Maui waterfalls for easy hiking/swimming

[m61376]

Looking for waterfall suggestions for an easy hike and swimming. I know there are several on the Road to Hana but was looking for something preferably not on the Road to Hana. I know there's the Twin Falls at mile marker 2- anything else/better to recommend? Really prefer not to do the Road to Hana this trip. Will have our 11 and 14 year old grandsons who like adventure but not car rides. Also need hike to be fairly easy.

I know there's Waimea Falls on Oahu but since we'll only be there a few days looking for something comparable on Maui, or do experienced Hawaii travelers think we'd be better off at Waimea Falls?

 

[Henry M.]

I like Twin Falls, and it doesn't really require you to do the Road to Hana. It is well before all to the curves. It is easy to get to them and a nice walk. Most of the other nice falls are close to Hana so those would be out.

There's another waterfall near Kahului, but it has been a long time since I went there. It is one of those where you park next to a mile marker, cross a fence and hike for a while before getting to the waterfall. I'm not sure if that is even allowed any more, since you cross some private property to get to them. I can't remember the name anymore. A local friend took us there many years ago. There were lots of tourists hiking, though, so it must have been relatively well known.

Iao Valley state park is nice. Not exactly a waterfall, but you can hike around and swim in the river. The Waihe'e Valley trail with the swinging bridge was great, but I think it is closed now.

 

[Tucsonadventurer]

Twin Falls is a great recommendation . It's only a short walk. There are 2 different falls to swim in and typically easy parking for a $10 fee. One weekend a month is residents only, so check 1st

 

[m61376]

Thanks so much- exactly what I wanted to know. Anyone know if Waimea Falls on Oahu would be a significantly different experience than Twin Falls?

 

[Henry M.]

Can you spend an extra day in Oahu to go to the falls there, and shorten the Maui stay?

I am not familiar with the Oahu falls, but most are similar, with varying fall heights, a pool at the bottom of the fall, and pretty cold water. The difference is more in how you get to the falls and how long you hike through the rainforest. I wouldn't think one island's falls would be much better than another's.

Neither Waimea Falls nor Twin Falls are all that high. The Waimea Valley park seems a lot more organized and has other things there besides the falls. Twin Falls just has some parking by the road, a small house at the entrance that sells pineapples, juices and other fruits. You walk from there over and back to the waterfall. It can be muddy if it rained, and you cross a river before you get to the falls. If it has rained a lot, you may have to wade through some water above your waist before you get to the falls proper. You are pretty close to nature, not nicely manicured gardens.

 

[Tucsonadventurer]

Waimea Falls is very touristy but nice. Twin Falls is more authentic. Both have their place

 

[easyrider]

The thing about Maui waterfalls is they can get crowded. Most of the better falls are off the Hana Hwy. One of the lesser known falls with swimming is Nemo Falls. Most tourist won't make the effort of the half mile hike or find a parking spot.

Bill