Wailua Falls
Hāna Highway, East Maui
A Roadside Waterfall You Don't Even Have to Hike To See
Wailua Falls, just past mile marker 45 on the Hāna Highway near Hāna itself, is one of the most accessible waterfalls on the whole Road to Hāna — visible right from the road, no hike required to see it. A short, steeper, rockier path leads down to the base for a closer look.
Swimming at the base isn't officially recommended — falling rocks and flash-flood risk are real here, not just a formality.
Why Roamwise recommends this
An easy, high-payoff stop near the end of the Road to Hāna — genuinely worth the two minutes it takes to pull over.
Best for: travelers wanting a dramatic waterfall view without a real hike, a near-Hāna stop on the drive.
Insider tip: the roadside view alone is worth the stop — only take the steeper path to the base if you're comfortable with loose, rocky footing.
- Hazards / conditions:
- The trail down to the base is moderately steep, rocky, and uneven — the descent can be slippery. Swimming is not officially recommended due to falling-rock and flash-flood risk.
- Weather sensitivity:
- The Hāna Highway here has real history of closures from fallen trees, landslides, and flooding during storms — check current road conditions before going, especially during or after heavy rain or a named storm.
- Avoid if:
- Swimming at the base — not officially recommended due to falling rocks and flash-flood risk
Reviews: Google MapsYelp
Local tips
- •Visible from the road — a quick stop doesn't require the steeper path to the base.
- •Swimming at the base isn't officially recommended — real falling-rock and flash-flood risk.
- •Check current Hāna Highway conditions before your drive, especially after storms.
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