On your way to the falls, you will pass by the popular Hanakapiai Beach a hotspot for experienced surfers who come to ride its massive waves. The beach behind the fishtrap is favored by honu, green sea turtles. My husband ended up going to the car and driving over to the entrance so that we all didn't have to walk back that way. The 5-mile roundtrip Waihee Ridge Trail passes a bamboo forest that will lead you to a natural oasis. Find the Ki'i Phaku (petroglyph rock art) boardwalk. Akaka Falls is one of the most popular attractions on the Big Island of Hawaii, and for a good reason. Trails: This hike follows two named trails: Race Brook Falls Trail, Lower Falls Trails. You can also drive to the spot but it is definitely walkable. Also known as the Seven Sacred Pools at Oheo, Oheo Gulch is nested in Haleakala National Park in its Kipahulu District, just downstream of Waimoku Falls. After entering Haleakala National park to access this waterfall, you will be mesmerized by their natural beauty. There is a very short route via the marina. Print/PDF map. 1h 9m. From Kaloko fishpond, head back inland along the Kaloko road, a rough unpaved road. Unlike most of Mauis waterfalls, Makapipi can be viewed from the above, making it a unique Hawaiian waterfall and offering waterfall lovers a birds eye view of the pools as well. However, the water can be pretty dark here, so pay extra attention to where you are cliff jumping. There, you will find a gate into the park. Whilst there is a boardwalk to take you round the lava, here are no boards out to say stop here and look. Or get ready to escape and book a Maui vacation rental. If you look closely mauka (toward the mountains), you should be able to spot several large mounds of stacked lava rocks. 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If you are keen on discovering the full beauty of Hana, then Upper Waikani Falls should be on your Maui bucket list! 1 Continue this thread More posts from the Hawaii community 952 Posted by u/ivegotdiabetusssshoe 2 months ago The waterfalls in Maui are straight out of picture-perfect postcards - blinding white streams of water cascading down dark grey rocks to plunge into the depths of brilliant blue pools of water, surrounded by verdant, lush tropical forests. Hawaii is one place that has pretty much every natural phenomenon that will take your breath away! There is no entrance fee. Signs helpfully pointed out that sea turtles like to bath and sun close to the shoreline and soon enough we were able to spot numerous sea turtles in the shallow waters. Top ways to experience Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park and nearby attractions Kona Tour: Coffee Plantation, Kealakekua Bay, Kaloko-Honokohau Park, and Bee Farm 53 Recommended Bus Tours from $193.75 per adult Kona Shore Excursion: Hawaiian Sea Turtles , Historic Kona & Coffee 22 Bus Tours from $139.00 per adult 73-4786 Kanalani St #14, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, HI 96740-2600, $$ - $$$ Italian Pizza Vegetarian Friendly. Brave souls like this guy draw applause from the crowd when they jump. We learned so much about these incredible creatures. Just drive north from Lihue and follow Maalo Road, drive about 3 miles and find a parking spot. A selection of the parks different Jr and Sr Ranger Books! At every turn you take, Maui will surprise you with gorgeous, gushing cascades, each one different from the other, nestled in a world of lush, green Hawaiian foliage. This 270ft tall waterfall is set against a jungle backdrop and drops in two tiers, the lower one of which can be viewed from Kahekili Highway. The average property tax on April Falls Trail is $4,340 /yr and the average house or building was built in 2002. dropping 400 feet (122 m) down a vertical cliff. Point of clarification- we ready one review that stated the turtles were nesting on the beach, however, as the ranger explained, the only turtle nesting site in the entire state of Hawaii is on Maui. How far would this be for us to travel? Learn more A Wandering Tattler hunts in the tidepools on the shoreline. The best time to visit is after it rains when the waterfall is at its fullest. Spectacular park with view of sea turtles. While Oloupena Falls may not be the easiest place to get to, it is definitely worth the effort to see one of the tallest waterfalls in the world in person. Shaldon Roberts-Lemus, Hawaii is defined by gorgeous volcanoes and alluring beaches. Remember to stay 20 ft away from the turtles; when everyone crowds around them, they will not come to the shore (where they rest). And for those looking for a little bit of adventure, during ancient times, Hawaiians used to take the 83-foot drop as a test of bravery and adulthood though we do not recommend doing that today! There is a short hike to get to the falls, but it is only a few minutes long. we will be arriving by cruise ship. There, you will find a gate into the park. There is also a 35-foot cliff-jumping spot at the top of the falls perfect for those looking for an adrenaline rush! Your email address will not be published. The roadside parking is typically full. Honokohau Falls on Maui drops in two tiers at a total 1,119 feet (341 m), making it the tallest waterfall on the island. A standard paddle will take about 45 minutes. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Check them out. