An Explorer’s Guide to Hanawi Falls in Maui
Introducing the Hanawi Falls
The Gorgeous Hanawi Falls | © Will Scullin & Dronepicr
All across Maui and the Hawaii Islands, the land of beautiful beaches and laid-back vibes houses some of the most stunning Waterfalls.
If you’re driving to Hana, you’re in for a real treat because 15 falls await you along the 52-mile-long journey of the Hana Highway located along Maui’s Northern shore, some of which like the Upper Waikani Falls we’ve also featured on our blog.
Today, we’ll be featuring one of the best falls by far, which is located at Mile Marker 24, named the Hanawi Falls. Here’s everything you need to know about the cascading beauty!
Key Information
Location: Hana Highway (Hwy 360), Mile Marker #19.6
Google Map Coordinates: 20.8323667, -156.141032
Parking: Sparse but possible
Hike Skill Level: Easy
Postcard-Worthy? Absolutely
Welcome to the falls
Step outside your vehicle, stretch your legs a little, and bask in the mesmerizing sounds and sights of the Hanawi falls. It features a series of streams that tumble over forested rocks into the pristine pool, complete with roadside lookouts.
The Hanawi Stream is a part of a more extensive system where 450 million gallons of rainwater discharge into the tunnels and trenches of the East Maui Irrigation Co every day. It is nestled within the lush rainforest and surrounded by a multitude of Hala - a tree with cultural significance to the region, distinguished by its pineapple-plant-like appearance.
Fun Fact: The stream is also home to an endangered species—the Megalagrion pacificum damselfly, which is endemic to Hawaii’s freshwater marshes and streams.
The waters here also provide nourishment for various flora, from white ginger and sandalwood to Koa, a sizeable Hawaiian forest tree that yields dark red timber. The flow eventually leads into the village of Nahiku and is often regarded as one of Hawaii’s finest streams.
What Makes Hanawi Falls Special
Close up of the Hanawi Falls | © Thomas Jundt
While there are multiple waterfalls in the region, Hanawi Falls stands out because the flow cascades down unto different paths, making for a good photo opportunity (or just good ol’ admiration in real life with your own two eyes.)
The Hanawi Falls—whose Hawaiian translation remains unknown—gets its water source from the Hanawi Stream, a spring-fed river that flows downwards into the ocean for about nine miles.
Since this creates an excess of water at the falls’ base, both the lower and upper falls cascade continuously all year long (Yes, even during the drier summer months!), making it one of the most impressive and widely photographed waterfalls in the area.
Can You Swim At Hanawi Falls?
Yes! On a warm sunny day, you’d see many people taking a dip or wading around in the crystal clear waters of Hanawi Falls.
However, do note that the water can get a bit icy, even during the warmer summer months. So just make sure you test the temperatures by dipping a toe in before cannonballing into the pool (We know it’s hard to resist, but your body will thank you later.)
For those that love to swim, don’t forget to visit Halona Beach Cove if you’re heading to Oahu during your Hawaiian vacation.
Insider Tips
Hanawi Falls flowing after heavy rain | © Anita Gould
The Best Viewing Spot
If you’re not too keen on heading down for a dip, consider admiring the majestic falls from a distance on the Hanawi’s Stream bridge! Having been constructed way back in 1926, a trip to the bridge will give folks a sense of traveling back in time as they venture deeper into the road to Hana.
Additionally, on days when there is heavier rainfall, it can significantly affect the flow at Hanawi Falls. The safest place to view the falls on such occasions is from the bridge.
Adventurous travelers—go forth and experience the falls up close! If the weather permits, trek carefully downwards into the pool for a swim and some selfies if your heart desires.
Appropriate Swimwear & Towel
Don’t forget to bring your swimwear and towel if you’re intending on swimming at the falls. It would really suck if the conditions were perfect and you didn’t go prepared for a swim!
Fuel Up On Fruit - Hana Highway Fruit Stalls
All that exploring and jumping into clear waters of the area’s falls may wear you out eventually. If you’re feeling peckish, don’t forget to look out for these roadside fruit stalls located along the Hana Highway.
You may come across some fresh fruit stalls selling coconuts, pineapples, and other varieties of nature’s desserts grown straight in the land of Maui. You might want to replenish your energy with these as you go!
