If you love history and hiking as much as we do, you'll want to plan a walk back in time along the 4-mile trail found within the Kaloko-Honokhau National Historical Park. The park has two unique fishponds, listen to park staff discuss how they were built and used in ancient Hawaii. It free and no matter how young or old this is going to capture your interests. While Oloupena Falls may not be the easiest place to get to, it is definitely worth the effort to see one of the tallest waterfalls in the world in person. Kahuna Falls is a beautiful 100-foot waterfall that is the perfect warm-up for Akaka Falls. There's a lot of turtles and it would be a waste not to get in the water. When you reach Rainbow falls, you will see that the falls are 80 feet tall and cascade over a lava cave. Visitors can enjoy nature trips, hiking, and birding in the area, or take a hike to the falls for a refreshing swim. Understanding the weather conditions is important because the river can be quite challenging to paddle on some days. Make sure to bring your camera to capture this natural wonder! The national park gate is on the right just before the road makes a sharp left turn. According to the ranger, there is a closer route to the beach than what we used. Jumping into the pools is strictly prohibited post-rainfall since the water depths after rain can be deceiving. At present, these cliffs are considered one of the tallest seaside cliffs in the world. The best time to visit is after it rains when the waterfall is at its fullest. The waterfall gets its name from the rainbow that can be seen in the mist created by the falling water. Top 10 Best Waterfalls in Hawaii & How To Visit Them, User-submitted Waterfall Write-up of the Month, and the latest news and updates both within the website as well as around the wonderful world of waterfalls. I saw reviews mention sea turtles. The best way to see this waterfall is on a helicopter tour. Gear: Standard hiking gear. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. For even better views of Rainbow Falls, stop by in the morning when the sun is behind you. Lulumahu Falls is a beautiful 50-foot tall waterfall. Past this fishpond, find a barren lava field past the foliage. A 15-minute hike on Kuloa Point Trail is all it takes to reach your destination! The trail meanders through a lush rainforest environment and culminates at a jaw-dropping 150-foot waterfall that cascades down the mountainside. Quickly pass a small fishpond and follow the trail as it passes several ancient sites for about a half-mile. Guests can see Honokohau Falls via helicopter tours. There is a gate that is unlocked from 8:30am to 5:00pm every day. Eventually, you will reach the end of the Hanakapiai Falls Trail, where you will be treated to an incredible view of the waterfall, which drops 300 feet into a beautiful green pool. See the citys most popular gardens. Kona Tour: Coffee Plantation, Kealakekua Bay, Kaloko-Honokohau Park, and Bee Farm, Kona Shore Excursion: Hawaiian Sea Turtles , Historic Kona & Coffee, Big Island Adventure Bundle: 5 Epic Audio Driving Tours, Big Island - Kona Big Kahuna GPS Driving Tour, UltimateSnorkeling Adventures in Kailua Kona Hawaii. Cait Kontalis, of these waterfalls to your list of must-see places on your next trip to Hawaii. Access: Pullout just past mile marker 25 on Hana Highway, Difficulty of hike: Walk across Makapipi Stream bridge, Easy. When you finally reach the parks centerpiece, the waterfall, you will be absolutely mesmerized. Watch the waterfalls of the Jurassic Park movies come alive right in front of your eyes in the form of Mauis tallest, most exclusive, most majestic, and most terrifying waterfalls - the 1,100-foot (341 meters) jaw-dropping Honokohau Falls. Leave the vehicle in the ocean-side-of-the-road car parking and walk to the bridge to snap pictures of this epic water wonder. Tripadvisor gives a Travelers Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor. . To get to the larger falls, you need first to climb smaller cascades and scramble along a rocky bed, which promises a wet adventure! Honokohau Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the globe, and the tallest waterfall on Maui. What Is Rental Car Insurance Coverage? Waterfall height: 1,119 feet (341 metres). We hope you enjoyed this guide detailing the best Maui waterfalls please let us know if we missed any gorgeous waterfalls in Maui in the comments! If you come here, I would recommend driving to the marina and then taking the short 2-3 minute walk to the turtle beach. If you prefer to hike, the trail is mostly flat. Visitors will walk to the top of a rock ledge that provides views of the shoreline with beautiful blue and turquoise waters . ), 20 Best Waterfalls near Franklin, NC (Highest & Most Beautiful), 15 Best Texas Waterfalls (With Hiking Trails & Amazing Views), 15 Best Waterfalls Near Chicago (To Explore & Enjoy), 20 Best Waterfalls Near Chattanooga (Easily Accessible For All), 15 Best Waterfalls in Oregon (Highest & Most Beautiful), 10 Best Waterfalls Near Phoenix (Most Beautiful & Easily Accessible). There, you will find a gate into the park. WELCOME!!! 