Maui is one of the best places to visit in Hawaii for many reasons. One is that it is a perfect spot for surfing, and another is that ziplining is one of the most common activities on the island.
Another reason is that it contains waterfall hiking trails that people of all ages and experiences enjoy. One of the things people enjoy is hiking to waterfalls in Maui. Therefore, you should prepare a list of waterfall trails in Maui, Hawaii.
If you plan to visit the Big Island of Hawaii, read our article on the best hotels there.
The Best Experience Hiking To Waterfalls In Maui
1. Waihe’e Ridge Trail:
The Waihe’s Ridge Trails are located in West Maui Forest Reserve. They are considered hard difficulties so that they can be challenging for seniors or inexperienced hikers. The trail is a 6.4-km out-and-back trail near Wailuku, Maui.
It takes about 2 hours and 49 minutes to complete. The West Maui Forest Reserve is a popular area for hiking and running, so expect to see other hikers there.
It promises lush sceneries and mountain views. It overlooks the Waihhes valley, so expect a scenic view. As you get higher climbing the West Mountain, the trail gets steeper with some raged lines, so make sure to wear good hiking shoes.
It can be slippery and muddy at some point on the way down. It is not that muddy, though. A shoe with good traction is recommended.
The view makes it all worth it. You will be rewarded with a view of Maui mountain and waterfall at a distance, so do not let it intimidate you; go along with it. I can assure you that hiking to the Maui waterfall is worth it.
2. Waimoku Falls via Pipiwai Trail:
Hiking Waimoku Falls via Pipiwai Trail is worth it. It is one of the best waterfall hikes in Maui. The waterfall is located in Haleakala National Park.
It is a 6.1 m out-and-back trail that takes around 2 hours and 2 minutes to complete. Although it is considered a challenging trail, it offers scenic views all the way.
You will pass through many small waterfalls in the bamboo forest before reaching the Waimoku Fall. The fee is $35 per vehicle or $25 per motorcycle. The fee is $15 per person if you go biking or walking.
If you come by car, you will most likely pass through Hena Highway. It is a sixty-mile road that passes through amazing sceneries. It is a curvy road with around 620 curves and 59 bridges.
The view is spectacular, which is great for nature and wildlife photography. The hike is rewarding, as you might encounter some animals, such as feral pigs and wild boars.
3. Seven Sacred Pools Trail (‘Ohe’o Gulch):
The Seven Sacred Pools Trail, also known as Kuloa Point Trail, is one of Maui, Hawaii’s most scenic hiking trails. It features an oceanic view, lush vegetation, pools, and waterfalls.
The hike starts at the Kpahulu Visitor Center. It is an easy, short hike with about 1.0 and takes about 16 minutes to complete.
The pool area is closed due to seasonal flooding, so please visit the website before going.
4. Makamakaole Stream:
Makamakaole Stream is a 3.2-km out-and-back trail near Wailuku, Maui. It is one of the most rewarding hiking to waterfall in Maui. You will pass through bamboo forests, mesmerizing pathways, and ginormous banyan trees.
There are ropes to claim to the waterfall and wading pool, waiting for you to discover them. If you feel adventurous, claim the ropes; it is quite rewarding. You will see the waterfall from a different angle.
A river splits into the waterfall, creating two mesmerizing waterfalls. The view is spectacular and quite rewarding, so bring your camera.
Note: Do not leave anything in the car to avoid a break-in. Some tourists complained of a break-in in the area.
5. Twin Fall Trail:
The Twin Fall trail is among the most rewarding hiking trails at a waterfall in Maui. It is a 2.9 km out-and-back trail near Haiku, Maui, and takes around 50 minutes to complete. It is a fun short walk where you see and swim beneath the twin waterfalls.
Make sure to wear proper footwear. Some slippery rocks are on the way to the waterfall, so being prepared can make your experience even better. Also, bring your swimsuit because you might want to swim and splash yourself with water under the waterfall.
You will pass through two creeks before arriving at the waterfall. Trees surround the whole way, making it feel like a jungle. You might want to capture the precious moment. There is a $10 parking fee, so bring cash with you.