Hiking at Hanawi Falls: Safety Guide
You should be aware that certain areas are slippery if you decide to hike around Hanawi Falls, which was featured in the Travel Channel’s “Dive Into Summer” series.
In fact, Nahiku and Hanawi Falls are particularly susceptible to flash floods because they are located in one of Maui’s wettest areas.
Pro tip: Wear durable hiking footwear with solid grips to prevent yourself from potential slips, and bring along a pair of sandals to change into as you go closer to the pools.
Remember to practice safety, look up the weather forecast ahead of time, and pay attention to your footing as you track along.
In addition, note that it is forbidden to hike along some of the surrounding areas since it is owned by East Maui Irrigation Co. and its extensive watershed. And this is for a good reason: just look out into this lush landscape and at the falls themselves, and you’ll get one of the final vistas of Hawaii’s pristine, untouched beauty. Remember: It’s always good to leave a place better than you found it.
Driving to Hanawi Falls
The Road to Hana
You’ll have to drive on the Hana Highway to reach the Hanawi Falls. Prepare yourselves for tight and curvy roads and hairpins that are wet. But the journey is so worth it when there’s always something incredible to see right around the next corner.
The Driving Route to Hanawi Falls from Kahului
If you can't drive or aren't driving
As there isn’t public transportation available to take you to Hanawi Falls, a guided tour will help you get there if you’re not keen on renting a car and driving.
Parking at Hanawi Falls
Look out for a few tight pull-offs right before and after the bridge, where you can park your car, pop out for a quick photo, and simply take in the breathtaking sounds and views of the Hanawi falls.
Gear Tips & Checklist
Hiking Footwear & Sandals
Swimming Attire
Towel & Sandals
Bug Repellant
Your Camera
Nearby Waterfalls To Check Out
“I got tired of looking at the waterfalls in Maui,” - said no one ever.
The vast array of Nahiku falls, each with a unique element is what people often rave about after returning from their Maui trip. In fact, some travelers spend an entire day just visiting the many falls located along the Hana Highway. So if you’ve got some time to spare, why not pay a visit to the neighboring falls beside Hanawi?
Located at Mile Markers 22 and 25, respectively, the Pua’a Ka’a Falls and Makapipi Falls are two more scenic spots that you can add to your collection of waterfalls visited en route to Hana.
The Pua’a Ka’a Falls | © Razvan Orendovici
The Pua’a Ka’a Falls are located within the Pua’a Ka’a Wayside park, making for a quick photo opportunity. While it isn’t the tallest fall you’ll see (standing at only 20 ft or so), it is one of the most accessible falls along the Hana Highway. With a few benches situated beside it, the Pua’a Ka’a Falls makes for a great picnic spot!
Pua’a Ka’a Falls Image
Want to catch an aerial view of a waterfall? Head over to the bridge at mile marker 25, and you’ll see one of the most exciting waterfalls along the Hana Highway, Makapipi Falls, right below you.
As the Hana Highway extends across an area directly above the stream, travelers can view the falls from above by looking over the bridge’s railing. The Makapipi Stream travels within the lava streambed and into a pool of clear blue waters. While the size of the flow varies from day-to-day depending on the rainfall, you’ll always get an enthralling view of the falls, complete with its calming sounds.
Makapipi Falls from Above Image
Pro Tip: If you’ve got a drone, this might be a good shot to capture some fantastic photos!
To access the Makapipi Falls, simply park a little way down from the bridge, where there is a slight pull-off, and stroll back to the bridge to admire the falls from above.
Final Thoughts
Beautiful long exposure shot of the Upper Waikani Falls | © Joe Parks
The Mahana Ridge Trail is a prime example of how a great hiking trail isn’t necessarily one that offers the most stunning views. A lovely trail with interesting wildlife and vegetation for you to stop and admire along the way can be incredible too.
Give it a go or if you've already been there, let us know what you think and if we've missed something out in the comments below!
Also be sure to check out our featured story about Red Hill, Heleakala in Maui if you’re going to be visiting Maui and renting a car. It’s an incredible destination that truly cannot be missed if you’re in Hawaii.
