoku Falls, where you can get quite close to the 400-foot waterfall.
Actually I’m lying, to get to Waimoku Falls on the Pipiwai Trail you have to pass the 180-foot Makahiku Falls, that you can see from an overlook, in the distance.
So you get to see two stunning Maui waterfalls, and enjoy an unbelievable rainforest hike on the Pipiwai Trail!
If you don’t have time for waterfall hikes on Maui, your best options are the Wailua Falls or the Upper Waikani Falls, both of which can be viewed from the road or your car.
If you are ok with smaller, easy Maui waterfall hikes (about 1 mile round trip), the Makahiku Falls, the Ohe’o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) and the Twin Falls are good options, with great natural beauty along the hikes.
If you have smaller kids and wanting Maui waterfalls you can swim in, your best option is the Pua’a Ka’a Falls – smaller, multiple waterfalls with natural swimming pools at their base, in a state wayside park with facilities.
Our kids had a ball splashing around at the base of Pua’a Ka’a Falls!
>> Book these 5-star rated, highly popular, Maui Tours now!
1. Waimoku Falls
Waimoku Falls, the final destination of the Pipiwai Trail, is one of the best Maui waterfalls, a must see waterfall on any visit to Maui island!
Though at the end of the road to Hana, we listed this first to make sure you allow enough time! Not only do you get to see a gorgeous waterfall, you also get to enjoy one of the best waterfall hikes on Maui, if not THE best Maui waterfall hike!
Hiking the Pipiwai Trail, we barely noticed the time – there is so much to keep you absorbed: lush rainforest jungle, picturesque bridges over multiple streams, smaller, but enchanting, waterfalls along the way, and an epic banyan tree reminiscent of the Lahaina banyan tree.
Though we’ve visited Waimoku Falls on every trip to Maui, we see something new along the way each time! Last time we spotted a Chinese hwamei, one of the pretty Hawaiian forest birds introduced into Hawaii, and frequently sighted along the trail.
We trained our kids to spot some easily identifiable Hawaiian plants, and they were able to find native towering koa trees, forming part of the rainforest canopy, and hala trees, with their characteristic tufted aerial roots.
Haven’t seen a bamboo forest? You are in for a treat towards the end of the trail: a dense bamboo forest! Looking at these thin stalked trees soaring to the skies, can you even believe bamboo is a kind of grass?
We could hear the thunder from the waterfall echoing through the bamboo forest as we approached the majestic 400-foot Waimoku Falls.
Waimoku in Hawaiian stands for “water that breaks in two,” a common occurrence after rains.
Last time we visited, it was just after torrential rains, and we were treated to an unforgettable spectacle of numerous waterfalls forming an epic weeping wall over ancient lava!
Because of the danger from falling rocks, Waimoku Falls is not one of the swimming waterfalls in Maui, and there are signs warning against going to the base pool.
The Pipiwai Trail and Waimoku Falls are part of the Haleakala National Park, you can refer to our detailed guides on visiting Haleakala National Park and hiking the Pipiwai Trail to plan your trip.
The Pipiwai Trail, along with the Sliding Sands Trail through the surreal, Mars-like, Haleakala crater basin in the Summit District of the Haleakala National Park, are the two most popular hikes on Maui!
>> Book these 5-star rated, highly popular, Maui Tours now!
2. Makahiku Falls
About .5 miles into the Pipiwai Trail, you will reach an overlook at the top of a small hill, a perfect vantage point for an awe-inspiring spectacle of the 180-foot Falls of Makahiku, in the distance!
At its most majestic after rains, Makahiku Falls is quintessential Hawaii, a stunning waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, and rainforest jungle covering almost every foot of the cliff and valleys, a perfect photo for our kids’ Instagram!
Makahiku means “cathedral-like cliffs” in Hawaiian, referring to the upward views of the waterfall cliffs from the bottom.
Looking down below, we could only wonder in awe at the valleys sculpted by the falling waters into the Ohe’o Gulch, again covered with dense rainforest foliage.
At a relatively short, 1-mile roundtrip distance, we felt Makahiku Falls is one of the more accessible Maui waterfalls, while offering a quick taste of rainforest waterfall hikes on Maui.
>> Book these 5-star rated, highly popular, Maui Tours now!
