Waterfalls in West Maui: Lush Trails, Hidden Pools & Tranquil Streams

West Maui is home to some of the island’s most dramatic landscapes, towering mountains, misty forests, and cascading waterfalls tucked deep within the valley. While many visitors come to Maui for its beaches, exploring the waterfalls and streams throughout West Maui reveals a completely different side of the island, one rooted in Hawaiian culture, natural beauty, and unforgettable adventure.

Honokōhau Falls

If you’re looking for a spectacular waterfall in a remote location, this waterfall experience will leave you breathless. Located on the remote northern slopes of the West Maui Mountains between Kahakuloa and Honolua, where roads and trails do not exist, this magnificent two-tiered waterfall flows with a jaw-dropping 1,119-foot cascade from top to bottom.

Near the summit of Puʻu Kukui, one of the highest points on West Maui, this waterfall is accessible only by helicopter, providing a rare opportunity for a dramatic aerial perspective. Due to its elevation, the falls are often wrapped in clouds, creating the illusion that the water is pouring directly from the sky.

The surrounding land is deeply sacred to Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians), holding immense cultural and spiritual significance as it reflects a deep connection to the land, water, and ocean. You may even recognize Honokōhau Falls from Jurassic Park, where its dramatic backdrop was featured on screen.

Good to know:

• Honokōhau Falls is the tallest waterfall on Maui
• Helicopter access only (weather dependent)
• Inaccessible by foot, no hiking access available

With an expansive, unobstructed view from a gracefully maneuvering helicopter, you’ll have a superb opportunity to witness Mother Nature at her finest. If you are planning a helicopter tour, be sure to choose one that includes these magical falls. The sheer volume and depth of this awe-inspiring and picturesque waterfall will leave you exhilarated long after your tour is over.

The Hawaii Concierge offers two unforgettable helicopter experiences that include Honokōhau Falls, the Complete Island Tour, and the Molokai Voyage Deluxe Helicopter Tour.

Makamakaʻole Falls

For travelers who want a waterfall hiking experience in West Maui, Makamakaʻole Falls, often called “13 Crossings”, is one of the most rewarding adventures on the island.

This moderate 2-mile out-and-back hiking trail winds through lush rainforest, towering bamboo groves, and massive banyan trees before reaching a stunning two-tiered waterfall totaling 270 feet. Along the way, hikers cross multiple streams, adding to the adventure and charm of the trail.

At the end, you’ll find refreshing waterfall pools perfect for cooling off after the hike. The falls are most impressive during the wet season (November–March), though conditions can be muddy and slippery.

Makamakaʻole Falls is one of the few waterfalls in West Maui that you can hike to and swim within its tropical pools, and it is one you won’t want to miss during your island stay.

Good to Know:

• Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction
• Expect stream crossings and muddy terrain
• Avoid hiking after heavy rain due to flash-flood risk
• Trekking poles or a walking stick are helpful

This waterfall hike gives you the best of everything Maui has to offer… forests, streams, falls, and fresh mountain pools. Take a rejuvenating swim in the main pool on the right-hand side of the stream trail, or relax on the rocks and gaze at these lovely falls coursing down through the lush forest.

Driving Directions:

From West Maui, head south on Hwy 30 toward Wailuku/Kahului. Stay on Hwy 30 until you reach the 4-way intersection in Wailuku (the state offices will be on your right). Pass through the intersection, the road ends in one block at W. Vineyard, and turn right. Take W. Vineyard to the stop sign and turn left onto N. Market, which turns into Kahekili Hwy. Drive about 7.5 miles north on Kahekili Highway until you reach around mile marker 8. Look for a hairpin turn where the highway passes over Makamaka'ole Stream; that’s the trailhead for the hike to the falls. Park on the shoulder or turnout.

From Wailea or Kihei, head north on Highway 31 to North Kihei Road. Turn left onto North Kihei Road, traveling west until it intersects with Highway 30, and turn right. Stay on Hwy 30 until you reach the four-way intersection in Wailuku (the state offices will be on your right). Pass through the intersection, the road ends in one block at W. Vineyard, and turn right. Take W. Vineyard to the stop sign at the four-way intersection and turn left onto N. Market, which turns into Kahekili Hwy. Drive about 7.5 miles north on Kahekili Highway until you reach around mile marker 8. Look for a hairpin turn where the highway passes over Makamaka'ole Stream; that’s the trailhead for the hike to the falls. Park on the shoulder or turnout.

Iao Valley State Park and Iao Needle

One of the most accessible hiking and stream experiences in Maui, Iao Valley offers an easy hike with the opportunity for a refreshing dip in a cool mountain stream. 

