You Can See 7 Waterfalls In Just One Day Of Hiking In Hawaii
By Megan Shute|Updated on March 25, 2022(Originally published March 20, 2022)
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
From short waterfalls that cascade into small pools you can swim in to towering cascades you can only witness via helicopter tour, the waterfalls you’ll find in Hawaii are truly remarkable. And while you’ll find several Hawaii waterfalls hiding in plain sight — no hiking required — there are even more that are found off-the-beaten-path and only accessible via hiking trails. If you want to make the most out of a single hiking trip, and you’re wondering how to find “waterfalls near me in Hawaii,” you’ll head to the southern tip of Maui past Hana. Here, you will find the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park and in it, two trails that lead to some of the most stunning waterfalls you’ve ever seen — seven of them, to be exact! This the perfect way to spend the day. Because you can never have enough waterfalls!
First up: a 0.5-mile loop trail that leads hikers to the unmistakeable Oheo Gulch, also known as the "Seven Sacred Pools."
These breathtaking swimming holes aren’t actually sacred, and there are far more than seven pools. The nickname was coined by the owner of what is now the Travaasa Hana — previously the Hotel Hana Maui — as a way to market this then-unknown remote location to tourists. This is an easy hike with waterfalls in Maui, and one we recommend for all skill levels.
This lush, green gulch was cut into the landscape over the course of millennia by an incredible rainforest stream.
Along its course to the vast Pacific Ocean, the stream is punctuated by cascading waterfalls and beautiful pools. In Hawaiian, Oheo translates to "something special," and we couldn’t agree more that this place is, indeed, special. You’ll find multiple cascades here, but this is one of the two biggest. This waterfall hike in Maui is the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful day exploring.
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Next up, you’ll embark on the connecting Pipiwai Trail, which measures in at four miles and meanders through the rainforest to some mighty stunning sights.
The water cascades over a verdant cliff covered with bamboo and prehistoric-looking ferns into the postcard-worthy rainforest. This easy waterfall hike in Maui is short and sweet, with a great payoff.
While walking along the short, well-maintained trail managed by the National Parks System, you will come across is this massive banyan tree, a magnificent wonder that looks as though it has been materialized right from the pages of a fairytale.
A series of boardwalks mean you won't get too muddy here and will make you feel as though you've entered a magical, enchanted forest. Haleakala National Park is filled with beautiful vistas and incredible waterfalls in Maui.
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As you approach the end of the trail, you will come in contact with the crowned jewel of the Pipiwai Trail — the breathtaking Waimoku Falls.
Plummeting 440 feet down a sheer lava rock and into a boulder-strewn pool, Waimoku Falls is easily one of the island’s most impressive waterfalls. Waimoku Falls in Maui is a must-see if you’re on the island and you love waterfalls.
But that’s not all. On either side of the stunning Waimoku Falls, you might discover two smaller waterfalls cascading down the mountains — depending on the rainfall when you visit, of course.
There’s always so many stunning surprises as you explore this area.
The hike gains approximately 600 feet in elevation and will take you between two and four hours, depending on how long you choose to linger. While you won’t have the trail to yourself – approximately half a million people hike this trail each year – it is far too dreamy of a location to pass up while on Maui.
And really, how can you say no to more than half a dozen waterfalls? If you’re looking for "waterfalls near me in Maui," this collection of falls is a great way to see the best of the best!
Address: Kipahulu Visitors Center, Hana Highway, Hana, HI 96713
Have you ever hiked the Pipiwai Trail and the Oheo Gulch Loop? How many waterfalls did you spot along the way? Share your experience with us in the comments below! Then, be sure to check out our ultimate list of Hawaiian waterfall hikes.
If you’re wondering “how do I find more waterfalls near me in Hawaii?” and want to see even more incredible waterfalls in a single day, keep driving along the Hana Highway and make as many stops as you can.
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Waterfalls Near Me In Hawaii
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How many waterfalls does Maui have?
There are a ton of waterfalls on the island of Maui, too many to count accurately. In fact, the Road To Hana alone has 15 documented waterfalls. You can see them from the road, or even when you drive over the bridge. There are at least 12 large and breathtaking waterfalls on Maui that tend to draw the public in to wonder in amazement.
What is the biggest waterfall on Maui?
The largest waterfall on the island of Maui is Honokohau Falls. This waterfall plunges two breathtaking tiers down to the ground, and falls over 1,100 feet. This stunning waterfall is the epitome of all of the beauty that Maui has to offer. In fact, this waterfall is so impressive that it was used in the move Jurassic Park.