3. Honokohau Falls
The lush islands of Hawaii were the setting for many a scene in the famous Jurassic Park movie series, and no other landscape more readily reflects the primordial forests than that of the stunning Honokohau Falls, one of the best waterfalls of Maui, set in the West Maui mountains.
At a towering 1,100 feet, the Honokohau Falls is likely Maui’s tallest waterfall, and is one of the few waterfalls on Maui that is not on the Hana highway!
In fact, it is not on any road or trail, and is located in the middle of a deep, impenetrable valley in the West Maui Forest Reserve.
The only way to see the magnificent Honokohau Falls is via a helicopter tour. We took this Molokai and Maui Helicopter Tour, a roughly one-hour tour over the two beautiful islands!
Words cannot describe the epic views from the helicopter, and we got an amazing aerial perspective of the towering coastal cliffs, the emerald-green valleys and the lush rainforests! We even saw whales and spinner dolphins breaching the ocean surface.
>> Check pricing and availability on the Molokai and Maui Helicopter Tour now!
>> Book these 5-star rated, highly popular, Maui Tours now!
4. Twin Falls
Driving clockwise on the road to Hana from Kahului, you’ll arrive at Twin Falls just a few miles past the town of Paia (mile marker 2).
The waterfalls (Lower and Upper Twin Falls) and the Twin Falls Trail are on private property (Wailele Farm), and the owners have graciously let visitors hike the trail to the waterfalls.
You can buy some of their delicious banana bread or coconut milk ice cream from their farm stand, or make a donation to support them!
The first waterfall, the Lower Twin Falls is quite close to the parking lot, while the second one, the Upper Twin Falls is a relatively short, 1-mile roundtrip hike.
Upper Falls is also called Caveman Falls, reflecting the large, natural cave-like space under the falls.
The hike to the Upper Falls is a pleasant rainforest hike, and we spotted banyan trees, bamboo, hibiscus plants and flowers, and native plants like ti, with its pretty purplish leaves, originally brought by the ancient Polynesians to the Hawaiian islands in their seafaring canoes.
Refer to our guide on Hawaiian plants, trees and flowers to identify these on the trail.
Be aware you are in an area prone to flash flooding, and the trail to the Upper Falls may be closed. We had to navigate stream crossings on the short hike, and you can expect to end up with wet shoes or feet!
We took a refreshing dip in the inviting waters of the base pools of either falls, and typically you’ll see some locals cliff jumping into the pools. Obviously, this is quite dangerous with rocks in the water, sometimes hidden below the surface.
The Twin Falls is a popular stop on the road to Hana, and I strongly recommend you reach there early in the morning (opens at 7 am) to avoid the crowds and find parking.
>> Book these 5-star rated, highly popular, Maui Tours now!
5. Upper Waikani Falls
Also on the road to Hana just past mile marker 19, and visible from the road, is the 70-foot Upper Waikani Falls, one of the better waterfalls on the road, and definitely worth stopping if you can find parking.
Usually with three distinct cascades (hence the nickname, Three Bears Falls), Waikani Falls is one of the few accessible waterfalls on Maui that we could enjoy without hiking.
Due to its easy accessibility on this heavily trafficked road, the Upper Waikani Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls on Maui!
We scrambled down a slippery trail to the base pool to take a dip in the water, but be cautious, especially if the flow is high!
The foliage surrounding Waikani Falls is stunning, with dense green vegetation consisting of ferns, grass and rainforest trees.
6. Hanawi Falls
Yet another waterfall on the road to Hana (mile marker 24), Hanawi Falls is one of the few Maui waterfalls that flow through the year, though the water flow can vary dramatically.
We visited when the water flow was good, and there were 2-3 separate cascades as shown in the picture, with an overall fall of about 200 feet. Very pretty!
We saw some of the more adventurous souls head down for a dip in the plunge pool below the falls on the right side, but there is no easy trail down.
When we went, there was a rope to help you get down to the base pool, and climb back. The upside – very few other people in the pool, and the water here is usually crystal clear!
If you are crunched for time, Hanawi Falls is one of the few waterfalls on Maui that can be safely admired from your car, and the best spot is the historic road bridge over the exiting water stream.
>> Book these 5-star rated, highly popular, Maui Tours now!
7. Wailua Falls
Not to be confused with the one on Kauai, Wailua Falls is one of the most photographed Maui waterfalls, easily accessible for viewing from the road, without any hiking!
