Due to the lack of parking, most visitors prefer to admire the views of the falls from the comfort of their cars. It includes the National Historic Landmarked archaeological site known as the Honokhau Settlement. The content on this website may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission. The trail is only about a half-mile long and is suitable for all fitness levels. Gear: Standard hiking gear. The 10 Best All-Inclusive Hawaii Resorts for Families, 25 Top Treehouse Rentals in Hawaii (Accessible & Gorgeous! Fed by the Koolau Rainforest in the Hoolawa Valley, Twin Falls is accessible year-round, but make sure to visit after heavy rain to take in the full beauty of the falls. Around the edge of Aipio fishtrap is Pu'uoina Heaiu, a ancient temple at waters' edge. Leave the vehicle in the ocean-side-of-the-road car parking and walk to the bridge to snap pictures of this epic water wonder. Suited for all skill levels, the trail suits those interested in hiking, walking, birding and nature trips. We saw so many sea turtles! For a closer view, take a helicopter tour of the area it is the only way to get legally closer to the falls. Despite the lengthy hike, Hanakapiai Falls is a popular destination among many hikers and is certainly worth a visit the next time you are on Kauai island. From there, find marked paths that lead to the farm and Twin Falls. To see this 400-foot waterfall, hike the 4-mile trail, which gains 650 feet in elevation and has some muddy conditions. Use our trail maps, elevation charts, pictures, and get directions to the trailhead to plan your next hike! This is not a hike, but rather a short walk to a seaside cliff vista. 1h 9m. Required fields are marked *. The trail can be quite muddy, so proper closed toe footwear is recommended. If you are looking for a fantastic waterfall experience, then you should definitely add Honokohau Falls to your list of places to visit on Maui. A park ranger was very helpful in answering our questions about the turtles and added several key insights. According to Hawaiian legend, Rainbow Falls was home to the goddess of the moon, Hina. The best time to visit is after it rains when the waterfall is at its fullest. It is recommended to join one of these tours, as they will also be able to provide helpful information about the weather and current conditions. One of the most accessible waterfalls in Oahu, Kapena Falls, is located just a few minutes hike from the trailhead. Honokohau Falls Difficulty of hike: 1 mile (1.6 km), Easy. Lauren Abbott, When you think of paradise, do you envision sandy beaches. Length: 1.7 mi Est. The dramatic vista of the falls, along with its roaring sound, promises a one-of-a-kind experience, making this gigantic waterfall one of Mauis must-visit attractions. From the lookout, visitors get an obstructed view of Punalau Beach alongside Maui's rugged cliffs . There is a gate that is unlocked from 8:30am to 5:00pm every day. The national park gate is on the right just before the road makes a sharp left turn. NextisHawaii.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Your first stop on the Road to Hana will be the gorgeous Twin Falls, which is considered one of the busiest falls on this list. Punalau Falls is one of northeastern Mauis hidden gems due to its remote location. The falls themselves are small (about 20 feet), but the surrounding area is lush and green, with huge boulders and giant leaves providing a lovely backdrop. Difficulty of hike: 0. The Pohakupule Lookout in Honokohau, Hawaii (Maui) is a 0.1-mile out-and-back roadside lookout that features views of Maui's rugged northern coastline. Thanks for you help! Wailua Falls sits at the south end of Wailua River, and no hiking is needed for an up-close look at this double-tiered waterfall. Due to its magnificence, it even played a key role in the movie Jurassic Park, symbolizing pure perfection in one of the best sci-fi movie scenes. This 2953-foot tall waterfall is a tiered razor-thin stream flowing along Haloku cliffs. Front Entrance view. This trailhead is open from 8:30am to 4:00pm every day, otherwise a gate is locked. The Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park combines recreation with a restored display of Hawaiian history set on the Big Island's dramatic Kona Coast. The Waialeale Waterfalls are some of the most beautiful and majestic falls in all of Kauai. The waterfall gets its name from the rainbow that can be seen in the mist created by the falling water. There is also a 35-foot cliff-jumping spot at the top of the falls perfect for those looking for an adrenaline rush! Honokohau Falls measures two-tiers cascading a total of over 1,100 feet, making it the tallest waterfall in Maui. A standard paddle will take about 45 minutes. If you love history and hiking as much as we do, you'll want to plan a walk back in time along the 4-mile trail found within the Kaloko-Honokhau National Historical Park. You can walk a short distance onto the seawall, but cannot walk across it due to unsafe conditions. The Hu'e Hu'e Trail used to