The 7 Best Waterfall Hikes in Maui

Visiting Maui for a waterfall hike? Check out this post for the 7 best waterfall hikes in Maui.

Known for its natural phenomenons, Hawaii is the one place where you can find picturesque waterfalls in the country. In fact, the reason for this is due to Hawaii’s piercingly eroded, serrated mountain peaks and bountiful rainfall. So, as a result, the waterfalls in Hawaii are framed with lush valleys, volcanic mountains, and tropical jungles in an epic landscape.

So, if you’re planning to do some waterfall hikes in Hawaii, be sure to check out Maui! Although it’s just one of Hawaii’s main islands, it has 7 amazing waterfall hikes you don’t want to miss.

Maui Bucket List Series

P.S. This is a post in my Maui Bucket List series. Here is the complete 19-part series:

Hidden Gems: 10 Magical Hidden Gems in Maui, Hawaii

Black Sand Beaches: The 7 Most Amazing Black Sand Beaches in Maui

Poke: 12 Top Places to Get Poke in Maui

Breakfast: 8 Amazing Places to Get Breakfast in Lahaina, Maui

Coffee Shops: 7 Cozy Coffee Shops in Lahaina, Maui

Restaurants: The 12 Best Restaurants in Maui with a View

Accommodation: 10 Unique Places to Stay in Maui on a Budget

Sea Turtles: The 12 Best Places to See Sea Turtles in Maui

Surfing: The 10 Best Surf Spots in Maui

Road to Hana: The 7 Best Stops on the Road to Hana in Maui

Sunsets: 8 Incredible Places to Watch the Sunset in Maui

Waterfall Hikes: The 7 Best Waterfall Hikes in Maui

Vegan Food: 8 Incredible Vegan Restaurants in Maui

Instagram: 10 Incredible Maui Instagram Spots

Cheap Food: 10 Amazing Cheap Eats in Maui

Grocery Stores: The 8 Top Lahaina Grocery Stores You Need To Visit

Ka’anapali Restaurants: 9 Amazing Ka’anapali Restaurants You Don’t Want to Miss

Lahaina Restaurants: The 12 Coolest Restaurants in Lahaina on Front Street

Instagram Captions: 100 Media-Inspired Hawaii Captions for Your Instagram

Waterfall Hikes in Maui Map

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Twin Falls (best waterfall hikes in maui)

Located a few miles from Paia Town, the Twin Falls is going to be your first stop on the Road to Hana. In fact, according to the locals, it’s one of the busiest falls on this post.

To get there, park at and cross Wailele Farm where you’ll come across a fruit stand. That fruit stand serves as the starting point for the one mile hike to the falls.

Once you arrive at the Twin Falls, you’ll notice that it cascades into a serene pool. This area is a great spot for you to take pictures as well as find the perfect Instagram shot.

So, if you’re planning to visit the Twin Falls for the first time in Maui, I highly recommend it. The Twin Falls is accessible all-year-round and the perfect time to visit is usually after a heavy rainfall.

In addition, don’t be shy to try cliff jumping into the falls as well. Although it may be nerve-racking, it’s a very popular activity in Hawaii.

Wailua Falls (best waterfall hikes in maui)

Visible from the highway, Wailua Falls is another one of Maui’s most unique and accessible waterfalls from the island.

Nestled amidst the verdant tropical foliage, Wailua Falls cascades into two streams from 80 ft. In addition to that, it is also the most photographed waterfall on the island. In fact, if you follow the two trails that lead to the waterfall, they’ll take you to the base of it where you can experience true paradise.

The first trail, in this case, starts from the parking lot but its rather muddy. However, the second trail is longer, but it’s easier, safer, and less steep. So, if you’re having trouble choosing which trail to take, it really just comes down to preference.

In my opinion, I would personally prefer taking the first trail if you have the right hiking boots for it.

Waimoku Falls (best waterfall hikes in maui)

Known for being one of Maui’s tallest waterfalls, Waimoku Falls cascades from 400 ft. In fact, since it’s at the head of Ohe’o Gulch, it cascades over a sheer lava rock into a boulder-strewn pool.