Wailua Falls is one of my favorite stops on the road to Hana, just past the mile marker #45, and I highly recommend you stop here, one of the few stops on the road with a lot of parking!
Best observed after rains or in the wet winter season when the flow is at its highest, Wailua Falls plunges down a rocky cliff surrounded by lush rainforest vegetation.
The 80-foot Wailua Falls is one of the taller waterfalls on the road to Hana.
There is a narrow pathway down to the pool at the base of Wailua Falls, and we saw some selfie-seeking junkies standing in the water taking photos.
The dip in the crystal clear waters was quite refreshing!
We were so hungry after the swim, the nearby vendor stands and food trucks were a boon! Some of the local fruits were fresh and delicious.
8. Ohe’o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools)
Part of the Haleakala National Park, the Ohe’o Gulch, sometimes called the Seven Sacred Pools or the Pools of Oheo (or just the Seven Waterfalls Maui), is a series of pretty, terraced cascades tumbling through the gulch, forming the intermediate, sacred pools.
The Oheo Gulch is one of the last stops on the road to Hana, near mile marker #42, and one of the most scenic waterfalls in Maui, against a picturesque Pacific Ocean setting, into which the gulch empties itself.
Take the short Kuloa Point Trail from the Kipahulu Visitor Center, one of the best easy Haleakala hikes. I recommend taking this loop trail counterclockwise, so that you face the beautiful falls while walking along the lookout trail.
While the Seven Sacred Pools are among the Maui waterfalls you can swim in, due to the risk from flash floods, the pools may be closed to swimming.
We felt the Ohe’o Gulch with its multiple cascades was one of the prettier waterfalls of Maui!
>> Book these 5-star rated, highly popular, Maui Tours now!
9. Pua’a Ka’a Falls
Located in the Pua’a Ka’a Wayside State Park, also on the road to Hana, just half a mile past mile marker #22, are the pretty Pua’a Ka’a Falls.
Pua’a Ka’a Falls is one of the many Maui waterfalls you can swim in!
These are multiple, smaller waterfalls (about 15-20 feet high) along the trail off the road, with excellent base pools for swimming or splashing around. The water was crystal clear when we went in, coming from a mountain spring, but colddddd.
Family with small kids wanting to partake in a Hawaiian waterfall experience and swim in a natural pool? Pua’a Ka’a Falls is your best option!
Apart from a handy pit stop (restrooms available) halfway to the Haleakala National Park, the scenery here is also very beautiful and lush, and well worth a stroll along the trail to the second falls, to stretch your legs.
10. Punalau Falls
Tired of the crowds on the road to Hana? Though the road has some of the best Maui waterfalls, getting to spend some quiet time with nature or enjoying a relaxing swim in the natural pools at the base are almost impossible.
Enter Punalau Falls, on the road to Hana (mile marker #13), but off the beaten track for most tourists due to a clambering, rock-hopping, half-a-mile roundtrip hike up to the falls.
Since Punalau Falls is not visible from the road, and poorly marked signs indicating the trailhead, the trail and Punalau Falls were deserted when we went!
At an impressive 100-foot waterfall, Punalau Falls is just what the doctor ordered for your vacation: some peace and quiet with beautiful nature! Best of all, most likely, you’ll have the base pool to yourself for a lengthy, refreshing dip.
Punalau Falls is one of the best Maui swimming waterfalls!
Be warned though, the bulk of the trail is along a stream, which gets hard to navigate after rains, with a tendency for flash floods. I would avoid this trail if you see clouds upstream, even if it is not raining where you are.
The rocks and boulders along the stream and at the falls are slippery, so watch your footing. We fell a couple of times, but luckily no injuries!
I would strong recommend hiking poles and non-slip water shoes for this hike.
>> Book these 5-star rated, highly popular, Maui Tours now!
11. Makapipi Falls
Yet another beautiful Maui waterfall on the road to Hana, and one of our favorite ones!
Makapipi Falls, just beyond the mile marker 25, one of the few Maui waterfalls you can stand over! The waterfall is under a road bridge, giving you a unique perspective of watching the water tumble down lava rocks into a base pool.
While getting this unusual photo for your Instagram is desirable, please don’t stop on the bridge – there is a pull out just beyond, and you can walk back. Be cautious, and don’t lean over too far!
