Road to Hana Maui Waterfalls: 9 Incredible Cascades Worth the Drive (and the Curves)

Rain-soaked jungle, ocean mist, and the faint sound of rushing water, oh my! There’s something almost hypnotic about winding along Maui’s Hana Highway.

If you’ve ever white-knuckled your steering wheel while trying to spot a hidden cascade through the trees, you already know the Road to Hana waterfalls aren’t just sights—they’re an obsession!

Some appear like magic right off the roadside, practically begging you to pull over; others make you earn their beauty with a muddy hike and soaked sneakers. But every one of these Road to Hana Maui waterfalls feels like a secret, tucked away in the island’s lush, untamed heart.

So buckle up, roll down the windows, and get ready to chase the most jaw-dropping Road to Hana waterfalls you’ll ever lay eyes on, because this drive is about to ruin all other road trips forever!

Perfect for When You’re Wearing Cute Shoes, Not Hiking Boots

Upper Waikani Falls (“Three Bears Falls”)

Just when you think the scenery can’t get better, the Upper Waikani Falls appear around a curve like they’ve been waiting for applause.

Also known as “Three Bears Falls,” this trio of side-by-side cascades is one of Maui’s most photogenic — and one of everyone’s favorite waterfalls along the route.

While there’s no safe parking directly at the bridge, you can easily admire it from a nearby pull-off or your passenger seat.

The sight alone is worth slowing down for — sunlight hits the water just right, creating that “is this real life?” moment.

Keep your camera ready, but also take a second to just breathe it in — it’s that stunning. The only downside? You’ll start comparing every other waterfall to this one.

If the view from the bridge blew your mind, wait until you see it from the sky.

The Hana Helicopter and Limo-Van Tour takes those jaw-dropping Road to Hana views (including Waikani’s cascading trio) and gives them the full cinematic treatment, complete with rainforest flyovers, black sand beaches, and a gourmet island lunch.

Upper Puohokamoa Falls

Tucked between lush cliffs near the Garden of Eden, the Upper Puohokamoa Falls offer one of the most postcard-perfect scenes on the Hana Highway.

You can get a great view from the arboretum’s lookout, which doubles as a peaceful botanical garden stroll filled with rainbow eucalyptus trees and tropical flowers.

It’s the kind of place where even your bad photos look professional. Because access to the falls themselves is restricted, the viewpoint is the best (and safest) way to admire them in all their glory.

The Garden of Eden also has restrooms, picnic areas, and, if you’re lucky, peacocks strutting around like they own the place. It’s calm, green, and refreshingly nice for a road that’s anything but.

Twin Falls

Grab a smoothie and hit the trail—the kind of short, sweet walk that rewards you fast. Hidden near the start of the Hana Highway, Twin Falls is the perfect place to stretch your legs before the curves get real.

You’ll find a series of falls and swimming holes framed by lush jungle, where families splash around and couples pretend they’re in a movie montage.

Don’t skip the little farm stand at the entrance; their fresh fruit and legendary banana bread are almost as famous as the falls themselves.

The path is flat, shaded, and ideal for anyone in sandals who still wants to say they “hiked.” Think of it as nature’s warm-up act for the rest of the drive.

Wailua Falls

By the time you reach Wailua Falls, you’ve earned this final showstopper. This 80-foot cascade sits just past Hana near mile marker 45, making it one of the easiest to access and one of the most rewarding to photograph.

The waterfall is located right off the road with plenty of parking—you’ll hear it before you see it. It’s the definition of dramatic: mist rising, sunlight bouncing, and the kind of roar that feels like nature’s applause.

No hiking boots, no steep trails—just a short stroll to pure Maui magic. It’s one of the most breathtaking Road to Hana waterfalls, and yes, it deserves that standing ovation.

After soaking in Wailua’s mist and thunderous applause, the journey doesn’t have to end when the road does.

Continue the adventure sky-high on the Hana Rainforest Helicopter Tour with Landing, where those same waterfalls transform into a breathtaking aerial masterpiece before you touch down in the heart of Maui’s lush rainforest for a toast to the view.

Puaʻa Kaʻa Falls

Stop pretending you’ll resist another waterfall stop! Puaʻa Kaʻa Falls makes it impossible to drive past. This one sits inside a small state park that’s easily accessible and practically designed for road-trippers who want a quick dip without a backpack full of gear.

Picnic tables, restrooms, and a paved path mean you can actually enjoy the view instead of worrying about where to step. It’s a favorite for families thanks to its calm pool and easy parking just off the road.

You can even bring lunch and make it your mid-drive recharge point. In short, it’s a low-effort, high-reward stop that makes you feel like you’re winning at travel.

Pssst…if chasing waterfalls sounds better with someone else at the wheel (and snacks within reach), the Road to Hana Waterfalls Tour with Lunch is your move.

Think of it as the no-stress, all-scenery version of your Maui daydream: a full-day ride where you sit back in a Mercedes Sprinter, let the pros handle the hairpin turns, and just soak up the island magic.

