Maui

Mananole Falls, Hawaii

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I have to admit I’m not sure why I got so excited for a waterfall that was way off in the distance. But, Mananole Falls is different.

Mananole Falls in March 2012

I guess the first reason to get excited is you’re on Maui, one of the Hawaiian Islands! It’s a spectacular place to visit. The second reason…to see the falls, you’ll be hiking on the beautiful Waihe’e Ridge Trail. It’s a consistent uphill climb to see the falls and it’s honestly worth it. Along the way, you’ll see Upper Makamaka’ole Falls from a distance. Continue along the rail and you’ll get a glimpe of Mananole Falls.

You’re not going to get close to Mananole Falls, but you’ll get a sense of how tall it is because of how distant you are. It is approaching 1000′ tall. You’ll only get a portion of the falls, but it made me realize just how tall some of the fascinating mountains are on the island and that these waterfalls collect enough water from all of the rain.

Directions:

  1. I would suggest coming from the west, starting at Kahului and driving along Route 340.
  2. Drive along Route 340, paying attention to the mile markers.  You really want to start paying attention after mile marker 6.
  3. About 0.9 of a mile after mile marker 6, there will be a pretty sharp curve (common on Maui), and right after that, you’ll come to a sign for Mahulia Boy Scout Camp. Carefully turn left onto that road.
  4. The road is pretty narrow, but keep driving down this paved road for 3/4 of a mile to the parking area. It will be relatively obvious, and you may notice the paved path leading uphill.
  5. Park, and start hiking up the Waihe’e Ridge Trail.

Accessibility: 4/10 (moderate/difficult, steep at first)
Height: 1000′
Length of Hike: 5 miles round-trip on Waihe’e Ridge Trail to get a glimpse of the falls

Where in the World is Mananole Falls?

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Lower Pua’a Ka’a Falls, Hawaii

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Lower Pua’a Ka’a Falls in March 2012

It just so happens that I just recently posted about Lower Pua’a Ka’a Fall’s brother, Upper Pua’a Ka’a Falls. So I’m going to direct you there to read more about the Hana Highway.

I will mention a few reasons you might want to visit Lower Pua’a Ka’a Falls. First, you’re in Hawaii, and even the smallest waterfall can be scenic and picturesque! Second, this is an extremely easy-to-visit waterfall. Getting to the Upper Falls requires a little more effort, but this can be viewed quickly after parking. (I don’t remember if it can be seen from the road.) Third, while some of the waterfalls along the Hana Highway are highly visible, it is not always easy to stop. In this case it is. This isn’t a very tall waterfall (at about 15-20′ or so), so some might quickly pass it by, but I think it’s still worth a short stop.

Directions:

  1. Start your journey along the Highway to Hana, heading east along the road toward Hana.
  2. Once you’re on the official road, watch the road mile markers. You’ll find the wayside between miles 22 and 23.
  3. I don’t remember which side parking was on, but both falls will be on the south side of the road, so head that direction (you’ll be heading upstream). You should see the lower falls very quickly.

Accessibility: 10/10 (Easy)
Height: ~15′
Length of Hike: Negligible

Where in the World is Lower Pua’a Ka’a Falls?

Upper Pua’a Ka’a Falls, Hawaii

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Upper Pua’a Ka’a Falls in March 2012

If you ever have the chance to drive the Highway to Hana, you should. I’ve mentioned in previous posts that I didn’t find it to be nearly as terrifying as I had expected it to be. (Continue south past Hana and along the Piilani Highway to experience a higher level of scary driving.) There are many very easy-to-visit waterfalls along the Hana Highway, and two of these falls can be found at the Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside, which you’ll find between mile markers 22 and 23.

The lower falls is very easy to see after crossing the road, while the upper falls requires more effort. I’m having a little difficulty remembering the exact details, though. In the book I was using, it (and other sources) has suggested that you have to cross an elevated waterway to get to the falls, and that it can be scary for people afraid of heights. I do remember crossing over some man-made “object” to get to the falls, but I don’t remember it being particularly scary. (And I’m pretty scared of heights, so if it had been that terrifying, I would have turned around or remembered it much more distinctly.)

So there are a few options…Either I stopped and photographed the falls before actually crossing this scary viaduct, or there was more grating on it than in previous times, so I didn’t feel as nervous. Or there could be been another path? I remember even finding another small waterfall in the vicinity.  While I don’t remember feeling scared, I do remember it being muddy! If you can find your way to the falls, I think it’s definitely worth it. It isn’t extremely tall, but I still felt it was very beautiful, as are most things on Maui!