As with many of the other waterfalls of Maui, Makapipi Falls is stunning to see after rains, with the flow is thundering down under us!
12. Alelele Falls
Like the Punalau Falls, Alelele Falls is also one of the lesser-known waterfalls on Maui that, though on the road to Hana, is usually deserted, because it is not visible from the road and most people have waterfall-exhaustion by the time they reach Alelele Falls.
All the better for you, this pretty 80-foot fall waterfall with an inviting pool at the bottom, is a hidden gem, away from the crowds on the road to Hana.
Take a peek at the Alelele stream under the bridge: no water or little water usually means the waterfall is likely to be underwhelming.
We decided against the hike since the flow under the bridge was minimal.
To get to the waterfall, you have to hike a 10-minute trail that starts next to the bridge over Alelele stream.
Though Alelele Falls is impressive when the waterflow is high after rains, you need to be careful with the stream crossing, especially since there is always danger of flash floods.
>> Book these 5-star rated, highly popular, Maui Tours now!
13. Makamaka’ole Falls
Want to combine a nature hike with viewing a waterfall? You’re in luck!
Waihe’e Ridge Trail, on the lush windward side of Maui, is a beautiful hike through a lush tropical rainforest, and along the way you can see Makamaka’ole Falls, one of the best Maui waterfalls not on the road to Hana.
Hiking the Waihee Ridge Trail is among the best hiking in Maui waterfalls!
Though one of Maui’s most popular hikes, the Waihee Ridge Trail is more for the experienced hiker, about 4-miles round trip, with an elevation gain of 1,500 feet, taking roughly 3 hours overall.
Great payoff though! Stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, the coastline, rainforest mountains and valleys, and the beautiful Makamaka’ole Falls, one of the prettiest waterfalls on Maui.
Makamaka’ole Falls is a two-tiered, 270 foot tall waterfall set against a lush, green rainforest mountain landscape. It is one of two West Maui waterfalls on this list, the other being Honokohau Falls.
If you are a waterfall chaser hiking to just see the falls, you are in luck – Makamaka’ole Falls can be viewed roughly 0.8 miles into the hike.
>> Book these 5-star rated, highly popular, Maui Tours now!
14. Kopiliula Falls (Kopihula Falls)
Kopiliula Falls, sometimes called Kopihula Falls, is on the road to Hana, but with a trek of about 4 miles roundtrip, and of moderate difficulty due to some clambering, rope-assisted climbs and stream crossings.
Again, because you can’t see the falls from the road, Kopiliula Falls is usually deserted.
For adventurous hikers seeking a quiet waterfall and a relaxing dip, Kopihula Falls is an excellent choice.
Kopihula Falls is one of the better swimming waterfalls of Maui!
15. Puohokamoa Falls
One of the smaller falls on the road to Hana, just past mile marker 11 and visible from the Garden of Eden, Puohokamoa Falls is easily enjoyed as a drive-by waterfall from the road or bridge.
Getting down to the waterfall is much harder, but those who venture down will likely have the natural pool at the base of the waterfall to themselves, and enjoy a quiet, relaxing dip in the crystal clear waters.
>> Book these 5-star rated, highly popular, Maui Tours now!
Waterfalls on Maui: Summary Table
| Maui Waterfall | Location | Waterfall hike? | Swimming waterfall? |
| Waimoku Falls | Haleakala NP | Pipiwai Trail | No |
| Makahiku Falls | Haleakala NP | Pipiwai Trail | No |
| Honokohau Falls | West Maui | No, helicopter | No |
| Twin Falls | Road to Hana (#2 MM) | Yes, to Upper Twin Falls | Yes |
| Upper Waikani Falls | Road to Hana (#19 MM) | Optional to base pool | Yes |
| Hanawi Falls | Road to Hana (#24 MM) | Optional to base pool | Yes |
| Wailua Falls | Road to Hana (#45 MM) | Optional to base pool | Yes |
| Ohe’o Gulch | Haleakala NP | Kuloa Point Trail | May be closed |
| Pua’a Ka’a Falls | Road to Hana (#22 MM), Pua’a Ka’a Wayside State Park | Trail to second falls | Yes, great for kids |
| Punalau Falls | Road to Hana (#13 MM) | Yes, difficult | Yes |
| Makapipi Falls | Road to Hana (#25 MM) | Yes, difficult | Yes |
| Alelele Falls | Road to Hana (#38 MM) | Yes, short hike | Yes |
| Makamaka’ole Falls | West Maui | Waihee Ridge Trail | No |
| Kopiliula Falls | Road to Hana (#21 MM) | Yes, 4 miles RT | Yes |
| Puohokamoa Falls | Road to Hana (#11 MM) | Optional to base pool | Yes |
Waterfalls of Maui Map
The below Maui waterfalls map shows the locations of the best waterfalls described above. All of them are road to Hana Maui waterfalls, except for the two West Maui waterfalls.