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Turn left on Kealakehe Parkway and drive 0.4 miles to the entrance to the marina. Length 1.7 miElevation gain 633 ftRoute type Out & back. Enter the marina and go to the right part of the marina, first right turn. The surrounding cliffs are unbelievably green - no. This trail is estimated to be 4.2 mi long. The quick hike to the top of the falls offers stunning views of the rainforest. Take the southern trail and shortly find another intersection with restrooms where you can head toward Aipio fishtrap or just head to Trailhead #3, Honokhau Harbor. What Is Rental Car Insurance Coverage? Wailua Falls sits at the south end of Wailua River, and no hiking is needed for an up-close look at this double-tiered waterfall. It is accessible via the 1.8-mile (2.9 km) Pipiwai Trail . Wailua Falls measures about 80 feet, and during heavy rains the two falls will merge into one. Enjoy your visit! Adventurers can even try cliff jumping to the pool below, and after thoroughly exploring the area, get back to the food stand for a quick snack. Suited for all skill levels, the trail suits those interested in hiking, walking, birding and nature trips. We hope you enjoyed this guide detailing the best Maui waterfalls please let us know if we missed any gorgeous waterfalls in Maui in the comments! It was quite warm walking in mid-afternoon. There is a very short route via the marina. The setting of Makamakaole Falls wont give you the chance to get up close and personal with the cascade, but the distant vistas from the trail guarantee picture-perfect views of the falls from one side along with emerald cliffs and the blue waters of the Pacific on the other. Kahuna Falls is a beautiful 100-foot waterfall that is the perfect warm-up for Akaka Falls. However, we got her to a park ranger, Jackson, who gave her first aid and a ride back to the parking lot. Do not enter this heiau or walk on its walls. It is accessible by land and is one of the most beautiful Maui Waterfalls not connected to the Road to Hana. After enjoying the views of Akaka Falls, continue on the loop trail to see more of the rainforest before heading back to the parking lot. Honokohau Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the globe, and the tallest waterfall on Maui. According to Hawaiian legend, Rainbow Falls was home to the goddess of the moon, Hina. The trail meanders through a lush rainforest environment and culminates at a jaw-dropping 150-foot waterfall that cascades down the mountainside. Access to the pools may be restricted if it rains, so make sure to check the weather the night before visiting on a sunny day in order to take a dip in tranquil water and enjoy the incredible surrounding scenery. (Statues and bench will be removed) Hallway from living room to entrance. The content on this website may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission. No matter how you choose to view Sacred Falls, it is sure to be a memorable experience. As such you either spend a lot of time looking at native lava wondering if a line is a natural feature or a petroglyph, or you risk missing some. Your first stop on the Road to Hana will be the gorgeous Twin Falls, which is considered one of the busiest falls on this list. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Do buy some nice Hawaiian fruits from the roadside stand to support the rural community. Lauren Abbott, When you think of paradise, do you envision sandy beaches. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 9 min to complete. For a closer view, take a helicopter tour of the area it is the only way to get legally closer to the falls. Detailed Info No detailed information is currently available. A standard paddle will take about 45 minutes. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. It is just a 2 minute walk to the falls. Tripadvisor gives a Travelers Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor. If you'd like a nice strip of beach to yourself, you might be able to find it here. Located at the very end of the Pipiwai Trail, the setting of Waimoku Falls is simply breathtaking, and all about bamboo forests, banyan trees, challenging paths, and jaw-droppingly blue pools of water. Puaa Kaa Falls, or Puaa Kaa Falls, which means rolling pig, is another waterfall on the Road to Hana located in the Puaa Kaa State Wayside Park, which is home to two waterfalls. Twin Falls cascades into a serene pool, where you should definitely go for a dip and explore the area behind the falls for spectacular views. Visitors should also note that this waterfall is not an appropriate place for jumping, diving or hiking. August 02, 2021. Users of the website may print or download any content for personal use, but no one may reproduce this content (whether text or photographs) for any purpose in print or online without explicit permission from BigIslandHikes.com. Featuring two parallel tiers of water that fall and pour down into the Wailua River, the falls are especially beautiful after a heavy rain, when the two falls often merge into one giant gushing torrent of water. One of the most popular waterfalls in all of Hawaii is Twin Falls. Kailua-Kona Due to time constraints we only did the hike as far as the petroglyphs, which were cool to see. After viewing the rock art from the boardwalk, get back on the trail and quickly