From Kauai to Hawaii Island and everywhere in between, the Hawaiian Islands are home to countless incredible waterfall-fed swimming holes perfect for relaxing. Nowhere will you find more incredible cascades than along Maui’s famous Hana Highway, and today, we’re featuring one of the best: the roadside Hanawi Falls.
Before we dive into this waterfall-fed pool, I’d like to issue a friendly reminder about safety. Because this incredible waterfall is stream-fed, it is important to issue a friendly warning about the risks associated with flash flooding, and leptospirosis bacteria found in many of Hawaii’s natural pools. It is advised that you check weather reports and ocean conditions before heading out for the day, never swim here if you have open wounds, and to always watch your step.
Intersecting Maui’s Road to Hana near Mile Marker 24 is the Hanawi Stream, which flows nearly nine-miles from its spring-fed source in the mountains to the Pacific Ocean.
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Here, where the stream and the Hana Highway connect, you will find a magnificent series of cascading waterfalls.
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Surrounded by lush rainforest and featuring several plunging waterfalls, it doesn’t get any more picturesque than this striking stop along the Hana Highway. Hanawi Falls is a true gift from Mother Nature, and we’re obsessed.
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The best part? Upper Hanawi Falls is easy to access! The falls are visible from the bridge that dates back to 1926, and you will find ample parking before and after the bridge.
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On a calm day, the waterfall-fed pool near the right side of the bridge is perfect for a relaxing — albeit icy cold — swim.
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Be careful, though, because when the river is flowing the current can be dangerous. The trek to the pool can also be extremely slippery. The falls are best accessed during the drier summer months.
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The striking waterfall-fed pools you’ll find here look as though they were ripped from the pages of your favorite childhood storybook — or perhaps Middle Earth.
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Don’t forget your camera! This is one landscape you’ll want to remember forever.
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Whether you stop for a few minutes to admire the falls and snap a few photographs on your journey along the Hana Highway or stop to splash in the crystalline waters for the day, Hanawi Falls can’t be beat.
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Hanawi Falls is located along Maui’s Hana Highway near Mile Marker 24 and you can find exact directions here. To discover more incredible waterfall swimming holes in the Aloha State, check out our previous article.
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Kris Nelson/Flickr
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