So you can easily do a Maui waterfalls tour in conjunction with the road to Hana trip!
Best Maui Waterfall Tours
Want to enjoy Maui waterfalls but looking for a structured experience? A guided Maui waterfall tour might be what you need, and we have a few that you’ll love.
Maui Waterfalls, Rainforest Hike & Optional Cliff Jumping
We took this highly popular, 5-star rated, Small Group Waterfall and Rainforest Hiking Adventure on Maui.
We hiked through dense, rainforest jungle to multiple waterfalls. Our guide was a wealth of information about local Hawaiian culture, and native plants and flowers.
She pointed out two amazing Hawaiian birds, honey creepers, ‘apapane and i’iwi, that are found only in the islands of Hawaii, and nowhere else in the world!
We had a teenage kid itching to try cliff jumping, and which we had refused so far. But under the guidance of the local guide, we did let him jump, supervised, into the pool at base of one of the waterfalls.
Quite risky, so use your discretion.
>> Check pricing and availability on this 5-star rated, popular Small Group Waterfall and Rainforest Hiking Adventure on Maui!
This tour Epic Waterfall Adventure – Best of Maui also offers a similar experience, but includes optional photography and videography.
>> Check pricing and availability on this highly rated Epic Waterfall Adventure – Best of Maui!
Rappel Maui Waterfalls
A Maui waterfalls adventure with a twist!
Our friends took this tour Rappel Maui Waterfalls and Rainforest Cliffs, and their teenage kids loved it.
This small group excursion teaches you how to rappel (climb down the waterfall with a rope harness), starting with small cliffs, and working up to a 30-foot waterfall.
Obviously, you must be in good physical shape, and enjoy getting wet!
>> Check pricing and availability on the 5-star rated, popular Rappel Maui Waterfalls and Rainforest Cliffs!
Helicopter Ride to View Honokohau Falls
Maui’s tallest waterfall, Honokohau Falls, is in the rugged West Maui Mountains wilderness, and can only be viewed aerially, with a helicopter ride.
This 5-star rated Molokai and Maui Helicopter Tour takes you on a 45-minute helicopter ride over West Maui, Honokohau Falls, Iao Valley State Park, and Molokai’s Kahiwa Falls.
With stunning, birds-eye views of the islands, you get a true perspective of Maui’s untamed beauty!
>> Check pricing and availability on the 5-star rated, popular Molokai and Maui Helicopter Tour!
View a West Maui Waterfall from Horseback
If you’re more of a horse-person, you’ll like this highly popular, 5-star rated excursion, West Maui Mountain Waterfall and Ocean Tour via Horseback, along the West Maui mountains.
Note, though, that unlike the other tours, you will be viewing the waterfall from a distance, and the waterfalls are seasonal (may be dry).
But you get to ride along the ocean, and the views are spectacular.
>> Check pricing and availability on the 5-star rated, popular West Maui Mounta Waterfall and Ocean Tour via Horseback!
Private Maui Waterfall & Hiking Tour
While the above are small group tours, if you want a completely private tour with the flexibility to tailor the experience to your needs, this Road to Hana: Maui Waterfall Hiking Tour in Private Jeep may fit the bill.
With the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, and a full day with a private guide and a jeep, you can decide what to do!
We spent a day exploring Maui with inputs from the guide who helped us plan the day.
We got to see bamboo forests and a black sand beach, and enjoy adventurous rainforest hikes and a refreshing swim at one of the waterfalls!
Not only that, our guide doubled as photographer and videographer, and the photos he took were some of our best memories!
I highly recommend splurging on this tour, especially if there are 3-4 of you to split the bill!