be a ranch road. Make sure to add one (or all!) Over 100 waterfalls scattered throughout the islands range from gentle trickles to powerful torrents. Related Read: 25 Top Treehouse Rentals in Hawaii. Featuring two parallel tiers of water that fall and pour down into the Wailua River, the falls are especially beautiful after a heavy rain, when the two falls often merge into one giant gushing torrent of water. Tripadvisor gives a Travelers Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor. You can visit in the morning to witness picture-perfect views of rainbow vistas extending over the falls. Makahiku Falls is also located along the Pipiwai Trail and lies before Waimoku Falls. It is fed by the Honohokau stream, a river that begins near the top of Mauna Kahalawai's tallest peak, Pu'u Kukui. In actuality, there are more than just two waterfalls which lie along different trails and which are less crowded as well. This 270ft tall waterfall is set against a jungle backdrop and drops in two tiers, the lower one of which can be viewed from Kahekili Highway. If you have any exciting waterfall hikes in Maui, be sure to let us know! It was quite enjoyable and we even spent a few minutes walk, studying, and learning about the historical sites in the Park. We learned so much about these incredible creatures. Rainbow Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Big Islands Hilo side. The first stop on the Road to Hana, Twin Falls offers a smaller waterfall, but is easily accessible. When you finally reach the parks centerpiece, the waterfall, you will be absolutely mesmerized. A standard paddle will take about 45 minutes. Honolua Bay Snorkel Sail from Lahaina 34 Recommended Day Trips from $169.95 per adult BEST SELLER Eye-Level Whale Watching 2 Hour Eco-Raft Tour from Lahaina, Maui 410 Recommended from $57.87 per adult LIKELY TO SELL OUT* West Maui Half Day Snorkel from Ka'anapali Beach 265 Recommended from $159.68 per adult LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Kahuna Falls is a beautiful 100-foot waterfall that is the perfect warm-up for Akaka Falls. View the resorts of Kaanapali and Kapalua. Among these hidden gems, find dozens of waterfalls ranging in size and accessibility. This is a great hike for all ages and fitness levels and is one of the best ways to see two of Hawaiis most famous waterfalls. Within minutes we spotted 9 turtles within mere steps.- dont get closer than 10. I think we would be able to do this park if it is not too difficult to get around in. If you continue east along Kaloko Road, you'll eventually reach the Ala Loa or Ala Mamalahoa, the ancient "King's Trail." Hawaii is one place that has pretty much every natural phenomenon that will take your breath away! The waterfall is fed by Makapipi Stream, which you will cross over while driving on the highway. The turtles like to come here to feed and sun themselves- sort like Spring Break for turtles (so the Ranger told us). 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The gorgeously lush West Maui has few waterfalls which can be accessed by land, and Makamakaole is one spectacular one. Starting at Trailhead #1, the Welcome House and main parking area, find a trail that departs from the southern side of the parking area, called Ike Hawai'i trail. Highly recommend you drop by the ranger station and find out what days and times they do a nature walk and talk about the turtles. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 57 min to complete. Blessings, Is there snorkeling at this beach? The falls are even more beautiful during the winter months when the water flow is at its heaviest. When you finally reach the parks centerpiece, the waterfall, you will be absolutely mesmerized. While there, the chances are high that you will have the 80 ft tall waterfall all to yourself. Or, some people who like to challenge the law have found that there are illegal ways to hike down into the gorge but beware of the significant fines and possible jail time you could face if caught! Preview trail Kid friendly Hiking Walking Beach Views Wildlife Description The falls are best seen after heavy rain, but they are still impressive even if the water flow is low. Top ways to experience Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park and nearby attractions Kona Tour: Coffee Plantation, Kealakekua Bay, Kaloko-Honokohau Park, and Bee Farm 53 Recommended Bus Tours from $193.75 per adult Kona Shore Excursion: Hawaiian Sea Turtles , Historic Kona & Coffee 22 Bus Tours from $139.00 per adult Mauis most known, most visited, and most accessible waterfall lies along the Road to Hana. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Honokohau Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the globe, and the tallest waterfall on Maui. The amount of water that pours down Waimoku Waterfalls depends largely on the weather. The lot even overlooks the falls, and early in the morning look for rainbows. So make sure to add Waimoku Waterfalls to your Maui bucket list! The falls are even more beautiful during the winter months when the water flow is at its heaviest. Round Top Forest Reserve. The average household income in the April Falls Trail area is $64,759. Privacy Policy | Sitemap | Hawai'i Land Acknowledgment. Its about a 2 mile walk (not hike) down to the beach - its not too shady so take water and sunscreen. You are treated to an amazing view of blue waters and sea turtles. Trip101 recommends assessing the risks before hitting the hiking and trekking trails. Take the Diamond Head Trail to the summit of Oahu's volcanic tuff cone nestled along the coastline, and find panoramic views of Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean. Understanding the weather conditions is important because the river can be quite challenging to paddle on some days. Users of the website may print or download any content for personal use, but no one may reproduce this content (whether text or photographs) for any purpose in print or online without explicit permission from BigIslandHikes.com. The 1,119 ft tall stunning waterfall is fed by the Honohokau Stream and plunges down in two tiers and makes a scene as if it flows from the clouds and disappears in the middle of picture-perfect, green mountains. If you are keen on discovering the full beauty of Hana, then Upper Waikani Falls should be on your Maui bucket list! According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park: Hotels near Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park: Restaurants near Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park: Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, Kailua-Kona: Hours, Address, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park Reviews: 4.5/5. You wont find any crowds there since the falls cant be seen from the highway and, as a result, tends to be overlooked on the Road to Hana. 19, the Queen K Hwy., turn makai (toward the sea) just south of the 97 mile marker at the signed entrance to the National Historical Park. Rainbow Falls is a beautiful place to visit and is definitely worth the effort to get there. Dont forget to take your bathing suit with you to enjoy the serene and refreshing pool underneath the falls. The flow of water may vary a lot depending on the seasons rainfall. Enjoy your visit! Located along Waihe'e Ridge, Makamakaole Falls is one of the few waterfalls located on Maui's western coast. It free and no matter how young or old this is going to capture your interests. ), 50 BEST Things To Do In Waikiki (Fun & Unique Attractions! Although Twin Falls can be visited any time of year, the best time to go is right after a rainstorm when the waterfall is at its fullest. Planning a trip here soon? ), 7 Best Big Island Helicopter Tours (+ Volcano Flights! Related Read: 50 BEST Things To Do In Waikiki. However, this is a challenging hike and should only be attempted by experienced hikers. The 5-mile roundtrip Waihee Ridge Trail passes a bamboo forest that will lead you to a natural oasis. All rights reserved. The walk was very hot as the lava rocks radiated the heat. The mounds are a mystery, but may have served as lookout points or had another type of spiritual significance. Enjoy learning about the top Maui waterfalls? This short boardwalk travels over some incredible rock art, including several post-western contact images such as a long rifle. These falls are so exclusive that the only way to access them is via a helicopter/chopper as the waterfall lies deep in an inaccessible region of the West Maui Valley. Whilst interesting the Petroglyphs were a little underwhelming; on later research these are not the best in the islands. The full 270-foot falls can be viewed from a distance by hiking the Waihe'e Ridge Trail, while the lower falls, approximately 60 feet high, can be seen from Kahekili Highway (Hwy 340) just past mile marker 8. . This eleven-acre fishpond has a nearly 800-foot seawall and is a very impressive feat of engineering. dropping 400 feet (122 m) down a vertical cliff. If youre a water baby, Mauis waterfalls are sure to soothe your soul. Reputedly the tallest waterfall on Maui, Honokohau Falls is situated deep within an inaccessible West Maui valley. The surrounding cliffs are unbelievably green - no. Youll be surprised, they do listen! You will walk about 1/2 m. Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is open: We recommend booking Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Unfortunately, no trails lead to this site because of its inaccessible location in the West Maui Mountains. Corals are sadly dead, though. This is not a hike or a walk, but instead requires a couple of steps out of your vehicle to enjoy this nice lookout. Waterfall height: 10 - 30 feet (3-9 meters). It is named for the two ancient ahupua'a (land subdivisions) that it covers, Kaloko and Honokhau. While Oloupena Falls may not be the easiest place to get to, it is definitely worth the effort to see one of the tallest waterfalls in the world in person. This is not a hike but rather a quick mostly-flat walk that follows an old undulating lava flow out to a lookout point.