19, the Queen K Hwy., turn makai (toward the sea) just south of the 97 mile marker at the signed entrance to the National Historical Park. This gushing marvel is actually two waterfalls - the bigger, 270-foot fall (82 meters) is set against the lush, verdant backdrop of the jungle, while the lower, 60-foot-high one can be seen from the highway itself. The full 270-foot falls can be viewed from a distance by hiking the Waihe'e Ridge Trail, while the lower falls, approximately 60 feet high, can be seen from Kahekili Highway (Hwy 340) just past mile marker 8. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. From the lookout point at Crouching Lion, youll be able to see the Sacred Falls plunging 1,100 feet into the valley below. If you take the short spur trail toward Trailhead #3 at Honokhau Harbor, there are some fascinating petroglyphs located mauka (toward the mountains) of the trail. You will see people up close taking a pic of the turtlesbe a good citizen and nicely tell them to step away. It is located a few miles from Paia Town, and to get there, you need to park at and cross Wailele Farm, where a Hawaiian fruit stand serves as the starting point for a one-mile Maui waterfall hike leading to the breathtaking falls. Photos (5,821) Directions. Honokohau Falls Top 12 Best Waterfalls on Maui You Should Visit. more. The best way to see this amazing cascade is by helicopter because it is located in an inaccessible valley in the West Maui Mountains. Check out the beachfront hotels and monthly rentals for your accommodation needs. On your way to the falls, you will pass by the popular Hanakapiai Beach a hotspot for experienced surfers who come to ride its massive waves. 1 Continue this thread More posts from the Hawaii community 952 Posted by u/ivegotdiabetusssshoe 2 months ago We opted for a hike to the lake which took about 20 minutes. Around the edge of Aipio fishtrap is Pu'uoina Heaiu, a ancient temple at waters' edge. Feel free to take photos, however due to rock slides, the pools close often for safety purposes. The quick hike to the top of the falls offers stunning views of the rainforest. Akaka Falls is an incredible 442 feet tall and is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Hawaii. There is a bridge crossing the Makapipi Stream, behind which you will find a small pull-off area. While Oloupena Falls may not be the easiest place to get to, it is definitely worth the effort to see one of the tallest waterfalls in the world in person. So, what are you waiting for? The mountain is known for being one of the wettest places on earth, receiving an average of 452 inches of rain each year. Among these hidden gems, find dozens of waterfalls ranging in size and accessibility. When is Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park open? The stunning falls are nestled amidst a gorgeous jungle setting and its surrounded by swimmable pools, with the larger of them (including the picturesque Caveman) are about a miles (1.6 km) hike from the main road. However, stunning close-up views are available either through taking an easy hike or locating additional parking spaces tenth of miles ahead. A short, two-mile trail rated as moderate will get you to the natural attraction. The fishtrap used to trap fish during low tide for easy gathering for the extensive fishponds in the region. My husband ended up going to the car and driving over to the entrance so that we all didn't have to walk back that way. Preview trail Kid friendly Hiking Walking Beach Views Wildlife Description Do buy some nice Hawaiian fruits from the roadside stand to support the rural community. When it comes to ancient Hawaiian culture, this Park really has it all: heiau (temple) ruins; ruins of homes and other structures; fishponds; a fishtrap; a canoe hale; rock art; a freshwater-fed Queen's bath surrounded by mysterious mounds; and impressive petroglyph fields. After you pass several more ruins, you'll reach the intersection with the Po'e Kahiko Trail. The 5-mile roundtrip Waihee Ridge Trail passes a bamboo forest that will lead you to a natural oasis. According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is Ala Mauka Makai, Ala Kahakai, Ala Nui Kaloko and Mmalahoa Trail Loop . There is no camping in this Park. Looking for the best hiking trails in Houston? Plan Like A Park Ranger and use these insider tips to have a great visit at Kaloko-Honokhau National Historical Park. This eleven-acre fishpond has a nearly 800-foot seawall and is a very impressive feat of engineering. Kaloko-Honokhau National Historical Park contains a wealth of ancient Hawaiian history in a beautiful place to hike. It is just a 2 minute walk to the falls. This 270ft tall waterfall is set against a jungle backdrop and drops in two tiers, the lower one of which can be viewed from Kahekili Highway. ), 7 Best Oahu Helicopter Tours to Consider (for Epic Views! If you are looking for a breathtaking natural wonder to explore on your next vacation, be sure to add Manoa