find an intersection where you can either head north toward Aimakap fishpond or south toward Aipio fishtrap. Dont forget to take your bathing suit with you to enjoy the serene and refreshing pool underneath the falls. Honokohau Falls, Maui. At present, these cliffs are considered one of the tallest seaside cliffs in the world. Check out the beachfront hotels and monthly rentals for your accommodation needs. Getting to Uluwehi Falls is an adventure in itself and can only be done by kayak and hiking. You'll see a circular parking area and a few structures just off the highway. As you stroll along the trail, you will be surrounded by beautiful flora and fauna. Kopiliula Falls is nestled along the Kopiliula Stream, near which you will find various cascades among lush greenery. Thesefalls are incredibly remote. Honokohau Falls measures two-tiers cascading a total of over 1,100 feet, making it the tallest waterfall in Maui. You can then view it on your cell phone or computer by heading to your Google Maps account, click the menu and add it to Your Places. . 97% of travelers recommend this experience. From the lookout, hikers get a view of Nakalele Point which . There are many impressive waterfalls in Hawaii, each with its own unique beauty. Those in west Maui have the opportunity to see Makamakaole Falls from Waihee Ridge Trail. Take the Diamond Head Trail to the summit of Oahu's volcanic tuff cone nestled along the coastline, and find panoramic views of Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean. The 0.37-mile lightly trafficked out and back Puaa Kaa Falls Trail winds through lush greenery to get you to the waterfall up close. . The water begins falling as a narrow stream and then widens towards the bottom, similar to the appearance of a horse's tail. Thanks for you help! After entering Haleakala National park to access this waterfall, you will be mesmerized by their natural beauty. However, suppose you are looking for a more family-friendly adventure. This is a great hike for all ages and fitness levels and is one of the best ways to see two of Hawaiis most famous waterfalls. It appeared that they are renovating that area, but in the mean time it is not appealing. The falls are located along the Hana Highway, where youll need to cross the Makapipi Stream, which flows within the lava streambed into a pristine azure pool. After viewing this rock art, return to the intersection with the restrooms and head toward Aipio fishtrap. Punalau Falls is one of northeastern Mauis hidden gems due to its remote location. We saw so many sea turtles! Nakalele Lookout. Loves discussing New Zealand, domino theory, dystopian fiction, & Harry Potter. The mountain is known for being one of the wettest places on earth, receiving an average of 452 inches of rain each year. The first trail starts from the parking lot and is a rather muddy one, while the second one is longer but easier, safer, and less steep. are informative and eager to answer questions and tell visitors about the fishing tec are amazing and it is a very tranquil place to relax and enjoy while still just a few minutes from Kona. Mahalo! Make sure to bring your camera to capture this natural wonder! From the Waialeale Waterfalls on Kauai to the Oloupena Falls on Molokai, there is sure to be a waterfall that will take your breath away. History and Naming Honokohau Falls is the name of this waterfall. Visitors will see Makamakaole Falls drop in several tiers totaling 270 feet in height. Get out your hiking boots and raingear and get your cameras clicking as you set out on these best waterfall hikes in Maui, Hawaii. (Do a quick search on the following sites). Hanawi Falls is one of the Hana regions most spectacular and cherished spots. Regardless of how you choose to experience them, the Waialeale Waterfalls are sure to take your breath away. If you are looking for a breathtaking natural experience, be sure to check out one or all of these 15 fantastic waterfalls during your next visit to Hawaii! The actual hike is on a narrow, slippery trail on private land and it is only meant for experts, who can take the treacherous hike to the pool at the base, offering spectacular views. Kona Tour: Coffee Plantation, Kealakekua Bay, Kaloko-Honokohau Park, and Bee Farm, Kona Shore Excursion: Hawaiian Sea Turtles , Historic Kona & Coffee, Big Island Adventure Bundle: 5 Epic Audio Driving Tours, Big Island - Kona Big Kahuna GPS Driving Tour, UltimateSnorkeling Adventures in Kailua Kona Hawaii. In case you are unable to finish the trail, you will still have a few lookout points to admire the falls from a distance. Kaloko-Honokhau National Historic Park Coastal Wetland Amenities Features Managed by: National Park Service Hours & Site Information: Visit Website Important Info: Bring water and wear sunscreen. Guests can see Honokohau Falls via helicopter tours. It includes the National Historic Landmarked archaeological site known as the Honokhau Settlement. While Oloupena Falls may not be the easiest place to get to, it is definitely worth the effort to see one of the tallest waterfalls in the world in person. more. Although the trail is short, its not an easy walk and requires climbing under a bridge and following a thick path. Understanding the weather conditions is important because the river can be quite challenging to paddle on some days. The rainier the day, the larger the flow of the waterfall. Located on the Road to Hana, Waimoku Falls sits at the end of Pipiwai Trail above Seven Sacred Pools. The waterfall gets its name from the rainbow that can be seen in the mist created by the falling water. The trail then loops around and takes you to the viewing area for Akaka Falls. Related Read: The 10 Best All-Inclusive Hawaii Resorts for Families. This 2953-foot tall waterfall is a tiered razor-thin stream flowing along Haloku cliffs. The gorgeous Maui waterfall is nestled amidst lush tropical foliage and cascades 80 ft in two streams, making it the most photographed waterfall on Maui. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. To survive in a hot and arid environment the native Hawaiians (kanaka maoli) used ancient fishing skills, including the building of fishponds, and the knowledge of the location of precious fresh water (wai) that flows into the many brackish pools throughout the park. The views are breathtaking from the beach and you can walk out to see lots of ocean life. One of the non-touristy things to do in Maui is taking a trip down to the Twin Falls. Consider staying in one of the hotels with kitchen or hotels with infinity pool for a pleasant accommodation that would welcome you after a thrilling waterfall hike. The hike generally takes around 30 minutes. If you come here, I would recommend driving to the marina and then taking the short 2-3 minute walk to the turtle beach. Proceed around the bend to the west end of a very large parking lot. My wife really wanted to see some sea turtles and after research and some positive reviews we felt confident we would be able find some sea turtles. Mauis most known, most visited, and most accessible waterfall lies along the Road to Hana. Take the first right along the parkway and follow this road until you see the Kona Sailing Club. Continue north along the main trail. Past this fishpond, find a barren lava field past the foliage. It is considered a horsetail waterfall because it keeps contact with the bedrock almost the whole way down. Privacy Policy | Sitemap | Hawai'i Land Acknowledgment. There are restrooms shortly along the trail, but not at the trailhead itself. Kaloko-Honokhau National Historical Park contains a wealth of ancient Hawaiian history in a beautiful place to hike. This amazing field includes an extensive petroglyph of a western sailing vessel, several konane games (similar to checkers), and both ancient and more modern human representations. The falls are even more beautiful during the winter months when the water flow is at its heaviest. Please be especially aware of the difficulty levels, the locations ground conditions, as well as the seasonal risks. The fishtrap used to trap fish during low tide for easy gathering for the extensive fishponds in the region. This is a popular trail for hiking and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. It is accessible by land and is one of the most beautiful Maui Waterfalls not connected to the Road to Hana. . The best way to see this waterfall is on a helicopter tour. Enjoy the turtles, they are amazing. The park has two unique fishponds, listen to park staff discuss how they were built and used in ancient Hawaii. Use our trail maps, elevation charts, pictures, and get directions to the trailhead to plan your next hike! ago Hawaii (Big Island) There's no trail there. Almost the entirety of Maui is dotted by waterfalls, which range from spectacular by-the-roadside ones to cascades deep in the heart of the rainforest jungles, making reaching them adventurous and daunting in equal measure. If you find a sea turtle sleeping on the beach, maintain at least a twenty foot radius and do not disturb it. Honokohau Falls Be sure to take your time and enjoy all the beauty of nature that surrounds you. Trailhead #1: Hale Ho'okipa Welcome House: This trailhead is the easiest to find and is the main visitor center for the Park as well as the main parking area. You wont find any crowds there since the falls cant be seen from the highway and, as a result, tends to be overlooked on the Road to Hana. Trailhead #3: Honokhau Harbor: This harbor is used for small boats and several commercial diving and fishing businesses. 2 mo. The spirit of the people (poe) and the knowledge of the elders (kupuna) created a tradition of respect and reverence for this area. Honokohau Falls Top 12 Best Waterfalls on Maui You Should Visit. Before seeing Waimoku Falls, stop mid-way on the trail and listen to the wind whip through the bamboo forest. To access the falls, stop around mile marker 2 and park. The Waialeale Waterfalls are some of the most beautiful and majestic falls in all of Kauai. According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is Ala Mauka Makai, Ala Kahakai, Ala Nui Kaloko and Mmalahoa Trail Loop . The best time to view the falls is before noon so that crowds can be avoided. