Whether you want to scramble along rock faces and embrace the great outdoors just to see a majestic cascade or prefer a more laid-back and accessible experience, these are the five best Maui waterfalls to see.
When travelling around the paradise islands of Hawaii, a must on any bucket list has to be the most beautiful and best Maui waterfalls.
Stunning sights of natural wonder, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of the wild, rugged beauty a waterfall beholds.
Ranging from impressively tall cascades to ensembles of smaller falls, there are enough waterfalls on the island of Maui to suit all sorts of travellers. Here, we round up the top five best Maui waterfalls for you to explore.
The World Bucket List’s top tips for visiting the best waterfalls in Maui
- Have a look at the weather conditions before making your trip. It is best to visit a waterfall after some rain.
- Follow all safety policies and measures in place to enhance your experience.
- Stick to the chosen paths set for the particular waterfall.
- We would recommend getting your hands on a good quality camera to capture some of the stunning beauty of Maui waterfalls.
- Lastly, it is best to visit these waterfalls with a guide! They will have an intimate knowledge of both the waterfalls and Maui culture.
5. Makapipi Falls – an easily accessible waterfall
If you’re chasing waterfalls in Maui, there’s no better place to head to than the Road to Hana. Since it has a lot of stops along the way, it’s helpful to consider some tips from travel bloggers for the Road to Hana. Here, you will find literally hundreds of waterfalls created by the island’s endless streams.
Makapipi Falls is one of our top picks along this route and is perfect for those seeking a more laid-back waterfall experience.
Unlike many other cascade experiences on Maui, Hawaii, USA, at Makapipi Falls, you can stand atop the waterfall and look down on it instead of looking at it from the ground.
The flow is at its best during the rainy season, but you can still visit Makapipi Falls year-round. This is a must add to your bucket list, alongside a trip to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Northern California.
Address: Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, United States
Related: The World Bucket List’s picks for the five best Hawaiian islands for families
4. Twin Falls – the obvious but epic entry
Twin Falls may seem like an obvious entry on our list of best Maui waterfalls. However, there’s just so much to love about this waterfall group that we simply could not resist.
This cluster of cascades is the first most tourists will come across on Road to Hana (at mile marker two). Here, visitors will spot a fruit stand that marks the entrance to the trail.
With its widespread popularity and premiere location along the Road to Hana, it must be noted that this is one of the most densely populated waterfall groups in Maui.
While we don’t recommend bypassing this site altogether – its swimming pools are unmissable – perhaps avoid this natural attraction during peak times!
Address: 6300 Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, United States
3. Nemo Falls – the hidden gem
No list of the best Maui waterfalls would be complete without adding in a hidden gem or two, and in this instance, it has got to be Nemo Falls. Paradise comes at a price, however, and it must be said that this is protected land.
Getting to Nemo Falls is a bit of a mission, but one that bears a great bounty upon arrival. The towering multi-level cascade is complete with different swimming pools and is a sight for sore eyes.
To get here, you should seek out a local guide who knows the trail well and always follow East Maui Irrigation (EMI) guidelines for the most recent information on visiting this site.
Address: Hawaii 96790, USA
Read more: our list of the top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Europe
2. Upper Waikani Falls – aka the Three Bears
If you’re seeking a genuinely awe-inspiring moment, we advise that you seek out Upper Waikani Falls, which is without a doubt one of the best Maui waterfalls.
This cluster consists of three waterfalls standing abreast.
Easy to see from the roadside, these are indeed a popular sight, so don’t expect this to be a secluded experience. That being said, its absolute beauty makes it well worth a visit.
If you choose to head down the trail to the water’s edge, make sure you pack your swimsuit. The water will be far too inviting to resist.
Address: Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, United States
1. Makahiku Falls – an impressive horsetail waterfall
If you’re looking for an impressive 200 ft (61 m) tall waterfall in Haleakala National Park, then this may be the one for you.
Makahiku Falls is located along the Pipiwai Trail in Ohe’o Gulch – what is colloquially known as the Seven Sacred Pools.
This is a 6.4 km (4 miles) looped hiking trail. Those looking to chase more waterfalls will be glad to know that Waimoku Falls is also set along this trail.
Pack a picnic, take some swimming gear, and make a day of it. Makahiku Falls is most certainly one of the best Maui waterfalls.
Address: Hawaii 96713, United States
Read more: our review of the top 5 best waterfalls in Oahu, Hawaii, ranked
Your questions answered about the best Maui waterfalls
Have a read of our article and still have some questions on your mind? Not to worry, for we have you covered! Here, we have put together some of the most frequently asked questions both to us and from online about the best Maui waterfalls.
What is the most beautiful waterfall in Maui?
This is of course up for debate, but at The World Bucket List we have went with Makahiku Falls.
Which waterfalls in Maui can you swim in?
You can swim in the following waterfalls in Maui: Upper Waikani Falls, Hanawi Falls, Twin Falls, Wailua Falls, and the Seven Sacred Pools.
What is the least crowded waterfall in Maui?
Punalau Falls is perhaps the least crowded waterfall in Maui, owing to its secluded location and is not visible from the highway.
What is the prettiest waterfall in Hawaii?
This is hard to choose, but some of the prettiest include Waipoo Falls, Akaka Falls, and Rainbow Falls.