Directions:

  1. Start your journey along the Highway to Hana, heading east along the road toward Hana.
  2. Once you’re on the official road, watch the road mile markers. You’ll find the wayside between miles 22 and 23.
  3. I don’t remember which side parking was on, but both falls will be on the south side of the road, so head that direction (you’ll be heading upstream). You should see the lower falls very quickly.
  4. Keep continuing, crossing whatever is necessary, until you reach the Upper Falls.

Accessibility: 6/10 (moderate)
Height: 15′
Length of Hike: 0.5 miles round-trip

Where in the World is Upper Pua’a Ka’a Falls?

Upper Waikani (Three Bears) Falls, Hawaii

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Upper Waikani Falls in March 2012

The Hana Highway is one of those “adventures” on the island of Maui that I found to be less daunting than I had expected. I’ve driven on some narrow roads before, and because there seemed to be a certain level of common sense about speed limits, the Hana Highway was a stunningly beautiful drive without a significant amount of stress. (There were some equally narrow roads in Puerto Rico where speed limits were ignored and garbage trucks were barreling down the road at 45+ mph! I was actually more nervous driving south of Hana and along the Piilani Highway.)

So if you decide to drive the Hana Highway, you’ll find that some stops are very easy. And then there are attractions like Upper Waikani Falls (aka Three Bears Falls). There’s no parking near the falls, the road is narrow (as is expected), and you have to make that quick decision about whether you’re going to stop or not. I must have been very lucky, and knew that it was coming up on my journey. I slowed down, and managed to park off of the road just enough that the rental car wasn’t in any immediate danger. There were four or five other cars there also. I didn’t stay for a long time, nor did I try to get to the base of the falls (which I’m not sure I would try). I did end up capturing another beautifully green waterfall along the Hana Highway.

Directions:

  1. This one’s pretty easy! Drive along HI-360 (the Hana Highway). You’ll find Upper Waikani Falls in between mile markers 19 and 20. Slow down as you approach the falls. (If you cross the bridge over the river, you’ve obviously gone to far, and good luck turning back!)

Accessibility: 10/10 (easy, if you can find parking, though it is “roadside”)
Height: 70′
Length of Hike: Roadside

Where in the World is Upper Waikani Falls?

Makahiku Falls, Hawaii

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Makahiku Falls in March 2012

On the southeastern side of Maui, there are a significant number of waterfalls, and many of them are found in Haleakala National Park. The main attraction is Waimoku Falls, which is over 400′ tall. The hike to Waimoku Falls is extremely enjoyable, and along the way you encounter other waterfalls. In a separate place, some of them would get their own names, though they don’t here because of their neighbor. One waterfall, though, does have a name, and it is Makahiku Falls.

Makahiku Falls is tall, though not as tall as Waimoku Falls. It is actually much wider than Waimoku Falls. If you’re like me, you’ll be amazed by the falls, and yet be somewhat disappointed. As you might be able to tell in the picture, it is rather difficult to capture the whole of Waimoku Falls. There are a number of trees and shrubs blocking the view. The shape of the cliffs also seem to obscure the base of the falls. If I remember correctly, I tried to find a different vantage point from the trail that led to a better shot, but couldn’t find that spot. So in the end, I settled for most of the falls. If you’ve come this far, though, you shouldn’t be deterred from seeking out Makahiku Falls!

Directions:

  1. From Hana, head south along the Highway to Hana.  Be careful, but there really isn’t any other option!
  2. Pull into the visitor’s center parking lot for Haleakala National Park.  Pay the fee, and then follow the signs to Waimoku Falls. It is about one-quarter of the way to Waimoku Falls, or somewhere in that range.

Accessibility: 7/10 (Easy/Moderate)
Height: 185′
Length of Hike: 1 mile round-trip to Makahiku Falls, 4 miles round-trip to Waimoku Falls

Where in the World is Makahiku Falls?

Falls at ‘Ohe’o Gulch, Hawaii

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On the southeast side of Maui in Haleakala National Park, there are a number of impressive waterfalls along Pipiwai Stream. The main attraction is Waimoku Falls (towering at 400′), though that does require a hike. I’m not sure if I would drive along the narrow roads to this portion of the park without visiting Waimoku Falls, but if you don’t wish to hike, the Falls at ‘Ohe’o Gulch are your best option. They are also known as the Seven Sacred Pools.