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Honokohau Falls is also a two-tiered waterfall, which makes it even more impressive. This stunning waterfall is tucked deep within the West Maui mountains, and it can be tricky to access by land. My daughter slipped and sliced her foot wide open on the coral so you definitely want to wear water shoes. Feel free to take photos, however due to rock slides, the pools close often for safety purposes. This provides for an endless supply of waterfalls and rainbows, making it a truly magical place to visit. Maui Tags Alelele Falls, Honokohau Falls, KOPILIULA FALLS, Makahiku Falls, Makamakaole Falls, Maui, NAHIKU POND AND NAHIKU LANDING, Pools at Oheo, PUA'A KA'A FALLS, Punalau Falls, Twin Falls, Wailua Falls, Waimoku Falls . Just south of Trailhead #1, find Kealakehe Parkway at a traffic light and turn makai (toward the sea). If youre looking for things to do in Kihei and nearby, this should be added to your Haleakala and Maui itinerary! The first part of the hike is a challenging one, but then it becomes easier and is not so slippery. Along the Aipio fishtrapshore is also a canoe hale (canoe house). It is nestled in the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park, and a 15-minute hike is all it takes to get to the falls! Maui waterfalls + Ocean tour on Horseback, Rappel Maui waterfalls and rainforest cliffs, 8 Best Luaus on Kauai (+ Fire Shows, Hula, & Tips! The lush green of the Hawaiian forests surrounding the cascades glisten in the mist arising from the cascades, making for million-dollar photo ops. Front Entrance view. Eventually, you will reach the end of the Hanakapiai Falls Trail, where you will be treated to an incredible view of the waterfall, which drops 300 feet into a beautiful green pool. Jumping into the pools is strictly prohibited post-rainfall since the water depths after rain can be deceiving. Honokohau Falls is also a two-tiered waterfall, which makes it even more impressive. If you are looking for one of the most breathtaking waterfalls to visit on Oahu, look no further than Waimea Falls. They have a recommended hiking loop that the ranger in the visitor center said takes about 2 hours. Waterfall height: 10 - 30 feet (3-9 meters). Honokohau Falls is said to be the tallest waterfall on Maui as it apparently plunges in two tiers for a total of 1100ft. This is not a hike or a walk, but instead requires a couple of steps out of your vehicle to enjoy this nice lookout. There are several lookout points where you will be able to see the falls in all their glory. If you have any exciting waterfall hikes in Maui, be sure to let us know! Quickly pass a small fishpond and follow the trail as it passes several ancient sites for about a half-mile. ), 7 Best Big Island Helicopter Tours (+ Volcano Flights! I do wish we had taken the time to go down to the beach and see the turtles - maybe next time. According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park: Hotels near Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park: Restaurants near Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park: Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, Kailua-Kona: Hours, Address, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park Reviews: 4.5/5. The famed Honokohau Falls is named after the long Honohokau stream, a river that flows starting from the summit of Puu Kukui. This will allow you to see the falls from above and get a true sense of their size and beauty. The 1,119 ft tall stunning waterfall is fed by the Honohokau Stream and plunges down in two tiers and makes a scene as if it flows from the clouds and disappears in the middle of picture-perfect, green mountains. The content on this website may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission. Skip the luxurious dinner cruises just this time and explore the waters of the 400-foot-high (122 meters) Waimoku Falls instead. Annette, discounthawaiicarrental Check them out online, no commitment and you compare your opportunities I think youll think a car rental would be very convenient. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Honokohau Falls at Lahaina, Maui, West Maui Forest Reserve, including pictures, maps, directions, description, hiking trail routes - HI waterfalls by waterfallswest.com. Traveling to Maui independently? . Head to Maui and dont miss seeing any of these water wonders! Visitors can either park and take pictures or hike a short trail to the falls. Fed by the Koolau Rainforest in the Hoolawa Valley, Twin Falls is accessible year-round, but make sure to visit after heavy rain to take in the full beauty of the falls. The views from the top are incredible, and you can really see the whole island from up there. NextisHawaii.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. The Hu'e Hu'e Trail used to be a ranch road. One of Mauis best waterfall hikes will lead you to this 100ft gorgeous waterfall. . Proceed around the bend to the west end of a very large parking lot. According to Hawaiian legend, Rainbow Falls was home to the goddess of the moon, Hina. For the more adventurous types, theres even cliff jumping. When you reach Rainbow falls, you will see that the falls are 80 feet tall and cascade over a lava cave. Enjoy learning about the top Maui waterfalls? If you continue east along Kaloko Road, you'll eventually reach the Ala Loa or Ala Mamalahoa, the ancient "King's Trail." This is a great hike for all ages and fitness levels and is one of the best ways to see two of Hawaiis most famous waterfalls. Some of which are only accessible by helicopter or cruise. Access: Pullout just past mile marker 25 on Hana Highway, Difficulty of hike: Walk across Makapipi Stream bridge, Easy. Although this Park was established in 1978, it existed in a fairly undeveloped state until recently.