Falls to your list! Related Read: 50 BEST Things To Do In Waikiki. Rainbow Falls is a beautiful place to visit and is definitely worth the effort to get there. There is a very short route via the marina. Please be especially aware of the difficulty levels, the locations ground conditions, as well as the seasonal risks. If you find a sea turtle sleeping on the beach, maintain at least a twenty foot radius and do not disturb it. From the Waialeale Waterfalls on Kauai to the Oloupena Falls on Molokai, there is sure to be a waterfall that will take your breath away. The Maui waterfall trail is steep and muddy, so dont forget to take your hiking shoes and comfy clothes with you. Despite the lengthy hike, Hanakapiai Falls is a popular destination among many hikers and is certainly worth a visit the next time you are on Kauai island. Enter the marina and go to the right part of the marina, first right turn. Are you ready to take in one of the most magnificent views of West Maui from above? Thank you! Rainbow Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Big Islands Hilo side. You must have a paid account to see the map and trail route. Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park (Kailua-Kona) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Even though the Maui waterfall may not astonish you with its power, its tremendous height and surrounding landscapes will definitely leave you in awe. We are independently owned so content written by us merely reflect our own opinions. In order for us to get to this waterfall, we had to take a helicopter tour since the falls was situated in an inaccessible valley in the west side of the island. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. You can then view it on your cell phone or computer by heading to your Google Maps account, click the menu and add it to Your Places. You can walk a short distance onto the seawall, but cannot walk across it due to unsafe conditions. dropping 400 feet (122 m) down a vertical cliff. The waterfall is fed by Makapipi Stream, which you will cross over while driving on the highway. A standard paddle will take about 45 minutes. Just drive north from Lihue and follow Maalo Road, drive about 3 miles and find a parking spot. Moderate 4.5 (8669) Round Top Forest Reserve. Check them out. If you find yourself on the island Molokai, do not miss out on this natural wonder. Honokohau Falls: . Thanks to its dramatic views, Wailua Falls was featured in the opening scene of the Fantasy Island TV show. This picturesque ancient site is better at low tide because more features are revealed. Although cliff jumping is illegal in this area, you might find many people doing it anyway and providing you with some free entertainment. Privacy Policy | Sitemap | Hawai'i Land Acknowledgment. Discover this 1.7-mile out-and-back trail near Honolulu, Oahu. Your email address will not be published. Updated September 26, 2022. Visitors will see Makamakaole Falls drop in several tiers totaling 270 feet in height. It is in the middle of an inaccessible valley, where no roads and trails are located. Despite the lengthy hike, Hanakapiai Falls is a popular destination among many hikers and is certainly worth a visit the next time you are on Kauai island. The falls are even more beautiful during the winter months when the water flow is at its heaviest. The Hu'e Hu'e Trail used to be a ranch road. Blessings, Is there snorkeling at this beach? Enjoy your visit! However, the approximately four-hour hike is well worth it when you finally catch a glimpse of the gorgeous Hanakapiai Falls. The falls themselves are small (about 20 feet), but the surrounding area is lush and green, with huge boulders and giant leaves providing a lovely backdrop. 73-4786 Kanalani St. #14 Maui waterfalls + Ocean tour on Horseback, Rappel Maui waterfalls and rainforest cliffs, 8 Best Luaus on Kauai (+ Fire Shows, Hula, & Tips! Manoa Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island of Oahu. Related Read: The 20 Best Adult-Only Resorts in Hawaii. Proceed around the bend to the west end of a very large parking lot. Access: 30-foot path (9 metres) going down to the pools from the road. Maui Tags Alelele Falls, Honokohau Falls, KOPILIULA FALLS, Makahiku Falls, Makamakaole Falls, Maui, NAHIKU POND AND NAHIKU LANDING, Pools at Oheo, PUA'A KA'A FALLS, Punalau Falls, Twin Falls, Wailua Falls, Waimoku Falls . more, 2006-2023 World Of Waterfalls, When you finally reach the parks centerpiece, the waterfall, you will be absolutely mesmerized. 