After parking, instead of heading toward Waimoku Falls, head east along a different trail. After just a very short distance, you’ll arrive at the Falls at ‘Ohe’o Gulch. They are nowhere near as tall, but the scenery is still breathtaking. The intense greens pop out on both sides of the river. The bridge above the one falls is the road that you just drove over a few minutes before. If you head a little south, you’ll also get spectacular views of the ocean.

I should mention many people head to the falls to swim in them. On this specific day in early March, though, the water levels were too high to swim safely. If swimming in the pools is your main goal, I would suggest calling ahead so you’re not disappointed.

Directions:

  1. From Hana, head south along the Highway to Hana. Be careful, but there really isn’t any other option!
  2. Pull into the visitor’s center parking lot for Haleakala National Park. Pay the fee, and then follow the signs to Seven Sacred Pools/’Ohe’o Gulch.

Accessibility: 9/10 (easy)
Height: ~30′
Length of Hike: 0.4 miles round-trip

The falls at ‘Ohe’o Gulch in March 2012

Where in the World is the Falls at ‘Ohe’o Gulch?

Waimoku Falls, Hawaii

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Waimoku Falls in March 2012

Waimoku Falls is definitely worth a stop, if you can get there!  As I mentioned in a previous post about one of the falls far downstream on Pipiwai Stream, it is not a simple drive to get to the southern portion of Haleakala National Park, where you can access Waimoku Falls.

Once you get there, though, and then hike the 2 miles to the falls, you’ll be rewarded with one of the taller waterfalls on Maui.  At a 400′ drop, it is pretty impressive!  The hike to the falls is really not that difficult.  It is uphill most of the way, but the scenery is spectacular, there are a number of other falls along the way, and is not particularly strenuous.  Even though there’s an elevation gain, it’s spread out over the 2 miles.  I have to admit, though, that the falls themselves are deceptive. It’s really hard to grasp their height, especially in the photograph.

Near the main falls, there are a number of other wispier falls.  Since it’s very rainy in the area, you’ll likely see those most of the year.  It wasn’t extremely rainy when I visited, but the mist from the falls kept blurring my glasses and the camera lens.  You could try getting even closer to the falls, but the mist might overwhelm you! 🙂

Directions:

  1. From Hana, head south along the Highway to Hana.  Be careful, but there really isn’t any other option!
  2. Pull into the visitor’s center parking lot for Haleakala National Park.  Pay the fee, and then follow the signs to Waimoku Falls.

Accessibility: 4/10 (moderate/difficult)
Height: 400′
Length of Hike: 3.2 miles round-trip

A waterfall near Waimoku Falls

Where in the World is Waimoku Falls?

Upper Makamaka’ole Falls, Hawaii

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Upper Makamaka’ole Falls in March 2012

As I was doing research to determine where waterfalls were found on Maui, I found that most of the easily accessible waterfalls were found in the eastern portion of the island. There were some falls to be found in the extremely rainy western portion of Maui, but it seems a helicopter is required to view many of those falls. One day I’ll shell out the additional money to do that, but I decided against it when I made my visit in March 2012.

As I was sitting in my hotel in Kahului, I started searching for other falls in Western Maui that could be visited without the aid of a helicopter. There were a few, and the most easily accessible seemed to be Upper Makamaka’ole Falls. Lower Makamaka’ole Falls is found along the roadside, apparently, but I also decided against visiting it.

To view Upper Makamaka’ole Falls, start hiking along the Waihe’e Ridge Trail. The first portion of the trail consists of hiking up a pretty steep paved path. That may be enough to wear you out quickly, but keep going.  The hike doesn’t let up, but it’s so worth it. About a 1/4 of a mile along the hike, look to your right. Upper Makamaka’ole Falls will be there. It is pretty far away. The photographs I have were taken at the most extreme zoom with my 55-300mm lens.

Since it’s so far away, you might wonder what is the worth of visiting Makamaka’ole Falls. Well, I have to admit the falls are secondary. If you continue along the Waihe’e Ridge Trail, you’ll be rewarded with some absolutely stunning, spectacular scenery. Amazing views of Kahului are to be had, along with views of the lush, but steep mountains. You’ll also see one or two other falls along the way, though they too are in the distance. It’s 5 miles round trip, but it’s well worth it!

