The Hike To This Gorgeous Hawaii Swimming Hole Is Everything You Could Imagine
Megan Shute
Author
While Hawaii certainly does not have a shortage of pristine, white sand beaches or man-made, oceanfront pools for us to choose from, occasionally we crave something a little more adventurous – like waterfall swimming holes. While it can seem like swimming holes are a dime a dozen in Hawaii, not all of these incredible destinations are created equally, and we’re sharing one of our absolute favorite waterfall swimming holes — Upper Waikani Falls — with you today.
Because this destination is fed by waterfalls, it is important for us to issue a friendly warning about the risks associated with flash flooding and leptospirosis bacteria found in many of Hawaii’s natural swimming holes. It is advised that you check weather reports before heading out for the day, and to always watch your step. With that warning out of the way, let’s talk about one of our absolute favorite Hawaiian waterfall swimming holes, and the steep hike it takes to get there.
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Upper Waikani Falls is located past Mile Marker 19 on Maui’s Road to Hana.
Want to add other waterfall swimming holes in Hawaii to your summer bucket list? Here are 13 of our all-time favorites.
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Upper Waikani Falls
What are some other points of interest along the Hana Highway?
In addition to Upper Waikani Falls, you'll discover all sorts of wondrous sights along this epic road trip in Hawaii: incredible parks, beaches, waterfalls, and snack stands... you name it! It can take more than two and a half hours to travel the 52 miles from Kahului to Hana along the eponymous Hana Highway, which traverses past sea cliffs lush with blooming mango trees and verdant jungles straight out of "Jurassic Park." But this drive is not for the faint of heart. Hana Highway is perhaps the most popular scenic drive on the island of Maui -- and possibly all of Hawaii -- but it’s also nerve-wracking, to say the least. This incredible highway is home to a staggering 620 curves, making it the windiest road in the Aloha State, and one best attempted with a slow and steady hand (and foot!). But if you happen to have a strong stomach, there's no better way to revel in the resplendence of the Aloha State, making Hana Highway a bucket-list must.
What are some other waterfall swimming holes in Hawaii?
Looking for some more wondrous waterfalls to swim in? You're in the right state! There are marvelous waterfall swimming holes all across the Aloha State; one of our favorite waterfall swimming holes is the aptly-named Narnia Falls. Allow us to set the scene: on the lush, verdant Hilo coast, you will find countless incredible waterfalls. Some, like Rainbow Falls, are wildly popular, and others, like the nearby Pe’epe’e Falls are lesser-known. And then there are waterfalls like Narnia Falls: hidden, ethereal, and otherworldly. Follow a secret path near Hilo past "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe" to find Narnia Falls, which is actually comprised of four stunning waterfalls cascading down lush, emerald green cliff faces into one striking pool that you can swim in!