Locals are Obsessed With This Iconic Roadside Spot in Hawaii – Here’s Why

Whenever I plan my itinerary for a Hawaiian adventure, visiting waterfalls is at the top of my list. While I love hiking to waterfalls, there's nothing quite like admiring falls that require little effort to reach. Waikamoi Falls on Maui is one roadside attraction just steps from your car. Not only is this destination along one of the most scenic drives in America, but the falls flow into a large natural pool that is perfect for a swim. It’s one iconic roadside spot in Maui that you don’t want to drive by.

The Road to Hana is one of the most scenic drives in America. This 64.4-mile drive winds its way through gorgeous rainforest, breathtaking overlooks, and small towns. It takes you to several attractions like Wai’anapanapa State Park, home to a black sand beach, many hiking trails, and numerous waterfalls.

While several waterfalls along Maui’s Road to Hana require a hike to enjoy, Waikamoi Falls is located along the side of the road and is a destination where you can spend an entire afternoon.

These gorgeous falls are located just a short distance from the Garden of Eden Arboretum and near mile marker 9.9. When you arrive, you’ll be just steps from the Lower Falls. This isn’t a huge waterfall, but the gorgeous surroundings will mesmerize you. At the bottom of the falls, you’ll find a clear-water pool where you can cool off on a hot day, enjoy a refreshing dip, or even cliff jump.

If you are willing to go for a hike, you can lace up your hiking shoes and tackle a short hike to Upper Falls. Here, you’ll find a much larger waterfall and typically a small crowd. The majority of this hike is a challenge, and you will spend most of your climb in the stream bed. If water is flowing through the stream, do not venture to these upper falls – it is extremely dangerous!

While Waikamoi Falls is beautiful, easy to access, and ideal for an afternoon swim, it’s quite underrated and you won’t always find it in guidebooks. Timing is everything with this waterfall as a local irrigation company can actually divert the water to nearby sugar plantations. You may find that the falls are quite powerful or just a slow trickle – you never know the view you'll receive when you arrive. Even if the water is not flowing, still enjoy the area's natural beauty — it truly is a little slice of paradise.

If you plan to hop in the water at Waikamoi Falls, it is essential that you pay attention to high water levels and the possibility of flash floods — this area is prone to flash floods. When arriving at Waikamoi Falls, be aware of higher ground and create a plan to reach the ground quickly and safely if necessary. Always check flash flood warnings before visiting as well.

Waikamoi Falls is stunning — there’s no doubt about it. It is easy to access, has a beautiful natural pool for swimming and cliff jumping, and is just steps from the Road to Hana. No wonder it is loved. It is destinations like this that make Hawaii so magical.

Have you ever driven the Road to Hana? What are some of your favorite attractions along this scenic drive? What other roadside attractions in Hawaii do you love? Let me know by filling out this nomination form.

If you need any gear for your time in the water, make sure to visit REI. We love the options here. We also recommend checking out our road trip packing list and some of our favorite road trip snacks for your drive along the Road to Hana.