Directions:

  1. I would suggest coming from the west, starting at Kahului and driving along Route 340.
  2. Drive along Route 340, paying attention to the mile markers.  You really want to start paying attention after mile marker 6.
  3. About 0.9 of a mile after mile marker 6, there will be a pretty sharp curve (common on Maui), and right after that, you’ll come to a sign for Mahulia Boy Scout Camp. Carefully turn left onto that road.
  4. The road is pretty narrow, but keep driving down this paved road for 3/4 of a mile to the parking area. It will be relatively obvious, and you may notice the paved path leading uphill.
  5. Park, and start hiking up the Waihe’e Ridge Trail. After about 1/4 mile, look to your right for the falls.

Accessibility: 4/10 (moderate/difficult, steep at first)
Height: 270′
Length of Hike: 1 mile round-trip to see the falls, 5 miles round-trip on Waihe’e Ridge Trail

Where in the World is Upper Makamaka’ole Falls?

Falls on Pipiwai Stream #1, Hawaii

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The hike to the Falls on Pipiwai Stream (and Waimoku Falls further upstream) is not really difficult. It’s getting to the point where you can hike in the first place that poses the real challenge…And it’s an intense one.

Haleakala National Park has a number of distinct regions. The more widely known region encompasses Mount Haleakala and its set of adventures. Though still connected to the park, the portion of the park on the southeastern shore of Maui has a distinctly different feel, and it’s not exactly simple to get to. There are two options, really…one on the Highway to Hana, and the other heading south from Kahului. Most people don’t seem to suggest taking the second option, and the first option on the Highway to Hana is breathtaking (in more ways than one). (Check out my post on Lower Waikamoi Falls to get my feelings about the first portion of the Highway to Hana.)
I stayed in Hana for the night, and then headed south toward the park. The road seems to get narrower…and narrower…and narrower. There were portions of the road where you couldn’t even sense what was in front of you, and you hope that no one else is speeding along these very winding curves. If the first portion of the Highway to Hana scared you, do not proceed! This portion of the road is not nearly as well signed, and the inherent danger level is higher. It’s not impossible though!  (I drove on roads in Puerto Rico where I feared for my life more than here.) And it doesn’t hurt that the drive is spectacularly beautiful.
You’ll be headed toward the parking area for O’heo Gulch and the Pipiwai Trail, which leads to Waimoku Falls at its end. There is an entrance fee, though it is well worth it, and you can visit the whole park for a number of days. The hike starts by crossing the Highway to Hana, and continues uphill, though at a very modest pace. You’ll pass by Makahiku Falls. Continue along to find this falls. If the Pipiwai Stream is flowing, you’ll hear it pretty clearly, and by following the well-worn trails, you’ll likely be able to find the falls here. They are not named, nor are they marked, but by paying attention, you’ll notice a side trail leading downhill. It’s not really dangerous, and the scenery is amazing…Continue along, though…You haven’t arrived at the main attraction yet.
Directions:
  1. From Hana, head south along the Highway to Hana. Be careful, but there really isn’t any other option!
  2. Pull into the visitor’s center parking lot for Haleakala National Park. Pay the fee, and then follow the signs to Waimoku Falls.
Accessibility: 6/10 (moderate)
Height: 40′
Length of Hike: 1.5 miles round-trip (3 miles to Waimoku Falls)

This is one of the falls on Pipiwai Stream in March 2012

Where in the World is the Falls on Pipiwai Stream?

Hanawi Falls, Hawaii

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Hanawi Falls in March 2012

For my perception of the Highway to Hana, check out my post about Lower Waikamoi Falls.

The waterfalls along the Highway to Hana seem to be blurring together, which is what happens when I write about the falls more than two months after visiting them, and it can only get worse. I was trying to remember anything interesting about Hanawi Falls, and nothing was coming to mind. I kept thinking it was also named something else, but that was for a different falls.

After refreshing my mind with the very useful book Maui Revealed, it clicked! This waterfall has two pieces. The photo I chose only shows one piece, though. That’s because the other portion of the falls, the piece to the left, wasn’t extremely interesting at the point I visited. There really wasn’t a significant amount of water flowing, so it was mainly the right portion of the falls that was interesting.

The other thing I do seem to remember is that I feel like I almost missed this falls. There are so many twists and turns, that after a while, you’re not sure whether to stop (or whether you CAN stop). While there is something to be said for having to road to yourself (which apparently happens very early or later in the day), there is also something to be said for seeing a group of cars parked along the “roadside”, and stopping only because you don’t want to miss out! In this case, I was glad I stopped.

Directions:

  1. Start paying attention as the Road to Hana changes to Highway 360.  The mile markers restart.
  2. This falls is found right after mile marker 24.

Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Height: 200′
Length of Hike: roadside

Where in the World is Hanawi Falls?