When you plan to go on an adventurous trip to Maui, make sure to leave some time to go on some epic hiking trails. Waterfall hikes in Maui are especially unique, keep reading for more details!
Waterfall Hikes in Maui
When hiking waterfalls in Maui, looking up directions and having maps will keep your journey safe as well as provide you with peace of mind. The best part of many of Maui’s waterfall hikes is that the trails are short driving distances that you can cover easily without taking too much of your day.
The hiking trails through waterfalls in Maui provide excellent views of the water. Because of Maui’s tropical climate, the waterfalls are often times flowing at powerful levels. For some waterfall hikes, you may also see the spectacular view of the coast. Before heading out on your hike though, you should always keep in mind precautionary measures which include having the right hiking gear for the weather.
Best Time for Hiking Maui Waterfalls
There are multiple seasons for hiking Maui waterfalls. The most popular season will be from April through May and September through November. These months are when there will be the least amount of rain but it also won’t be extremely hot and humid in the middle of the summer. Another benefit of going in these times is that it will also be warmer for you to enjoy swimming holes to go for a dip.
Although many visitors to Maui will come during the holidays around December and January, that runs you into wet season. The rainfall may be great to see the luscious waterfalls, but it will not be as fun to hike in the rain.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Lahaina (West) | 2.6 | 1.7 | 1.2 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 1.9 | 2.8 |
| Wailea (South) | 2.9 | 1.7 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 1.5 | 2.5 |
Travel Information for Maui
Maui has the main airport Kahului (Airport code OGG), other than two smaller commuters in East and West Maui. Many airlines provide direct flights to get to Maui. Another is the way to fly through the Honolulu International airport in Oahu. You can then take the 40 minutes flight from Oahu to reach Maui.
Public transportation is essentially non-existent on Maui so you will definitely need a car. My recommendation is to rent a car at the airport when you land!
On reaching Maui, you’ll get multiple accommodation options. From affordable hotels to more luxury hotels, you can reside at any place according to the number of your travel partners and the length of your stay.
Most visitors to Maui will stay in the following towns:
- West Maui: Lahaina, Kaanapali, and Kapalua for the busier sides of Maui. More restaurants, downtown shopping areas, etc.
- South Maui: Kihei and Wailea for something a little quieter than West Maui
- East Maui: Very remote along the Road to Hana but can get a ton of rain
If this is your first time in Maui, I definitely recommend staying in West Maui just to get settled in. Most of the waterfalls in Maui will also be closer to these areas!
What to Pack for Hiking in Maui
Hiking gear is very important when it comes to safety and comfort while you are out on the trails. Hiking waterfalls in Maui is generally an easier hike and well-populated because of its popularity, but having the rihgt gear will still make your trip much more enjoyable.
Hiking Boots / Shoes
Sun Protection
Water Storage
I personally bring about 1L of water per hour of hiking, and will sometimes bump that up to 1.5L if it is very hot outside.
Summer Hiking Clothing
PS – If you are looking for a more in-depth review of hiking gear, check out my blog on The Best Hiking Clothes.
5 Hiking Trails for Waterfalls in Maui
1. Waihee Ridge Trail
4.0 miles | 1,610 ft | Dog Friendly
The trailhead is located at Maluhia Road in West Maui, nearby a ton of other great hiking options. The 4-mile round trip ascents almost 1700 ft. When you arrive at the trail, it will not feel like much of the trail as the cement road provides a smooth journey in the beginning through a cattle-proof gate. However this is deceiving – the trail can oftentimes be muddy and slippery if there was recent rain. This popular waterfalls hike in Maui will take three hours to complete.
Although the hike is not a traditional waterfall hike in Maui because you don’t end up at a waterfall, you will see waterfalls along Waihee Ridge during your entire hike. After three-quarters of a mile, you’ll see the amazing view of Makamakaole Falls. This trail also provides the cinematic views of some other falls too. After one mile, you’ll see the views of your lifetime.
Another aspect of this trail is the sea of clouds. The clouds may obscure the views of the trail, so I would recommend starting early – like around 8AM. The whole climb is quite steady, and it comprises slippery and muddy pathways. You will encounter the benches and spots for you to have a lunch break.
