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An absolutely picturesque 80-foot waterfall that is probably the most easily accessible waterfall you'll see while on Hana Highway. You'll be able to see these falls clearly from your car, but I'd definitely recommend parking and getting out of the car - it is so much more majestic up close. If you're driving from Hana to Haleakala NP, the small parking area will be on your left just past the falls. We had no problem finding a place to park, but I'd imagine during peak season this parking area will fill up quickly. There's areas to stand on the side of the road to enjoy the falls' beauty as well as a small hiking trail to the right of the trail for a closer look. No one was swimming while we were there, but we were told this is a pond you can go swimming in. Just be careful on the trail as it can get pretty slippery. Unless you plan on doing the Pipiwai Trail in Haleakala NP to see Waimoku Falls (which I highly recommend), this is the best waterfall you are going to see on your drive. 100% recommend continuing past Hana and parking your car to spend some time with Wailua Falls.
This magnificent 80-foot waterfall is your last stop on the road to Hana before you enter the National Park. We got there around 4p and it was pretty empty (around 6 other people). We took a swim in the pond below the waterfalls and it was very refreshing. The pond is too shallow to jump from the waterfall (only about 4-5 feet). A guy jumped and then told us not do any jumping as it was too shallow so be forewarned. Such beautiful falls, you can see the falls from the road but take the short hike to go right underneath to get the full experience.
Our final stop on the road to Hana-- one of our favorites! We actually stopped before the Seven Sacred Pools and made a second stop back to enjoy the view. Can get a bit crowded with how little seating space there is, but worth every second. The waterfall itself is so strikingly beautiful, it seems that even the noisiest tourists were silent with awe. Around both 2:30 & 4:30 pm, we had no issue finding parking in the lot across from the path. The trail itself is a little slippery, but nothing devastating (hiking sandals are best). It's a short walk to the waterfall, where large boulders make up the only standing area. For the braver folks, you can even swim in the water below the falls! SO refreshing and a unique experience in itself. NOTE: Get your bug spray on! This shaded area of the road draws a ton of mosquitoes and biting flies. We used a eucalyptus spray and escaped with only 2-3 bites each, but we definitely saw others swatting at their skin furiously ._.
Wailua Falls fits in perfectly for all those tourists interested in visiting the Kipahulu District or coastal section of Haleakala National Park. Wailua Falls is a quick and refreshing stop located just 3 miles down the road from the entrance station to the Kipahulu area of Haleakala NP. So...depending on which direction you're driving on along famed Hana Highway to get here...you can either make Wailua Falls one of the first activities you do at the start of the day or one of the last. For myself, and since I am a national parks enthusiast...it was important to first explore around the Kipahulu part of Haleakala NP and then enjoy any extras like coming to Wailua Falls afterwards. And in fact, the Kipahulu District only takes up about half the day at most. So...you're then free to come here to Wailua Falls and plus appreciate other stops along Hana Highway while completing one giant circle around the eastern section of Maui, Hawaii. Some more details...I was staying in downtown Wailuku. I departed on Hana Highway or otherwise known as Highway 360 going south (which is definitely the less scenic part of the drive) for 58 miles and almost 2 hours to arrive here at Wailua Falls. The road going that way was bumpy and rugged at times. There were moments when I questioned whether I made the correct decision for coming in this direction. When I finished my time at Wailua Falls which only took about 30 minutes, I then continued heading up north around the island for another 61 miles. But...in this portion of the drive there was much more to see and do including stopping in the town of Hana for some tropical refreshments. In total, getting to witness Wailua Falls was part one of complete daytrip itinerary I had planned for exploring most of Maui. Let me talk about Wailua Falls.... - There's no roadside sign for it. Since cell phone reception works fine in this area, simply plug Wailua Falls into Google Maps and you'll have no problem finding it. - The parking lot is very small. There may not be any spots when you arrive. Try to be creative for leaving your car on the side of the road without disturbing traffic. - The falls are terrific for grabbing pictures of when standing on top of the bridge. - You can also walk a short path to get a much closer view of the falls. Noticeably, you can even swim in the pool that the falls plunge into. When I was visiting, the pool was crowded with tourists. I ultimately skipped on swimming. But...I was able to grab some more up-close aspects of Wailua Falls, without any of the vegetative growth that impedes the majestic drop of the falls while standing over the bridge. - If you maneuver down past the water pool that the falls splash into, you can capture some worthwhile moments being at the base of the falls and gazing up amongst a beautiful backdrop. I climbed over a few rocks and was afforded some picturesque sights. Finally, my suggestion would be to snap some pics from the bridge and then walk the very, very short path to get up close perspectives of the falls. This way you get the best of both worlds and also if you're interested in getting wet, remember to bring your bathing suit. Before returning to my car, there was a local craftsman selling flowers and bouquets and also slicing strips of coconut for anyone interested in buying a snack. I sampled the coconut pieces and purchased a zip-lock bag of them for $5. It was a nice way to get a bit of Hawaiian feel while being here at the falls. Overall, I'm happy to give Wailua Falls 5 stars. Just being in Hawaii and here on the stunning island of Maui and having opportunities to immerse myself among lush tropical surroundings and soothing waterfalls had me in such an upbeat mood. My memories from stopping here were quite special which I won't forget soon. Wailua Falls is definitely a worthwhile roadside stop when driving Hana Highway and visiting the Kipahulu (coastal section) of Haleakala National Park.
Driving the Road to Hana is not a task for the feint of heart, but paying a visit to Wailua Falls would make the drive worthwhile all by itself :-) You can actually see the falls right from the road without any need to walk; all you need to do is drive another twenty minutes or so farther along the Road to Hana. That said, to get the full effect and to maximize your photo opportunities I suggest that you stop and park; life is far too short to miss this kind of opportunity to get up close and personal with Mother Nature! As you only live once, you might even want to consider making the short descent to the pool at the bottom of the falls (which drop over eighty feet). The climb down the rocks is safe enough, as long as you mind the slippery spots. You can even take a dip in the water, which is very cold but quite refreshing :-)
In A Nutshell: -Wailua Falls is usually the last stop people want to see on the Road to Hana, if... -You drive the traditional clockwise route. -If you are adventurous I highly recommend taking the counterclockwise route, when doing so you'll reach Wailua Falls first BEFORE most of the crowds. -We didn't spend much time here, we only stopped at the small bridge to admire the waterfall. -You'll also be able to snap some good photos from afar (since you drove the opposite way) & up close. -The parking lot is very, very small so it's in your best interest to get there first before people show up. Overall, it's always so tranquil listening to a waterfall. Listen to nature, breathe in the fresh air & live in the moment of your life.
This is the best (and last waterfall) if you're on the road to Hana! It's so picturesque, gorgeous and the most photographed! Definitely a very very small parking lot, and They also sell fruits in the parking lot so not a lot of parking! Either come early or late, it would be hard to stop during busy time. Also, the small hike in only allows for one person at a time (you would have to yield to the opposite person whether you're coming in or leaving) so keep that in mind! Other than that, beautiful!
Gorgeous waterfalls off of the bridge around Mile Marker #45. It's about a 25-minute drive past the town of Hana. You can see the Falls from your car as you cross the bridge. However, I recommend stopping to enjoy the view. This Falls is quite "photogenic." It is worth your time to stop. There are some parking spaces once you cross the bridge. A couple of local ladies were selling necklaces, souvenirs, etc. They're real friendly and awesome to talk to. The Wailua Falls is in the Honolewa Stream and has an 80-foot drop down to a pool where you can take a dip. You have to be careful getting down to the pool as it can be slippery climbing over some rocks. The water is also quite cold but very refreshing. Be sure to save some energy as you drive through to the back end of the Haleakalā National Park and hike on the Pipiwai Trail.
Cool Waterfall To Cool Off In On The Hana Highway! Near Mile Marker 45, Park wherever you can find a spot on either side of the bridge. You scramble down a little hill after the bridge and through some rocks to the pool. The water was FREEZING when we were there so I didn't dunk the waist in fear of loosing precious things from the cold! lol... It s a cool little spot to hang out and enjoy the waterfalls. You can really tell who lives in cold places like the Russian guys in speedos swimming around saying the water is great! Lol... Great spot for some good pictures.
Do not miss this water fall on the road to Hana! It's before the national park to get to the seven sacred pools and bamboo forest hike. Mile maker #45 use your car odometer the signs are not as accurate. There is a small parking lot on the left after the bridge. You'll know you've hit it once you see all the cars parked and their is a table set up for souvenirs. It's a tricky little hike down to waterfall not really a trail just work your way down the rocks. We had our tennis shoes on which made it easier. Rocks are very slippery once you climb down you'll have to sit on the rocks to undress to your bathing suit to swim. Be extremely careful the rocks in the water are covered in moss so be careful walking your way towards the waterfall. Super cold water but such a refreshing feeling after we hiked the national park. This is worth the stop if you can find parking to get down here for a swim. We had a water camera which was perfect! We got some great shots of us in the water and next to the waterfall. Breath taking beauty you won't find anywhere else. Take your time and soak it in.
7 months ago
Beautiful waterfall with just a quick walk across the street, and a 2 minute walk closer to the falls! Definitely recommend. read more
10 months ago
An absolutely picturesque 80-foot waterfall that is probably the most easily accessible waterfall you'll see while on Hana Highway. You'll be able to see these falls clearly from your car, but I'd definitely recommend parking and getting out of the car - it is so much more majestic up close. If you're driving from Hana to Haleakala NP, the small parking area will be on your left just past the falls. We had no problem finding a place to park, but I'd imagine during peak season this parking area will fill up quickly. There's areas to stand on the side of the road to enjoy the falls' beauty as well as a small hiking trail to the right of the trail for a closer look. No one was swimming while we were there, but we were told this is a pond you can go swimming in. Just be careful on the trail as it can get pretty slippery. Unless you plan on doing the Pipiwai Trail in Haleakala NP to see Waimoku Falls (which I highly recommend), this is the best waterfall you are going to see on your drive. 100% recommend continuing past Hana and parking your car to spend some time with Wailua Falls. read more
This magnificent 80-foot waterfall is your last stop on the road to Hana before you enter the National Park. We got there around 4p and it was pretty empty (around 6 other people). We took a swim in the pond below the waterfalls and it was very refreshing. The pond is too shallow to jump from the waterfall (only about 4-5 feet). A guy jumped and then told us not do any jumping as it was too shallow so be forewarned. Such beautiful falls, you can see the falls from the road but take the short hike to go right underneath to get the full experience. read more
8 months ago
The drive to get there is risky but amazing. You won't be disappointed! Do not drive through here at night because the road is very narrow the closer you get to the waterfall. Also, don't drive fast! read more
3 years ago
Our final stop on the road to Hana-- one of our favorites! We actually stopped before the Seven Sacred Pools and made a second stop back to enjoy the view. Can get a bit crowded with how little seating space there is, but worth every second. The waterfall itself is so strikingly beautiful, it seems that even the noisiest tourists were silent with awe. Around both 2:30 & 4:30 pm, we had no issue finding parking in the lot across from the path. The trail itself is a little slippery, but nothing devastating (hiking sandals are best). It's a short walk to the waterfall, where large boulders make up the only standing area. For the braver folks, you can even swim in the water below the falls! SO refreshing and a unique experience in itself. NOTE: Get your bug spray on! This shaded area of the road draws a ton of mosquitoes and biting flies. We used a eucalyptus spray and escaped with only 2-3 bites each, but we definitely saw others swatting at their skin furiously ._. read more
Wailua Falls fits in perfectly for all those tourists interested in visiting the Kipahulu District or coastal section of Haleakala National Park. Wailua Falls is a quick and refreshing stop located just 3 miles down the road from the entrance station to the Kipahulu area of Haleakala NP. So...depending on which direction you're driving on along famed Hana Highway to get here...you can either make Wailua Falls one of the first activities you do at the start of the day or one of the last. For myself, and since I am a national parks enthusiast...it was important to first explore around the Kipahulu part of Haleakala NP and then enjoy any extras like coming to Wailua Falls afterwards. And in fact, the Kipahulu District only takes up about half the day at most. So...you're then free to come here to Wailua Falls and plus appreciate other stops along Hana Highway while completing one giant circle around the eastern section of Maui, Hawaii. Some more details...I was staying in downtown Wailuku. I departed on Hana Highway or otherwise known as Highway 360 going south (which is definitely the less scenic part of the drive) for 58 miles and almost 2 hours to arrive here at Wailua Falls. The road going that way was bumpy and rugged at times. There were moments when I questioned whether I made the correct decision for coming in this direction. When I finished my time at Wailua Falls which only took about 30 minutes, I then continued heading up north around the island for another 61 miles. But...in this portion of the drive there was much more to see and do including stopping in the town of Hana for some tropical refreshments. In total, getting to witness Wailua Falls was part one of complete daytrip itinerary I had planned for exploring most of Maui. Let me talk about Wailua Falls.... - There's no roadside sign for it. Since cell phone reception works fine in this area, simply plug Wailua Falls into Google Maps and you'll have no problem finding it. - The parking lot is very small. There may not be any spots when you arrive. Try to be creative for leaving your car on the side of the road without disturbing traffic. - The falls are terrific for grabbing pictures of when standing on top of the bridge. - You can also walk a short path to get a much closer view of the falls. Noticeably, you can even swim in the pool that the falls plunge into. When I was visiting, the pool was crowded with tourists. I ultimately skipped on swimming. But...I was able to grab some more up-close aspects of Wailua Falls, without any of the vegetative growth that impedes the majestic drop of the falls while standing over the bridge. - If you maneuver down past the water pool that the falls splash into, you can capture some worthwhile moments being at the base of the falls and gazing up amongst a beautiful backdrop. I climbed over a few rocks and was afforded some picturesque sights. Finally, my suggestion would be to snap some pics from the bridge and then walk the very, very short path to get up close perspectives of the falls. This way you get the best of both worlds and also if you're interested in getting wet, remember to bring your bathing suit. Before returning to my car, there was a local craftsman selling flowers and bouquets and also slicing strips of coconut for anyone interested in buying a snack. I sampled the coconut pieces and purchased a zip-lock bag of them for $5. It was a nice way to get a bit of Hawaiian feel while being here at the falls. Overall, I'm happy to give Wailua Falls 5 stars. Just being in Hawaii and here on the stunning island of Maui and having opportunities to immerse myself among lush tropical surroundings and soothing waterfalls had me in such an upbeat mood. My memories from stopping here were quite special which I won't forget soon. Wailua Falls is definitely a worthwhile roadside stop when driving Hana Highway and visiting the Kipahulu (coastal section) of Haleakala National Park. read more
