From Maui to Kauaʻi: The 10 Best Swimming Waterfalls in Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi is a dream destination for travelers who crave natural beauty, tropical adventure, and soul-soothing landscapes. Beyond the famous beaches and luxury resorts, the islands hide a more magical world, lush rainforests, emerald valleys, and breathtaking waterfalls that invite you to swim, explore, and reconnect with nature. From the dramatic cliffs of Kauaʻi to the misty forests of Maui, Hawaiʻi’s swimming waterfalls offer experiences that feel straight out of a movie scene.
Whether you are planning a honeymoon, an adventure trip, a solo escape, or a family vacation, swimming in a Hawaiian waterfall is an unforgettable experience. The sound of cascading water, the cool freshwater pools, and the green surroundings create moments that stay with you long after the trip ends.
In this guide, we’ll take you from Maui to Kauaʻi to explore the 10 best swimming waterfalls in Hawaiʻi, perfect for adventure lovers, nature seekers, and anyone who wants to experience the islands beyond the beaches.
Why Waterfall Swimming in Hawaiʻi Is So Special
Swimming in Hawaiian waterfalls isn’t just about taking a dip, it’s about entering a sacred natural space. In Hawaiian culture, water (wai) symbolizes life and spiritual energy. Many waterfalls are considered special places connected to ancient legends, healing, and local traditions.
What makes Hawaiʻi’s waterfalls unique:
Warm tropical climate year-round
Crystal-clear freshwater pools
Jungle surroundings and dramatic cliffs
Easy access via hikes and scenic trails
A mix of calm pools and adventurous cliff jumps
Each island has its own waterfall personality, from wide, powerful cascades to hidden jungle pools, making island-hopping even more magical.
The 10 Best Swimming Waterfalls in Hawaiʻi
1. Twin Falls – Maui
Location: Road to Hāna, Maui
Best For: Easy access, families, beginners
Twin Falls is one of Maui’s most popular waterfall stops,and for good reason. Located along the famous Road to Hāna, this spot features multiple waterfalls, freshwater pools, and short jungle hikes. The main pool is perfect for swimming, and the calm water makes it ideal for families and first-time visitors.
The surrounding bamboo forests and tropical plants make this feel like a true Hawaiian paradise. If you’re starting your Maui adventure, this is a perfect introduction to waterfall swimming.
2. Wailua Falls – Kauaʻi
Location: Near Līhuʻe, Kauaʻi
Best For: Scenic beauty, photography, swimming
Wailua Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls in Hawaiʻi. With twin streams dropping over 80 feet into a large pool, it’s both dramatic and peaceful. A short hike takes you down to the pool, where you can swim in cool, refreshing water surrounded by towering cliffs.
This waterfall is famous for rainbows in the mist and stunning views, perfect for couples and photographers.
3. ʻOheʻo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) – Maui
Location: Haleakalā National Park, Maui
Best For: Natural pools, peaceful atmosphere
Also known as the Seven Sacred Pools, ʻOheʻo Gulch is a series of cascading pools and waterfalls. Although swimming conditions depend on weather and water levels, when it’s safe, it’s one of the most magical places to swim in Maui.
Surrounded by lush rainforest and lava rock formations, it feels like a hidden world far from modern life.
4. Secret Falls (Uluwehi Falls) – Kauaʻi
Location: Wailua River, Kauaʻi
Best For: Adventure lovers, kayaking + hiking
Secret Falls is a true adventure destination. To reach it, you must kayak along the Wailua River and then hike through the jungle. The reward? A massive waterfall pouring into a deep swimming pool that feels completely untouched.
This spot is perfect for travelers who love adventure, exploration, and nature immersion.
5. Makahiku Falls – Maui
Location: Haleakalā National Park
Best For: Hiking + views
Makahiku Falls is accessible via the Pipiwai Trail, one of the most beautiful hikes in Maui. While swimming is not always permitted depending on conditions, the surrounding pools and scenery are absolutely breathtaking.
