While lounging on the beach is far too tempting to pass up when visiting Maui, there are several exciting activities that will keep the thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts of your group equally as stoked on life.
Please enjoy our top picks for the best waterfall adventures on the Valley Isle, and be sure to reserve some time to explore some of the most remote areas of paradise.
Best Maui Waterfall Adventures
#1 Waterfall Rappelling
If rappelling down lush jungle walls and waterfalls along the Road to Hana sounds like your cup’a adrenaline, Rappel Maui offers an unbeatable experience. The 6+ hour tour includes round-trip transportation to a private 30-acre botanical garden, where you’ll gear up and make the short hike to your first rappelling practice spot, a 60 foot jungle wall! Certified and highly experienced canyoneering guides will help you each step of the way, and no previous experience is necessary.
After you master the basics, you’ll move onto your next two rappelling locations, a 50-foot and 30-foot waterfall, where you’re welcome to swim in the freshwater pools when you reach the bottom and watch as the rest of your group descends! Tours include all gear, including backpacks and footwear, as well as bottled water and lunch, and anyone ages 10 and up (70 lbs minimum) is welcome to join.
We absolutely loved this experience – the guides were friendly, fun and took every precaution to make sure we were safe, the views were amazing, and the feeling of rappelling down some of Maui’s best waterfalls was nothing short of exhilarating. Another plus: even in cases of inclement weather, the tour still runs (albeit at an alternate location). You’re in a rainforest, after all! Call 808.445.6407 for questions or booking.
#2 Pipiwai Trail
Branching off from the same path that leads directly to Maui’s famed ‘Ohe’o Gulch, also known as Seven Sacred Pools, Pipiwai Trail is one of Maui’s most popular hikes, thanks to its array of dramatic scenery leading to Waimoku Falls, the 400 foot cascading waterfall where the hike ends.
Located within the remote and scenic backside of Haleakala National Park, Pipiwai Trail is a moderate level, 4-mile roundtrip hike through a freshwater stream, magnificent banyan tree, scenic lookouts, a dramatic bamboo forest, and finally, a stunningly steep waterfall.
Since the majority of travelers arrive too late in the day to experience the hike, we highly recommend camping overnight at Kipahulu Campground.
#3 Waihe’e Ridge Trail
Located near Mendes Ranch on the windward side of Maui, Waihe’e Ridge Trail is a 5 mile roundtrip hike with mesmerizing views of Maui’s lesser seen areas. As you hike up, you’ll be treated to panoramic ocean views, as well as those of Waihe’e Valley, rolling clouds over the West Maui Mountains, and Makamaka’ole Falls.
If somewhat steep, narrow trails don’t bother you, the views along this West Maui Forest Reserve hike are absolutely worth it. Depending on weather conditions, the hike back down can be slippery, so be sure to wear slip-resistant footwear and bring plenty of water! Bonus: Due to the elevation change, you’re likely to enjoy cool breezes along the way, as well as opportunities for bird spotting and unique flora and fauna.
While there are a ton of other waterfalls we haven’t mentioned, hopefully this list offers some new ideas for your next Maui adventure! Which waterfalls are your favorite to visit? Let us know in the comments below, and as always, mahalo for reading!
