Visit the Best Waterfalls in Maui

Maui, despite its small size, has several microclimates, including a tropical rainforest with lush vegetation that, thanks to its high level of humidity throughout the year and the steep terrain in some areas, is conducive to the formation of incredible waterfalls. Of all the various things to see and do in Maui, visiting the waterfalls is one of the most recommended.

The different waterfalls are scattered around the island and it is difficult to get to some of them if you don't know the area, so the best way to see them is on a tour. In this article I'll tell you about the best waterfalls on Maui and how to visit them.

The best option

Maui Island Day Trip

A full-day excursion with the best views of the world's longest coastal route).

You will travel through Hanawai Falls, tropical rainforests, unique beaches, volcanic caves and bamboo forests on a spectacular tour that includes transfers, guide and meals.

From £174 at Hellotickets

On this full day tour to Hana, you'll travel along the road to Hana and stop at different points of interest such as Ho'okipa Beach, the windsurfing capital of the world, the bamboo forest, the black sand beach, traditional Hawaiian villages and of course, the main waterfalls on Maui.

You will visit the Waikani Falls, also known as the Three Bears Falls, the most famous waterfalls thanks to the series and movies filmed in Maui. You can also visit the two waterfalls in Pua'a Ka'a State Park, where the locals go swimming. The next waterfalls you will visit are the Wailua Falls.

You will be able to swim in the waterfalls, but don't forget to bring a swimming costume, towel and a change of clothes.

Recommended if... You like adventure and have little time to see the best of Maui. With this tour you can take a full day to explore the most beautiful places in the world.

There are options to suit all tastes and budgets on Maui. As one of the top activities and tours among tourists in the Hawaiian city, the choice is vast. However, I will help you choose the most interesting tours according to your interests:

Small group tours

In this option, you will enjoy the road to Hana with its various attractions on a private tour, just for you and your group. Some of these tours are done in all-terrain vehicles, which will take you to places that are not accessible by regular vehicles. If you want to know which waterfall you'll be visiting, you'll need to ask your guide beforehand, as the itinerary is subject to change, but as all of Maui' s waterfalls are magnificent, you can rest assured that no matter which one you visit, you'll be mesmerised by its beauty.

Small children are welcome on this tour and it can be done in groups of up to five people. You will have the guide only for you and your companions which allows you to do the tour at your own pace, if you want to spend more time bathing in the waterfalls you can do it if you coordinate it with your guide.

If you are looking for more activities to do with children in Maui there are a variety of fun experiences to share with your kids.

Tours with water activities included

It's common knowledge that Maui has some of the best beaches in the world. It's a fantastic destination for all kinds of water activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, surfing and kayaking. And of course, many excursions to Maui's waterfalls also include water sports.

For the more adventurous, you can book combination tours that include snorkelling to spot turtles while you walk through the waterfalls and swim in them or jump off the rocks. Other tours also include kayaking and abseiling- give it a try!

When you arrive on Maui you will see many locals offering tours to the waterfalls and elsewhere, so avoid them. Most of these "guides" are not professional.

Maui, unlike other destinations, has a very peculiar geography and dangerous access regions, so it is not advisable to improvise when choosing tours. The best option for booking Maui tours (both to the waterfalls and other places of interest) is through online companies that specialise in selling package tours, excursions and experiences.

When you visit these online shops, you will also discover other options for tours and activities in Maui that will help you to organise your travel itinerary. Another advantage is that you can pay by credit or debit card in your own currency.

Considering the tropical climate, humidity is very present in Maui's landscapes. Rain can be a double-edged sword, as we can consider it an ally if we want to see the waterfalls in all their splendour. But it can also complicate our route as we have to negotiate the winding muddy roads that lead to the waterfalls.

Likewise, rain can spoil the plan if we choose one of the best hiking tours in Maui or any other outdoor activity that this city has to offer.

Therefore, my recommendation is to check the weather in the area before booking any activity. Keep in mind that if it rains the tour may be rescheduled for another day but don't be discouraged because there are plenty of rainy day activities in Maui to make the most of.

I also recommend you take a look at our post on What to do in Maui in winter.

The length of the Maui waterfall tours varies from tour to tour and will depend a lot on what other places are included in the tour itinerary.

As most of the waterfalls are around Hana Road, you should expect a minimum of about 6 hours.

In any case, whether you're travelling to Maui for five days or have seven days to explore the city, it's a good idea to plan your itinerary well in advance and organise this tour well in advance.

The road to Hana, where most of the waterfalls are concentrated, is a very dangerous road, not only because of the many curves, but also because it is very narrow.

Lately, due to its increasing popularity, the recklessness of private drivers and non-compliance with the rules has led to a growing concern among residents about the unsafe nature of the road to Hana. For these reasons it is best to take a guided tour, with a professional driver, rather than on your own.

Another important advantage of guided tours is that you will be able to access places that only locals know about and you will do so in complete safety. If you go on your own, ignorance of the region may mean that you miss out on the opportunity to see places of interest and may also put you at risk.

Maui's waterfall tours include a visit to the most beautiful spots on the Hawaiian island where you can see the spectacular waterfalls that break the silence of the rainforest.

From the "Three Bears Falls", as the Waikani Falls are known, which can be seen from the vehicle that takes you along the Hana route, to those of Pua'a Ka'a State Park, where it is also safe to swim. Passing by Wailua Falls, the highest waterfall on the entire route and the highlight of the tour.

As a major attraction in the region, tours to Maui's spectacular waterfalls include transportation in a variety of vehicles for an unforgettable day.

From an air-conditioned car or van, to a limousine or luxury minivan, to a helicopter for an aerial view of the breathtaking falls.

Any of these modes of transport will take you along the world's longest coastal route on the way to the famous Hana Highway.

• If you plan to visit the Maui Waterfalls and make your way to Hana check out how to get around and what to see on the Road to Hana.
• Wear appropriate clothing.
• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for wet areas.
• Bring a swimming costume and towel.
• Don't forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
• Remember that it will take several hours, so bring water and some snacks for the road, especially if your excursion does not include meals.
• If you are travelling with small children, pack some toys to distract them.
• Always follow your guide's safety recommendations.
• Always stay with your group.