>> Check pricing and availability on the 5-star rated, popular Road to Hana: Maui Waterfall Hiking Tour in Private Jeep!
Hiking Gear Checklist
Many of Hawaii’s hikes are demanding, make sure you are well equipped and well prepared. Here’s what we typically take with us:
- Water Bottle: I hate plastic bottles, and with opaque bladders you can’t see if it is moldy inside. We use this Hydro Flask water bottle – light, stainless steel, wide mouth (you can add ice), with double-wall vacuum insulation (greatly refreshing for hikes in summer). You can also get it with a Flex Straw Lid!
- Hiking Shoes: My preferred hiking shoes are the medium range Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe (men’s, women’s, men’s mid), great for Hawaii’s trails through mud and streams. My wife loves her high-end Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Hiking shoes (men’s, women’s), also waterproof.
- Sunscreen: Hawaii’s sun can be harsh. Avoid sunburn with sunscreen compliant with Hawaii’s 104 Reef Act. The Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray, moisturizing with Vitamin E, is our go-to when we travel to Hawaii. Apply liberally and regularly!
- Trekking Poles: Great for hikes that involve climbing, both going uphill and downhill, and on trails that are wet, muddy and slippery! Improve your footing with this collapsible, high-end Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles, available for men and women.
- Headlamp: Planning a sunrise or sunset hike? Hiking in the dark is no fun, especially on many of Hawaii’s rainforest or ridge hikes. We love these two headlamps: the budget Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp and the premium Petzl Actik Core Headlamp, with many features.
Frequently Asked Questions about Waterfalls in Maui
Are there any waterfalls on Maui not on the Road to Hana?
While many of Maui’s waterfalls are found along the Road to Hana, you can also find stunning waterfalls in the West Maui mountains.
Hike the Wai’hee Ridge Trail to view the stunning Makamaka’ole Falls.
The Honokohau Falls, Maui’s tallest waterfall, is also located in the West Maui mountains, but cannot be accessed via land. Take a helicopter tour to view this amazing waterfall not on the Road to Hana.
What is the most famous waterfall in Maui?
Honokohau Falls, in the West Maui mountains, is undoubtedly one of Maui’s most impressive waterfalls, cascading 1,100 feet to the bottom. You can only view this waterfall from the air, on a helicopter tour.
Of the waterfalls accessible via land, Waimoku Falls is a majestic 400-foot waterfall. And the hike to get to it, the Pipiwai Trail, is one of Maui’s must-do hikes!
What is the easiest waterfall hike on Maui?
The hike to Twin Falls is easy and doable for most visitors to the island. Stream crossings are involved, though, so wear appropriate shoes and watch for flash floods. Twin Falls is a popular hike, so arrive early to get parking.
The Koloa Trail, which offers views of the waterfalls at O’heo Gulch, is another easy Maui waterfall hike.
Do you need reservations for Twin Falls in Maui?
No, reservations are currently not required for Twin Falls. You have to pay for parking, though, and parking is limited, so arrive early!
Waterfall Safety Tips
Waterfalls can be exciting, but safety is paramount. Always carefully assess conditions on the day of your visit. Here are some tips that may help:
- Heed all warning signs.
- Remember that flash flooding can occur with very little or no warning, even if it isn’t raining or stormy where you are.
- Waterfalls, streams, and other water bodies may not be safe for swimming. The water may not be safe to drink.
- Rocks, logs, and other debris may tumble over waterfalls into plunge pools or streams below.
- Always stay on designated trails. Expect muddy and slippery conditions.
>> Book these 5-star rated, highly popular, Maui Tours now!
The Best Maui Tours
Have you booked these top-rated Maui guided adventures yet?
Small-group Road to Hana tour so everyone in your group can sit back and enjoy the views without worrying about negotiating hairpin bends or finding parking at popular stops!
A Haleakala sunrise tour so you can experience the bucket-list sunrise atop the volcano without the need to reserve a parking spot or drive up in the dark!
A Maui whale watching raft tour, which will let you see the massive humpback whales at eye level! (You can also opt for a more sedate boat whale watching tour.) A MUST winter Maui activity!
A Maui snorkeling excursion that combines the Molokini Crater with Turtle Town, the two most epic snorkeling destinations on the island!
