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.

Maui’s famous Hana Highway stretches approximately 64 miles along the coast and is populated by countless striking waterfalls. And of all these incredible waterfalls, Upper Waikani Falls might just be the prettiest.
Gypsy and The Fool/Flickr
But many tourists come across the waterfall, snap a photo, and continue on with their journey. Why? There are few places to stop and park along this stretch of the Hana Highway. If you’re able to snag a parking spot near the waterfall, however, we promise you won’t be disappointed.
Hector Martinez/Google
(Pro tip: If you continue 1/10th of a mile past the waterfall, you will find a small parking area.)
After all, the best views of this striking waterfall await when you climb under the bridge and follow a short, steep jungle path to the base of the waterfall — when the falls are flowing at a safe rate, that is.
VEE1225/TripAdvisor
Not only will you experience a serene beauty you can’t get from above, but the crystalline water is enticing, and soon, you’ll be taking a dip in one of Hawaii’s most stunning waterfall swimming holes.
Joe Parks/Flickr
Appropriately referred to as Three Bears Falls, you will find a surreal series of three waterfalls, each taller than the last, from 70 feet to more than 150 feet tall, according to various estimations we found on the internet.
mohnishkodnani/Flickr
Don’t forget your camera! While the falls themselves are striking, the surrounding verdant flora-lined cliffs are quite picturesque as well.
Michael Huey/Flickr
With one glimpse at these striking cascades, it's easy to see why Upper Waikini Falls is one of Hawaii's best waterfalls, so what are you waiting for? This stunning slice of paradise deserves a spot on your summer bucket list.
Dan Hutcheson/Flickr

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.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

More to Explore

Upper Waikani Falls

Sarah M. | August 05, 2022

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!

 

Related Articles

Explore Hawaii

Featured Addresses
Upper Waikani Falls, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA