The Best 4 Maui Waterfalls You Can Swim in
Maui is a beautiful tropical paradise, with stunning waterfalls on every coast. For those of us who love to hike, Maui’s winding trails provide the perfect opportunity for us to take in all its natural beauty and take a dip in its freshwaters.
My boyfriend and I can cherish some of our most beloved memories at Maui’s waterfalls. We’ve been able to explore some of the best ones on our trips and loved every moment. Swimming under the falls or just taking in the incredible views – it never gets old! But, depending on the season, make sure you plan your visit carefully; some falls may dry up or flood during particular months.
My goal with this article is to provide you with an easy guide of reliable information so you can plan your trip with confidence. After journeying around this beautiful island, I have compiled a list of the four best waterfalls for swimming in Maui.
These falls come with my own personal recommendations – from safety to beauty, convenience, and more. Here’s a list of Maui’s best waterfalls, if you’re looking for an experience you’ll never forget!
Let’s dive headfirst into Maui’s most breathtaking waterfalls!
Twin Falls
This is Maui’s most famous waterfall, being the first stop on the Road to Hana, and great for people of all ages to visit. Twin Falls includes two waterfalls of varying heights, with spacious pools underneath for swimming.
The first drop, at a 15 ft height, is more crowded as the hike to them is easier, and most families choose to swim in the pool. However, if you want more room and the chance to swim under the falls, hike to the second drop, which is a short hike up, and much more scenic.
These falls are also a famous spot for cliff jumping, which even kids brave from the smaller falls. My boyfriend and I tried it on our way back, and it was such a thrilling jump!
You’ll love the cool waters of Twin Falls, as they’re one of the best Maui waterfalls you can swim in.
- The hike is on a flat trail that’s easy and accessible for everyone.
- The distance between both falls is 1 ½ mile.
- There’s a parking lot with a $10 fee at the trail’s beginning.
Oheo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) – Best Maui Waterfall Not on Road to Hana
Considered the world’s eighth wonder, the Oheo Gulch is a sacred Hawaiian waterfall with seven pools connected by the rushing falls. You’ll find the pools increase in number when it rains, which makes them even more beautiful.
Located in the Haleakala National Park, the falls are easily accessible by car and a perfect spot to stop for a swim. The waters in each pool feel almost alive and are incredibly refreshing from the falls. You’ll find many people cliff diving into the pools, which looks fun, but the Park prohibits it, so jump at your own risk.
In addition, the scenery around the falls is breathtaking, with a bamboo forest that leads to them and varieties of tropical flowers everywhere.
You’ll love swimming in these sacred waters, and remember to pay your respects.
- There’s a $15 fee to access these falls.
- A parking lot before the falls has ample space.
- The pools have limited flow during the dry season so check in advance.
Pua’a Ka’a Falls
Located in Pua’a Ka’a State Park on the Road to Hana, these falls are pretty secluded and have a spacious swimming pool. There are a couple of small waterfalls near the road, but take the stairs at the end of the State Park, and you’ll see the falls pouring into a natural pool.
Although the water was cold in the pool, we enjoyed the refreshing swim, especially since you can go directly under the falls. However, the rocky bottom of the pool can get slippery, so be careful while you swim.
We enjoyed the lack of crowds here and the clear water in the pools. Plus, these falls are a terrific spot if you want a break from waterfalls packed with tourists.
The Pua’a Ka’a falls are often overlooked for other, more famous falls, but trust us when we say these are the best Maui waterfalls you can swim in.
- Pack a lunch and enjoy it on the Park’s picnic tables, with gorgeous views of the falls.
- There’s ample space to park your car in the area.
- The hike to these falls takes ten-minutes and is 0.4 miles long.
Upper Waikani Falls – Best Easy Access Maui Waterfall
Also known as the Three Bears, Upper Waikani Falls are right off a Hana Highway and visible from a lookout point on a bridge. These majestic falls flow into a shallow pool, perfect for swimming if you can make the trek down to them.
We always drive by these falls, planning to view them from the bridge, but we can never resist seeing them up close. The hike goes from under the bridge to the falls, which is easy and accessible.
Once you’re at the base, feel free to swim or just dip your feet in the emerald-like waters. Unlike most falls, the pool in Upper Waikani falls wasn’t rushing and provided a calm body of water to swim in.
We recommend everyone to take the hike down to these falls, as they’re the best Maui waterfalls you can swim in.
- There’s limited parking on the road, so you’ll have to park your car farther off the highway.
- Only take the hike if it hasn’t rained recently, as the incline gets slippery.
- There are large boulders near the falls to sit on and take in the views.
Wrap Up: The Best Maui Hawaii Waterfalls You Can Swim in
Maui’s waterfalls are natural wonders, with hundred feet drops and natural pools of freshwater at their bases. Some falls require challenging hikes to reach them, but most are easily accessible with well-defined trails.
And there’s no better way to reward your long hike than with a dip in the waterfalls to cool down. Since some of the falls have fresh spring water, like Oheo Gulch, you’ll feel refreshed after a swim.
Families with younger children will love Twin falls for the easy hike and spacious swimming pools.
There are plenty of amazing Maui waterfalls you can swim in!
Last Updated on February 12, 2023 by Brigitte