The Ones That Make the Sweat Totally Worth It

Hanawi Falls

Prepare to slow down, because Hanawi Falls demands your full attention — and a little caution on those narrow curves. This lush, multi-tiered beauty has earned its spot among the best on the Hana Highway, and Hanawi Falls reviews from travelers all agree it’s one of Maui’s most mesmerizing stops.

The Hanawi Falls cascade down through dense rainforest, creating a dramatic curtain of water that shifts with every rainfall. While there are roadside viewpoints, a semi-steep path takes you closer if you’re up for a bit of a climb (and a misty reward).

It’s the kind of spot that makes even the quietest travelers break into a “wow.” Between the roar of the water and the jungle chorus around you, it’s pure, unfiltered Hawaii.

Pipiwai Trail Waterfalls

Pack your bug spray and sense of adventure: this is where the real magic happens. Deep in Haleakalā National Park, the Pipiwai Trail leads you through bamboo forests and ancient banyan trees before unveiling not one, but two unforgettable cascades.

First comes Makahiku Falls, a 200-foot beauty that’ll have you rethinking every “I’ve seen a waterfall before” statement. Keep going and you’ll reach Waimoku Falls, the tallest waterfall on the Road to Hana, crashing nearly 400 feet down a moss-covered cliff.

The trail can get muddy, but that’s half the fun, every squish underfoot feels like proof you’ve earned those views. It’s a hike that tests your stamina, rewards your patience, and leaves you speechless in the best possible way.

Haipuaʻena Falls

Just when you’re ready to call it a day, Haipuaʻena Falls sneaks up and proves you’ve still got one more stop in you. Hidden near mile marker 11, this small but serene pool is one of those waterfalls on Road to Hana that feels like your own private discovery.

A short, slightly muddy trail leads to a trickling cascade framed by thick greenery and calm waters perfect for a quick dip. It’s quieter than many of the other stops, which makes it the ideal “reset button” after hours of winding roads.

The sound of falling water and rustling leaves feels almost like nature’s version of white noise. Stay for a few extra minutes — you’ll forget you ever worried about making it back before sunset.

Everything You Wish Someone Told You Before You Started the Drive

You Can Love the Water Without Wading Into It

You’ll quickly learn that Maui’s mood swings make the Road to Hana waterfalls come alive in the most dramatic way. A passing storm can turn trickles into full-blown torrents within minutes. It’s simply nature’s instant upgrade.

But with that beauty comes risk, because heavy rain can also trigger dangerous flash floods along trails and stream crossings. So, admire the extra sparkle from a safe distance, and remember: no photo is worth getting swept away for.

Do Future You a Favor and Peek at the Park Updates First

Before you lace up and head toward any trail, especially those in Haleakalā National Park, take a minute to check for park alerts or closures.

Rain, rockslides, and slippery terrain can change the landscape faster than you can say “scenic detour.”

Rangers post regular updates, and a quick peek at the latest conditions can save you from a long, muddy surprise. Think of it as the responsible traveler’s version of checking the group chat before committing to brunch plans.

Flip-Flops? Bold Choice. Maybe Rethink It.

You may start the drive thinking it’s all roadside stops and quick selfies, but the Hana Highway waterfalls have a way of luring you off the pavement.

Trails can be slick, rocky, and full of surprise puddles, totally not ideal for flip-flops or your cute woven sandals.

Go for something sturdy, waterproof, and comfortable enough to handle both the mud and the magic. Your shoes will get dirty, but honestly, that’s half the fun (and part of the story you’ll brag about later).

Once You Lose Signal, It’s Just You, the Road, and 600 Curves

Cell service along the route? Practically nonexistent once you leave town, which is why you’ll want all your maps, directions, and details on the Maui Road to Hana waterfalls downloaded before you start.

GPS drops faster than your jaw at the first lookout, and you’ll thank yourself for being prepared.

Offline access to stops, mile markers, and rest areas turns what could be a stressful drive into a laid-back adventure. It’s the difference between “Wait, where are we?” and “I’ve got this — next stop, waterfall paradise.”

So…Which of These Waterfalls Will You Chase First?

Every curve of the Hana Highway feels like it’s hiding a new secret — a shimmer through the trees, a roar around the bend, a glimpse of paradise waiting to be found. The Road to Hana waterfalls are more than a checklist of scenic stops; they’re the heartbeats of Maui’s wild, untamed beauty.

And when you’re ready to turn that road trip into the ultimate island getaway, it’s easy to start planning your adventure with vacation packages through Tripster that bundle convenience with unbeatable value.

From unforgettable Maui attractions and hotels to the tours and experiences that make your trip effortless, we help you plan smarter so you can focus on soaking it all in.

Before you know it, you’ll be cruising those jungle-lined curves with your playlists queued and your camera roll begging for mercy. Get ready—the Road to Hana Maui waterfalls are calling, and this is one detour you’ll never forget!

Road to Hana Waterfalls FAQs