Best Waterfalls on the Road to Hana

Among the most popular stops when driving the Hana Highway are the several waterfalls that dot the Maui island. Check out the list below of some of our favorite waterfalls on Road to Hana that are worth the stop.

Upper Waikani falls

Also known as the Three Bears Falls, you can find the Upper Waikani Falls just before mile marker 20 on the Hana highway. It’s a unique landmark mainly because if the water is just right, you can see three distinct waterfalls in descending sizes. This is what gave it the moniker Three Bears Falls. You can easily see these falls from your vehicle if you’re crossing one of the one-lane bridges in the road to Hana. There is a way to get down to the falls, but the climb down could be treacherous. The area below is mostly muddy and slippery, and the first ledge is large. So if you want to get close, do so at your own risk. But the view from the bridge is already a gorgeous sight, so there’s no need to risk going down.

Wailua falls

Much like the three bears falls, you can easily catch a sight of these falls from the road. The Wailua falls is among the most famous waterfalls on Road to Hana. These falls are often called Maui’s most photographed waterfalls. The place also has a large parking area past the bridge on the left. It’s perfect for visitors who want to stay and take in the beauty of the falls. You can also take a quick dip in the large plunge pool underneath.

Lower Wailua Iki falls

Located in mile marker 25.5, you will see that the lower Wailua Iki falls is right underneath a one-lane bridge. However, the best view for that is right around the corner. There’s a pull-out on the right side of the road past the bridge where you can park your vehicle, after which you can walk over to the guardrail and see the falls. The waterfalls empty into a pool surrounded by lush green vegetation or walking down to the bridge to see the falls from directly above and get a view of several other falls upstream.

Waimoku falls

Waimoku Falls is pretty far compared to the other waterfalls on the road to Hana. But its spectacular beauty is worth the long drive. If this spot is on your Road to Hana bucket list, it’s best to get an early start. You can find the Waimoku falls in the Kipahulu area of Haleakala National Park. It’s the tallest waterfall on the Hana highway, standing at the height of 400 feet. You will also need to hike the Pipiwai trail to get to the falls, where you will see other notable sights, like the bamboo forest or the massive banyan tree.

‘Ohe’o gulch

Despite being known as the Seven Sacred Pools, the ‘Ohe’o Gulch, in actuality, is a cascade of several pools and falls. The former owner only named it that way to entice tourists to visit. At the bottom, the river empties into the Pacific Ocean. There’s also a bridge at the top of the gulch that provides a great view of the falls. No swimming is allowed here, though, as well as cliff jumping.

Conclusion

Maui is home to several awe-inspiring waterfalls that are worth the visit. Want to see all of the ones we mentioned above? Book a private jeep tour with Hoaloha Jeep Adventures and be driven around by our knowledgeable local guides on a convertible Jeep! Take a look at our Hana tours here.