The whole trail, the views, and jaw-dropping scenery make the whole struggle of the elevation worth it. It contains the best waterfalls during the trail of Waihee Ridge. The summit lookout point is a sight to behold with memorable views of the Waihee Gorge and the surrounding waterfalls in Maui.
2. Waimoku Falls via Pipiwai Trail
3.8 miles | 900 ft | No Dogs Allowed
Waimoku Falls is on the Southeast side of Maui, close to Hana in Haleakala National Park. This trail has a ton of diverse scenery if you are driving around the Road to Hana. At the base of the spectacular waterfall, these views of Maui hiking waterfalls and amazing places will make the whole hike memorable. The only thing that may annoy you during the trail is the crowd. Due to its easy access through the national park, it welcomes almost half a million visitors annually.
With steeper grades and a Wassell-maintained trail, the first half mile will be easier for you. However, you start to get some elevation soon after. The whole hike comprises mango and guava trees that are quite majestic. The trail also goes through a bunch of very scenic bamboo trees – exactly what I think of when I think of a Maui hike!
3. Seven Sacred Pools Trail (‘Ohe’o Gulch)
0.5 miles | Flat | No Dogs Allowed
These pools are part of Haleakala National Park on the Southeast side of Maui. The trailhead is at the central parking lot for visitors in Kipahulu and shares a trailhead with Pipiwai Trail above. With perfect cascades, these pools are a sight to behold.
Quite easily accessible to visitors, the pools are only 0.5 miles hiking and are easy to access. The ease of access makes it one of the most popular waterfall hikes in Maui. This is also one of the best spots for an incredible experience of swimming.
Seven Sacred Pools trail is one of the most popular waterfalls for hiking in Maui, so be aware that you might be with a big crowd. From a 30 minutes drive through the south of Hana, this trail is comparatively easier to access by car too.
The one watch out for Seven Sacred Pools is that it’s really only enjoyable if the water levels are high, which means to check the recent rainfalls. Overall, there is an amazing view from above. You can swim in the water too to cool off if it’s a hot, humid day in Maui.
4. Makamakaole Stream
2.0 miles | 500 ft | No Dogs Allowed
The short valley hike will lead you toward the base of the Makamakaole trail, and you have to cross the stream of Makamaole multiple times to approach it. After your hike is finished, you can relax with the dip at the base of the waterfall. This is a very popular place for swimming and I definitely recommend it.
You can climb through the side of this waterfall and see the other tiers. This is a short hike with a really good reward at the end. Although dogs aren’t allowed, it may be a good option for children because it’s only 2 miles roundtrip.
As always for waterfall hiking in Maui, bring water along with you and also bug spray to avoid mosquitos. You should also make sure to have the proper footwear.
5. Twin Falls Trail
1.8 miles | 400 ft | Dog Friendly
Twin Falls is another easily accessible trail for hiking waterfalls in Maui. Twin Falls is a very popular trail because of how the waterfalls casacde down. It’s truly an Instagrammable spot!
The trailhead of the twin falls on the Mile Marker road along the Road to Hana highway, located in North Maui. The total hiking distance to cover is 1.8 miles, so it is definitely an easier hike. Overall, it’s a great pit stop along the Road to Hana and I definitely recommend stopping here for a waterfalls hike in Maui!
As the whole road of Hana is popular for its views of incredible waterfalls, so you’ll love the hiking experience at Twin Falls from start to end. The best part of this trail is that it is also a dog friendly hike.
One note – if there is heavy rain at Twin Falls, the hike will be closed. Signs are posted at the trailhead when this happens.
Summary
Hiking waterfalls in Maui is a great activity for the entire family, whether you are local or just visiting. You can enjoy the hiking through the above details and choose the best option that suits where you are staying and how long you want to drive.
There are a ton of waterfall hikes in Maui and it will be hard to choose! Be sure to pack the right gear when you are out there hiking. Even though the trail distances are mostly short, it can be quite slippery and dangerous when it rains.
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