2 mo. You can continue up this trail, above the falls, and on to a more private pool with an equally beautiful waterfall. Puuhonua o Hnaunau National Historical Park, Ka Desert - Mauna Iki Trail from Hilina Pali Road. Join the thousands of travel enthusiasts who are part of our T&T community. The Maui waterfall is unique in the way that you will have a vantage point all to yourself to take in the stunning vista of the falls set among dense vegetation. Thanks, is there a bus route that will take us to this park? ), 50 BEST Things To Do In Waikiki (Fun & Unique Attractions! The falls are even more beautiful during the winter months when the water flow is at its heaviest. It is located in the West Maui Mountains, and it is not the easiest to get to, but it is definitely worth the hike. There is also a 35-foot cliff-jumping spot at the top of the falls perfect for those looking for an adrenaline rush! January 1, 2023 January 13, 2022 by Marcie Cheung. Fed by the Koolau Rainforest in the Hoolawa Valley, Twin Falls is accessible year-round, but make sure to visit after heavy rain to take in the full beauty of the falls. The spirit of the people (poe) and the knowledge of the elders (kupuna) created a tradition of respect and reverence for this area. Welcome Home! This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. To add this map to your Google Maps account, click the Star icon next to the map name. Makapipi Falls The Makahiku Falls is a 200-foot tall waterfall in Haleakala National Park. A Wandering Tattler hunts in the tidepools on the shoreline. Go left, west towards the ocean and follow that paved path. Other waterfalls nearby: Visible from the highway and located so close to the Road to Hana makes Wailua Falls one of Mauis unique and most accessible waterfalls. Hike: The hike described here starts at the Hale Ho'okipa Welcome House and takes a clockwise loop around the Park that allows you to see nearly all of the major sites within it. 16722 April Falls Trail. After entering Haleakala National park to access this waterfall, you will be mesmerized by their natural beauty. This ramrod-straight ancient route will take you south past the intersection with the Hu'e Hu'e trail and eventually back to the other side of the Hale Ho'okipa Welcome House and the parking area where you began. We will have a t 3 yr old and a 1 yr old and a 9 yr old and three grandmothers!!! The lush green of the Hawaiian forests surrounding the cascades glisten in the mist arising from the cascades, making for million-dollar photo ops. The views along the trail are simply gorgeous, making the Waimea Valley Trail one of the best hikes in Oahu. For example, at nearly 3,000 feet high, the Oloupena Falls pour down what is considered the highest sea cliffs in the world. The amount of water that pours down Waimoku Waterfalls depends largely on the weather. If you'd like a nice strip of beach to yourself, you might be able to find it here. This will allow you to see the falls from above and get a true sense of their size and beauty. Stay on the coastal trail as it heads north. We went to the Visitors Center and they were very helpful there, explaining that they would be closing soon and locking the gates but that we could drive to the Harbor just minutes away and enter the park through a different gate that is easily accessible. Beach Hiking in Kaloko-Honokhau National Historical Park. Skip the luxurious dinner cruises just this time and explore the waters of the 400-foot-high (122 meters) Waimoku Falls instead. Coffee-lover. Kaloko-Honokhau National Historical Park is a United States National Historical Park located in the Kona District on the Big island of Hawaii in the U.S. state of Hawaii. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. These are the best Maui waterfalls to visit including a map of where to find them! To reach the falls, park at Wailele Farm and follow the mile-long trail. The flow of water may vary a lot depending on the seasons rainfall. Due to time constraints we only did the hike as far as the petroglyphs, which were cool to see. Bring plenty of water and sun protection. Take the Diamond Head Trail to the summit of Oahu's volcanic tuff cone nestled along the coastline, and find panoramic views of Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean. Access: Park at Twin Falls Fruit Stand just past mile marker 2 on Hana Highway, carry bathing suits. The towering, 200-foot-miracle (61 meters) of the Lower Puohokamoa Falls are, incredibly, often missed by travelers bound for Hana. My daughter slipped and sliced her foot wide open on the coral so you definitely want to wear water shoes. Its about a 2 mile walk (not hike) down to the beach - its not too shady so take water and sunscreen. Amidst verdant foliage drops 400 ft tall Waimoku Falls and it is one of Mauis tallest waterfalls. . A couple of trees for shade and a few benches for resting are available on the hike. Maui Tourism Maui Hotels Maui Guest House Maui Holiday Homes Maui Holiday Packages Maui Flights Maui Restaurants Maui Attractions Maui Travel Forum Maui Photos . It is located in the West Maui Mountains, and it is not the easiest to get to, but it is definitely worth the hike. According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park: Hotels near Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park: Restaurants near Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park: Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, Kailua-Kona: Hours, Address, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park Reviews: 4.5/5. 94% of travelers recommend this experience.