The dramatic view of the falls and its roaring sound also make it a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s even one of the reasons why this waterfall is one of Maui’s most-visited attractions.

So, if you’re planning to visit the Waimoku Falls for the first time in Maui, I highly recommend it. The waterfall’s tremendous height and surrounding landscapes will definitely leave you at awe.

In addition, be sure to do the Pipiwai Trail hike in Haleakala National Park, this will give you the best breathtaking view of the falls from a few lookout points.

Upper Waikani Falls (best waterfall hikes in maui)

Known as the Three Bears, Upper Waikani Falls is a group of three waterfalls in Maui that are parallel to each other. Nestled side by side, the waterfalls cascade from 70 feet into the Wailua Nui Stream.

However, due to the lack of adequate parking, most visitors prefer to view the waterfall from the comfort of their own car. But… if you’re not one to sit in the car and watch, you can always find additional parking spaces that are a few miles ahead.

In addition to admiring the view, be sure to take a quick dip in the gorgeous pool beneath the falls. You’ll be able to completely unwind there while taking in the area’s gorgeous beauty.

So, if you’re planning to visit Upper Waikani Falls for the first time in Maui, I highly recommend it. It’s one of the Hawaiian Islands’ most popular waterfalls.

Alelele Falls (best waterfall hikes in maui)

A hidden gem, Alelele Falls is one of the least known waterfalls in Maui. In fact, since it’s just located on the east side of Maui, it might be worth checking out.

To get to the falls, take the Alelele Falls trail for a short 15-minute hike. The falls is nestled in the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park so it shouldn’t be too hard to find.

As you follow the trail, you’ll also come across a few stream crossings on your hike. Please avoid these with caution. Flash flooding can very well likely occur and you don’t want to be caught in the middle of it.

In addition, since Alelele Falls is a hidden gem, you might very well have the whole waterfall to yourself. If that’s the case, take as many photos on your Instagram as you can!

So, if you’re planning to visit Alelele Falls for the first time in Maui, I highly recommend it. Many people find the falls to be the perfect spot to relax as you admire the scenery before heading back on the road.

Makamakaʻole Falls (best waterfall hikes in maui)

Located on Maui’s Western coast, Makamaka’ole Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Maui that’s not connected to the Road to Hana.

To get there, hike the Waihe’e Ridge Trail. It will take you by a bamboo forest that will lead to a natural oasis. In addition, if you’re unable to finish the trail, you’ll still be able to view the waterfall from numerous lookout points at a distance.

Set against a jungle backdrop, the Makamaka’ole Falls is also 270 ft tall and it cascades in two tiers. If you’re interested in the lower tier, you can also view it from the Kahekili Highway on the road.

So, if you’re planning to visit the Makamaka’ole Falls for the first time in Maui, I highly recommend it. You’re guaranteed picture-perfect views of the Makamaka’ole Falls if you follow the Waihe’e Ridge Trail.

The King’s Gardens (best waterfall hikes in maui)

Voted best of Maui, The King’s Gardens has a waterfall hike that offers a farm to table chocolate tour as an extra excursion! It’s a very non-touristy place to visit and it features a taste of Hana without the long drive. In fact, many visitors have even nicknamed the location Jurassic Park meets Fern Gully. This is because the Gardens are a magical historical heritage site that boast the ancient artifact gardens of King Kalakaua.

In regard to the chocolate tour, if you’re not interested in it, you don’t have to do it. You can actually purchase a private waterfall and rainforest hike at The King’s Gardens for a decent price.

So, if you’re planning to visit The King’s Gardens for the first time in Maui, I highly recommend it. You’ll be able to learn all about this Royal Hawaiian site in a fun, captivating Maui hiking location.

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Overall, I really hope you enjoyed this post on the 7 best waterfall hikes in Maui! Please let me know in the comments down below which waterfall you would like to visit the most! I would love to hear from you.

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