6. Waihou Spring Trail:
The Waihou Spring Trail is a 2.9 km out-and-back trail near Pukalani, Mau. It is located in the Waihou Spring Forest Reserve, and the Waihous Spring Trail is 183 meters high.
This trail in the Na Ala Hele state trail system is considered moderate in difficulty and takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete.
However, it is quite a rewarding hike as you pass through the pine forest and enjoy the beautiful nature. It might offer the best hiking experience, especially at a waterfall in Maui.
Along the way to the waterfall, you will pass through many Monterey cypress and eucalyptus trees and some native trees such as Alaa, halfpipe, and koa. Beside the waterfall, the trail ends on a ridge hill, which offers a beautiful view of the central valley.
7. Road to Hana Scenic Drive:
The Road to Hana Scenic Drive is a 74.7-km point-to-point trail near Kahului, Maui, and is considered an easy hike. Although it is a driving route, you can still hike it and be rewarded with an enchanted view.
You will pass through lush tropical rainforests hugging the steep slopes of Maui’s northeast shore. In addition, you will pass through bridges and curves that, for a moment, can make your heart palpitate. You check it out and consider it beautiful in a god-given nature.
Make sure to bring drinks, lunch, snacks, hats, and a swimsuit with you because you might enjoy the time that you stay longer. You will see many waterfalls and hikes along the way. You might want to stop there to swim or take some pictures.
8. Makamakaole Falls:
The Makamakaole Falls is a 2.0-km out-and-back trail near Wailuku, Maui. It takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete. If you enjoy hiking to Maui waterfalls, you will enjoy this one.
The whole hike feels like an adventure off the beaten path. The trail is narrow and overgrown. It is a bit steep and uneven, so watch out for slippery rocks and wear proper shoes, as it can be wet.
You would enjoy climbing down or up tree roots and jumping over a cliff into the two pools. There are also ladders and ropes to climb and jump. Try them off. They are fun.
The two waterfalls are breathtaking. The second one is larger than the other. You must climb to see the first waterfall, which is not too bad. There is a rope you can climb to see the second one further down at 25-30 ft. It is quite an adventure.
9. Garden of Eden:
The Garden of Eden trail is a 1.0-km loop trail near Haiku, Maui, and takes about 25 minutes to complete. There is a $15 fee to access the trail, but it is worth it. You will pass through a beautiful botanical garden. It is a fun place to explore, with so much to see.
The views are vibrant and majestic, with exotic birds, peacocks, and views. It is a good place for plant and wildlife photography.
You will also see Waterfalls, cliffs, beautiful coastal coastlines, flowers, rainbow eucalyptus trees, bamboo forests, and much more. You will find a lot of diverse plants and trees. Some that you probably never heard of before.
It is considered an easy route to enjoy hiking to waterfalls in Maui. Of all the waterfall hikes in the mountains of Maui, this is the prettiest and easiest to hike.
10. Wailua Iki Falls:
The Wailua Iki Falls is a 1.3 km out-and-back trail near Hana, Maui. It is located in the beautiful Pua’a Ka’a State Park along the stream bed of Kopiliula Stream. Unfortunately, it is the lesser-known waterfall on the Maui Highway, but it can be fun to hike.
It is easy to locate the waterfall from the highway bridge. Just follow the Mauka Stream as it twists uphill. You would need to pass through rocky beds and up along deep water channels, so be careful. Warning: Hiking to waterfalls in Maui can be the most amazing experience, so do not hesitate to give it a shot.
To Sum Up:
Hiking to waterfalls in Maui can be the best experience of your life. As you walk through the trailhead, you expect to contemplate God’s given nature. Then, you are rewarded with a thunderous waterfall, and some trails have more than one waterfall.
Some waterfalls have pools that you can swim on them. It can be fun jumping over a cliff, hanging on a rope, and jumping into the water. You should give hiking to waterfalls in Maui a shot. It can be the best experience in your life.
Leave a Reply