There’s nothing quite like the power of a waterfall, cascading over a rock face to plummet into a stream below. But nothing takes away the power of a waterfall like a crowd blocking your view.
Maui roadside waterfalls are amazing, but they get crowded. And sometimes it seems like your only other option is an exhausting hike.
That’s why we’ve created this article.
These easy Maui waterfalls hikes combine the best of both worlds. A short walk thins the crowd, but you won’t be too tired from hiking to enjoy the falls.
Twin Falls Hike
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Recognized as the first accessible waterfall on the Road to Hana, Twin Falls can be overlooked by visitors trying to fit in as much as possible.
Located just past mile marker #2, Twin Falls is only around 15 minutes from Paia, so you can explore these falls during a North Shore day trip.
A well-maintained path makes for an easy hike, and there are two falls for visitors to explore.
How To Get There
Follow the Hana Highway from Paia until you reach Mile Marker #2. You should see a parking lot just by the road. The parking lot can look busy, but the trails tend to feel quiet. There is a $10 parking fee.
Follow the main path for around half a mile, and you’ll reach a fork in the road. The left fork leads you to the main waterfall, but we recommend making time for both!
On calm days, you can even enjoy splashing (or jumping at Twin Falls) in the plunge pools. Head back to the parking lot, and grab a bite to eat from the popular food truck.
Wailua Falls
Visitors on the Road to Hana can (and will!) enjoy Wailua Falls from the road, but it’s worth parking and taking a quick hike to see the natural wonder up close.
Wailua Falls is a cascading waterfall that cuts down the rock adjacent to the road. An easy hike takes visitors to the plunge pool, and a place to enjoy the falls without the traffic.
(Also, check out our article how to get to Wailua Falls.)
How To Get There
Follow the Hana Highway to mile marker #44. The first thing to do is to admire the falls from the road. You get a fantastic view even from the car, but it’s better to pull into the small parking area.
There’s a bridge that passes over the stream, and you can stop here to soak up the falls. After heavy rain, we mean this quite literally! Stay alert on the bridge, as cars will be passing back and forth.
The trail down is located just by the parking lot. It can be slippery, so take your time with the hike. At the base of the falls, you can sometimes cool your feet in the water. The walk back is a little steep, but nothing too strenuous.
Seven Sacred Pools At Ohe’o
Consisting of a series of waterfalls tumbling from pool to pool and eventually into the sea, the Seven Sacred Pools marks the end of the Road to Hana for many.
Located as East Maui curves round to the back of Haleakala, the pools, sometimes known as Ohe’o Gulch, can be accessed via an easy hiking path.
A huge visitor attraction, this isn’t the spot for anyone hoping for peace and tranquility. But if you want to see an unforgettable natural wonder, it’s hard to beat the Seven Sacred Pools at Ohe’o.
(Keep in mind that cliff jumping at the Pools Of ‘Ohe’o is strictly prohibited.)
How To Get There
The first thing you need to do when planning your visit to Ohe’o Gulch is double-check the pools are open. After adverse weather, they’re closed for safety.
If they are open, the Seven Sacred Pools are found on the Hana Highway. Follow the road to mile marker #45, and look for the Kipahulu Visitor Center.
Park here, and follow the trail to the Sacred Pools. The Pipiwai Trail is also in this area, if you want a longer hike.
Alelele Falls
Alelele Falls are one of the lesser known Maui falls, but not because they aren’t worth seeing. Past the Ohe’o gulch, Alelele Falls are on the backside of Haleakala, and a stretch of the Piilani Highway that few visitors want to drive.
If you make the trip, you’ll be rewarded with a quiet destination, and a place to cool down after a drive that can be stressful.
How To Get There
Follow the Hana Highway as it changes to the Piilani Highway, and you’ll cross over Alelele Bridge. There’s a small pullout for parking, and the trailhead starts to the east of the stream.
The hike is short, but you do need to cross the stream at points, which adds to the difficulty level. However, if you make the trip, you can expect to have the falls almost entirely to yourself, as so few visitors come around this way.
Makamaka’ole Falls/Waihe’e Ridge Trail
One of the few accessible waterfalls on West Maui, the Waihe’e Ridge Trail is a chance to see waterfalls close to your resort! Makamaka’ole Falls can be seen from the 13 Crossings Trail or the Waihe’e Ridge Trail.
We recommend the Waihe’e Ridge Trail. It isn’t necessarily a physically easier climb, but the path is clearer, and you don’t have to do the full trail to see the falls.
From the Waihe’e Ridge Trail, the full view of Makamaka’ole Falls can be seen in the landscape.
How To Get There
The Waihe’e Ridge Trail is on West Maui. Follow the Kahekili Highway until you reach Maluhia Road. Turn on Maluhia Road, and follow until you reach the parking lot. The trailhead starts here.
Waihe’e Ridge Trail starts pretty tough, but evens out as you go along. The waterfalls can be seen before you reach the halfway point.
If you don’t fancy the rest of the trail, it’s easy to turn back round at this stage. Otherwise, carry on for panoramic views of the West Maui mountains.
Are There Easy Maui Waterfall Hikes?
The waterfalls of Maui range from roadside attractions to bein completely inaccessible by foot, so you’re bound to find a hike that suits your needs.
We highly recommend Twin Falls for a comfortable hike with a good pay-off, but there are many stops on the Road to Hana, and beyond, to consider.