6 years ago
Driving the Road to Hana is not a task for the feint of heart, but paying a visit to Wailua Falls would make the drive worthwhile all by itself :-) You can actually see the falls right from the road without any need to walk; all you need to do is drive another twenty minutes or so farther along the Road to Hana. That said, to get the full effect and to maximize your photo opportunities I suggest that you stop and park; life is far too short to miss this kind of opportunity to get up close and personal with Mother Nature! As you only live once, you might even want to consider making the short descent to the pool at the bottom of the falls (which drop over eighty feet). The climb down the rocks is safe enough, as long as you mind the slippery spots. You can even take a dip in the water, which is very cold but quite refreshing :-) read more
In A Nutshell: -Wailua Falls is usually the last stop people want to see on the Road to Hana, if... -You drive the traditional clockwise route. -If you are adventurous I highly recommend taking the counterclockwise route, when doing so you'll reach Wailua Falls first BEFORE most of the crowds. -We didn't spend much time here, we only stopped at the small bridge to admire the waterfall. -You'll also be able to snap some good photos from afar (since you drove the opposite way) & up close. -The parking lot is very, very small so it's in your best interest to get there first before people show up. Overall, it's always so tranquil listening to a waterfall. Listen to nature, breathe in the fresh air & live in the moment of your life. read more
This is the best (and last waterfall) if you're on the road to Hana! It's so picturesque, gorgeous and the most photographed! Definitely a very very small parking lot, and They also sell fruits in the parking lot so not a lot of parking! Either come early or late, it would be hard to stop during busy time. Also, the small hike in only allows for one person at a time (you would have to yield to the opposite person whether you're coming in or leaving) so keep that in mind! Other than that, beautiful! read more
Gorgeous waterfalls off of the bridge around Mile Marker #45. It's about a 25-minute drive past the town of Hana. You can see the Falls from your car as you cross the bridge. However, I recommend stopping to enjoy the view. This Falls is quite "photogenic." It is worth your time to stop. There are some parking spaces once you cross the bridge. A couple of local ladies were selling necklaces, souvenirs, etc. They're real friendly and awesome to talk to. The Wailua Falls is in the Honolewa Stream and has an 80-foot drop down to a pool where you can take a dip. You have to be careful getting down to the pool as it can be slippery climbing over some rocks. The water is also quite cold but very refreshing. Be sure to save some energy as you drive through to the back end of the Haleakalā National Park and hike on the Pipiwai Trail. read more
8 years ago
Cool Waterfall To Cool Off In On The Hana Highway! Near Mile Marker 45, Park wherever you can find a spot on either side of the bridge. You scramble down a little hill after the bridge and through some rocks to the pool. The water was FREEZING when we were there so I didn't dunk the waist in fear of loosing precious things from the cold! lol... It s a cool little spot to hang out and enjoy the waterfalls. You can really tell who lives in cold places like the Russian guys in speedos swimming around saying the water is great! Lol... Great spot for some good pictures. read more
Do not miss this water fall on the road to Hana! It's before the national park to get to the seven sacred pools and bamboo forest hike. Mile maker #45 use your car odometer the signs are not as accurate. There is a small parking lot on the left after the bridge. You'll know you've hit it once you see all the cars parked and their is a table set up for souvenirs. It's a tricky little hike down to waterfall not really a trail just work your way down the rocks. We had our tennis shoes on which made it easier. Rocks are very slippery once you climb down you'll have to sit on the rocks to undress to your bathing suit to swim. Be extremely careful the rocks in the water are covered in moss so be careful walking your way towards the waterfall. Super cold water but such a refreshing feeling after we hiked the national park. This is worth the stop if you can find parking to get down here for a swim. We had a water camera which was perfect! We got some great shots of us in the water and next to the waterfall. Breath taking beauty you won't find anywhere else. Take your time and soak it in. read more
4 years ago
7 years ago
The road to Hana is long and winding but the numerous waterfalls along the route are beautiful and inviting. Lots of people stopped on the sides of the road taking a dip in the pools of water below the cascading falls. read more
10 years ago
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!!! I wish we had time to hike down to the falls, hopefully next time. We took a lot of pics from the scenic view, it was drizzling but still visible. Head out early to beat the crowd and score the choice parking. read more
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