Even if you don’t swim, the experience of reaching this waterfall is unforgettable.
6. Hanakāpīʻai Falls – Kauaʻi
Location: Nā Pali Coast, Kauaʻi
Best For: Strong swimmers, experienced hikers
Hanakāpīʻai Falls is a 300-foot waterfall located deep within the Nā Pali Coast. Reaching it requires a challenging hike, but the reward is a powerful waterfall with a deep freshwater pool perfect for swimming.
This is not a casual tourist spot, it’s for serious adventurers who want to experience Hawaiʻi’s raw natural beauty.
7. Upper Waikani Falls (Three Bears) – Maui
Location: Road to Hāna, Maui
Best For: Cliff jumping, fun swimming
Known as “Three Bears,” this waterfall has multiple cascades and natural pools. It’s a favorite for adventurous swimmers who enjoy jumping from rocks and swimming in deeper waters.
It’s easily accessible from the road, making it a must-stop spot on any Road to Hāna trip.
8. Ho‘opi‘i Falls – Kauaʻi
Location: Kapa‘a, Kauaʻi
Best For: Easy hike, swimming, cliff jumping
Ho‘opi‘i Falls offers two waterfalls and large swimming pools. The lower falls are perfect for swimming, while the upper falls attract cliff jumpers and thrill-seekers.
It’s one of the best waterfall swimming spots on Kauaʻi for both relaxation and adventure.
9. Puaʻa Kaʻa Falls – Maui
Location: Road to Hāna
Best For: Picnic + swimming
This state wayside park offers restrooms, picnic tables, and easy access to two waterfalls. The pools are calm and perfect for swimming, making it an excellent stop for families and relaxed travelers.
10. Waipoo Falls – Kauaʻi
Location: Waimea Canyon, Kauaʻi
Best For: Views + light swimming
Waipoo Falls may not have deep pools like others, but its scenic beauty is unmatched. Located in the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” the waterfall offers stunning views and peaceful nature vibes.
Tips for Swimming in Hawaiian Waterfalls
To enjoy these waterfalls safely and respectfully:
Always check weather and flash flood warnings
Respect local signs and closures
Avoid swimming after heavy rain
Wear reef-safe sunscreen
Respect nature and Hawaiian culture
Never jump into unknown water depths
Safety and respect go hand-in-hand in Hawaiʻi.
Planning Your Hawaiian Adventure
Your Hawaiian journey often begins the moment you land, and first impressions matter. A warm welcome with a Maui Airport Lei Greeting can set the perfect tone for your trip—offering you a traditional Hawaiian welcome filled with aloha spirit and island hospitality. It’s a beautiful way to start your island experience before heading off to explore beaches, rainforests, and waterfalls.
From there, you can travel across islands, Maui to Kauaʻi, each offering its own version of paradise. While Maui is known for scenic drives and lush rainforests, Kauaʻi offers dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, and untouched nature.
Even after days of beach hopping and sightseeing, waterfall swimming adds a deeper connection to the islands, something more personal, more spiritual, and more memorable.
And when your adventure begins with something special like a Maui Airport Lei Greeting, your entire trip feels more meaningful, cultural, and connected to the spirit of Hawaiʻi.
Final Thoughts: Aloha Beyond the Beaches 🌺
Hawaiʻi is more than just a tropical vacation destination, it’s a living, breathing paradise filled with culture, history, and natural wonders. The waterfalls of Maui and Kauaʻi offer a different side of the islands, one that is peaceful, powerful, and deeply connected to nature.
From easy-access pools like Twin Falls to adventurous spots like Hanakāpīʻai Falls, these 10 swimming waterfalls in Hawaiʻi offer something for every type of traveler.
So whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a family trip, a solo adventure, or a luxury escape—don’t just stay on the beaches. Venture into the rainforests, follow the jungle trails, and dive into the freshwater pools.
Because sometimes, the most unforgettable memories in Hawaiʻi aren’t made by the ocean, but beneath a waterfall in the heart of the islands.