A gentle, paved 0.6-mile round-trip walk leads you through Iao Valley alongside a clear mountain stream with cascading falls and tranquil pools, culminating in scenic viewpoints of the valley and the iconic 1,200-foot Iao Needle rock spire. Along the way, a thoughtfully curated botanical garden highlights the plants brought by early Hawaiian settlers, offering both a peaceful natural experience and a meaningful connection to the valley’s cultural history.

As you enter the valley, the scenic drive takes you past lush and colorful foliage and into its gorge, where you’re flanked on both sides by steep mountainsides carpeted with rich green forest. Wind and weave your way deep into the valley, and a sense of peace and tranquility envelops you, unlike any other place on Maui.  Your senses will come alive as you see, hear, and breathe the magical essence of this sacred place. As the stream flows down from the mountain, it shifts from cascading falls to clear pools, where you can wade into the shallows or plunge into one of the many small pools.

Iao Needle’s amazing spire (which cannot be climbed even by the most experienced hikers) once served as a strategic lookout point during King Kamehameha I’s campaign to unify the island.

Good to Know:

• Advanced reservations are required for out-of-state visitors
  • Visit the Hawaii State Parks website to reserve your spot
• Easy, family-friendly walk, paved roads with plenty of parking
• Limited swimming depending on conditions

Whether you spend the day or make it a short visit, one thing is certain: your trip to this heavenly valley will touch you deeply, and you will know that you experienced something special on Maui, the Valley Isle.

Driving Directions:

From West Maui, take Highway 30 south heading toward Wailuku/Kahului.  Stay on Hwy 30 until you reach the four-way intersection in Wailuku (the state offices will be on your right), and make a left onto West Main Street. Follow West Main Street until you come to a Y intersection. Bear right, going down, onto Iao Valley Road (Highway 320). Follow Iao Valley Road for 2.2 miles to the end and the park gate.

From Wailea or Kihei, take Highway 31 to North Kihei Road.  Turn left onto North Kihei Road.  When it intersects with Highway 30, turn right heading toward Wailuku.  Stay on Hwy 30 until you reach the four-way intersection in Wailuku (the state offices will be on your right), and make a left onto West Main Street. Follow West Main Street until you come to a Y intersection. Bear right, going down, onto Iao Valley Road (Highway 320). Follow Iao Valley Road for 2.2 miles to the end and the park gate.

Kepaniwai Park Heritage Gardens

At the lower part of Iao Valley, before the state park entrance, is Kepaniwai Park Heritage Gardens, a beautiful and serene spot for a stroll, picnic, or swim. While Kepaniwai Falls is no longer accessible, the park still provides easy access to Iao Stream and the beautifully maintained grounds.

The cultural gardens represent eight different heritages that helped shape Maui’s history, connected by peaceful walking paths with gracefully arching stone bridges. There are eight pavilions, each with covered picnic tables and two uncovered picnic tables beside Iao Stream, offering an ideal spot to experience this culturally significant park. You won’t find a more pleasant and serene place in the heart of the West Maui Mountains to take a meandering stroll along stone walkways, have a picnic lunch, or bathe in clear mountain waters.

Good to Know:

• Flat, easy walking paths
• Picnic pavilions with tables and BBQ grills
• Easy access to the Iao Stream for a leisurely swim

Whether you enjoy a garden walk, a refreshing swim, or an afternoon picnic, you will leave knowing you’ve experienced a unique part of Maui. 

Driving Directions: 

From West Maui, take Highway 30 south heading toward Wailuku/Kahului.  Stay on Hwy 30 until you reach the four-way intersection in Wailuku (the state offices will be on your right), and make a left onto West Main Street. Follow West Main Street until you come to a Y intersection. Bear right, going down, onto Iao Valley Road (Highway 320). Travel 1.5 miles, and the gardens will be on your left-hand side.

From Wailea or Kihei, take Highway 31 heading North and turn left onto North Kihei Road.  When the road intersects with Highway 30, turn right.  Stay on Hwy 30 until you reach the four-way intersection in Wailuku (the state offices will be on your right), and make a left onto West Main Street. Follow West Main Street until you come to a Y intersection. Bear right, going down, onto Iao Valley Road (Highway 320). Travel 1.5 miles, and the gardens will be on your left-hand side.

Experience West Maui Beyond the Beaches

From magical falls pouring through the skies, to adventurous hikes with waterfall pools, to meandering walks through heavenly valleys — treat yourself to an experience in the West Maui Mountains.

At Maui Resort Rentals, we believe that to truly know an island, you must explore more than its beaches. Forest hikes and waterfall excursions reveal a different side of Maui, where you can feel the energy of its volcanic heart along lush trails, in fragrant mountain air, and beside cool, clear streams.

When you're ready to plan your next getaway, we’d love to help you find the perfect home base, whether it’s an oceanfront studio for two or a spacious family retreat with room for everyone. Contact Maui Resort Rentals and let us help you create the Maui vacation you’ve been dreaming of. We can’t wait to welcome you to the island!