A 7-line Maui zipline experience where you can glide over the forests on the north shore of Maui. Enjoy ocean views and navigate obstacle course challenges!
An oceanfront luau in Wailea where you can enjoy a sunset buffet and traditional Polynesian entertainment. You can also opt for a Kaanapali oceanfront luau.
Renting a Car in Maui
The best things to do in Maui are located all over the island.
Public transport options on Maui are minimal to non-existent, so if you want to explore the island beyond your base, you’ll want to book a rental car for your Maui trip.
We always use Discover Cars to book Maui car rentals. They search across a variety of rental car companies, both budget and brand, to offer you the best deals, AND they offer free cancellations. Plus, there are no hidden fees.
>> Check availability and prices on Maui car rentals now!
Where to Stay in Maui
Depending on whether you want a vacation rental with more room and the option to cook some of your meals, or you want a resort or hotel experience, and depending on which part of Maui you want to choose as your base, you have a variety of options.
By far the majority of visitors to Maui choose to base on the west side, where there is a large selection of accommodations available, from resorts and hotels to vacation rentals.
We suggest starting your search for Maui accommodations by browsing vacation rentals on VRBO. You can filter to choose a specific area, such as Kihei, Kapalua, or Wailea.
We have stayed in VRBO rentals in Kihei and Kapalua and find that the choice and quality are generally great.
>> Look for a Maui vacation rental on VRBO now!
More Maui Travel Inspiration
If you are considering a trip to Maui, read some of our other comprehensive guides to craft the ultimate Maui itinerary!
If you are a first-time visitor to Maui, start by reading our article on the best things to do in Maui. From beautiful beaches and lush rainforest to Maui’s volcanic crater, our round-up captures the most iconic Maui experiences and activities.
If you are dreaming of a winter getaway to a tropical paradise, read our guide on why you should visit Maui in winter!
If you are planning a brief first visit to Maui, here’s our 3-day Maui itinerary to help you flesh out your own trip! And if you are considering a couples getaway to Maui, read about the top romantic things to do in Maui!
Driving the Road to Hana is one of Maui’s bucket-list experiences. We have a comprehensive guide to the best stops on the Road to Hana, including waterfalls and short hikes on the way.
One of the top stops on the route is Wai’anapanapa State Park, which requires reservations. Read our full guide to Maui’s black sand beach in this popular state park!
Maui boasts one of only two national parks in Hawaii. Read our round-up of the best things to do in Haleakala National Park. We also have the ultimate guide to sunrise at Haleakala.
We also have a guide to the best hikes in Haleakala National Park, and in-depth hiking guides to the two most epic hikes in the park: the Sliding Sands Trail and the Pipiwai Trail.
Speaking of hiking, also be sure to check out our round-up of the best Maui hikes, from easy to challenging. Plus, peruse our complete guides to hiking the popular Kapalua Coastal Trail in northwest Maui, and the Waihee Ridge Trail for astounding views!
We also have a round-up of the best waterfalls in Maui, from the 400-foot Waimoku Falls to Upper Waikani Falls near Hana. Some Maui waterfalls can be seen from viewpoints whereas others require hiking.
Water activities are plentiful in Maui! Check out our epic guide to whale watching in Maui, and our guide to the best Molokini snorkeling tours and the best Turtle Town snorkeling.
If you’d rather snorkel from shore, read our round-up of the best snorkel spots in West Maui.
Every Maui itinerary should have plenty of beach time: there are so many beautiful beaches in Maui that you are spoiled for choice. We have a round-up of the best beaches in South Maui, plus a detailed guide to Wailea Beach in southwest Maui, and one for Maluaka Beach along the Turtle Town stretch of coast.
We also have articles on the much-visited Kaanapali Beach, the popular Napili Beach and local favorite Keawakapu Beach. Along the northwest side, Honolua Bay is a famous surfing spot, and Ho’okipa Beach, near Paia, is a windsurfing mecca.
If you are looking to experience a different side of Maui, plan a visit to the Iao Valley State Monument. The lush landscapes and serene ambience will wow you! Also read our guide to Maui’s state parks, which include popular Makena State Park, home to Big Beach and Little Beach.
Spend a day exploring Upcountry Maui. Some of the best things to do in Upcountry Maui include touring farms and gardens. Help milk goats, tour a tea farm, go wine tasting and much more.
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