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Finding the Best Waterfalls in Maui

Water Falls in Maui: Twin Falls is among the best waterfalls in Maui.

The waterfalls in Maui are captivating natural attractions you shouldn’t miss during your vacation. To add to the allure, many of these mesmerizing displays have paved viewing sites that are safe and comfortable for visitors, while other waterfalls are not as easily accessible. No matter how you prefer to experience these beautiful wonders, here are a few recommendations to help you narrow down your choices and make the most of the best Maui waterfalls and ways to enjoy them.

Waterfall Safety

It’s easy to get caught up in the moment when you’re seeking out waterfalls in Maui, but safety is crucial. Here are some tips:

  • If safe parking isn’t available, move on and do not cause traffic jams
  • Heed all warning signs
  • Stay on marked trails and be prepared for slippery conditions
  • Streams and waterfalls may not be safe to drink or swim. 
  • Rainy weather upstream could mean dangerous flash flooding downstream

Twin Falls

Twin Falls is one of the first stops along the Road to Hana. Parking is limited to a first-come-first-serve basis, so you’ll need to do some planning. Still, management at Twin Falls is dedicated to ensuring easy access for visitors, making this stop worth the effort. The round-trip hike to see Twin Falls is a moderately challenging route for most, taking nearly an hour to complete. 

It’s important to use care when walking because the trail has loose rocks and is sometimes muddy. The trail will bring you to a resting area near the waterfall with lush surroundings and a swimming area. Since Twin Falls is on a farm property, visitors can also enjoy local fruit and smoothies before or after their hike.

Pua’a Ka‘a State Wayside

Starting with a low-key spot to rest, stop for a bathroom break or a picnic, Pua’a Ka‘a State Wayside is an inviting introduction to waterfalls in Maui. It’s one of the more accessible waterfalls because of dedicated off-street parking and a paved trail leading to several small waterfalls.  A dirt rainforest trail across the road from the bathrooms leads to an open area with a swimming hole and a modest yet pretty waterfall.

Kings Garden

If you’re looking for a more exclusive way to experience one of the best waterfalls in Maui, The Kings Gardens is a worthy consideration. Set amid a native rainforest with prehistoric flora and an ancient water cave, The Kings Gardens offers a two-hour private tour with a knowledgeable guide. The archeological area is an enriching historical site, but the main draw is the private cascading waterfall visible from two vantage points. The hike is an immersive experience that also lets you see chocolate grow in its natural habitat.

Maui’s Garden of Eden

Located directly adjacent to the legendary Puohokamoa Waterfall, Maui’s Garden of Eden is a treasure trove of scenic beauty. Featuring 26 acres of rainforest, three waterfall lookouts, and over two miles of trails, Maui’s Garden of Eden lives up to its name. Although standard admission doesn’t permit access to Puohokamoa Waterfall, you can witness it from a lookout or schedule a tour with Rappel Maui (see below).

Rappel Maui

For adventurers seeking an adrenaline boost, Rappel Maui offers the perfect blend of tranquility and excitement within Maui’s Garden of Eden. Visitors will explore waterfalls, tropical canyons, and serene freshwater pools via their choice of a group tour or private tour. As the island’s only waterfall rappelling service, Rappel Maui offers a unique experience you’ll remember forever. 

Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tours

For an aerial perspective of hidden waterfalls on Maui, you should contact Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tours. Jaw-dropping panoramic views, awe-inspiring craters, and iconic mountaintops are all visible from the clouds. The West Maui and Molokai tour showcases nearly 90 miles of pristine shoreline, captivating cliffsides, and stunning cascades—most of which aren’t visible from ground level. 

West Maui Vacation Rentals and Condo Resorts

Discovering Maui waterfalls is one of the most popular things to do for visitors. Outdoor adventure is abundant on this beautiful island. There’s nothing like making yourself at home in the comfort of your vacation condo rental. Prepare a hearty breakfast or a picnic lunch in your fully equipped kitchen. At the end of each day of exploration, many condos have in-room or on-site laundry to be ready for another day of adventure. What’s more, many tour services offer pickup from your West Maui vacation rental in Ka’anapali, Honokawai, or Kahana. To start planning your Maui vacation, please visit us online and book your stay today.

The Ultimate Guide for Your Maui Family Vacation

Planning a Maui family vacation? Maui is a great place to take the entire family because of its deep-rooted tradition, beautiful landscape, and abundance of recreation opportunities. A family vacation on Maui offers the perfect opportunity to make lasting memories and experience the Hawaii culture.

Whether you’re looking to get adventurous in the great outdoors or learn about the community and history of Maui, your options are endless. Here are a few of our favorite things to do on your Maui family vacation.

Hiking

While Maui is home to some strenuous and advanced hikes, it also features several trails that offer beautiful views that even the littlest kiddos can handle. The Kapalua Coastal Trail is an easy and flat 1.9 mile-trail that hugs along the coastline. This scenic trail is perfect for a sunset walk. Another great and family-friendly hike in Maui is the Kaanapali Beach Boardwalk, which is a 4.4-mile out-and-back trail that features a 500-foot elevation gain. This trail passes by a few spots where you can stop off for lunch or to just take in the landscape.

Whale Watching

Seeing a whale in wildlife will make everyone in the family feel like a kid again, and Maui is the place to go for whale watching. Local whale watching companies offers small group tours for every level of whale watchers. You’ll find tours range from 1.5-hour, 2-hour, and 3-hour tours, and more. Whale watching is most popular during the winter season when humpback whales travel to the warmer waters of Maui. 

Kayaking

A kayaking and snorkeling tour is great for older kids and young teenagers. Kelii’s Kayak Tours offer 2.5-hour and 3.5 to 4-hour tours. It’s recommended that kids be at least 10 years old for the longer tour. The entire family will love watching tropical fish, sea turtles, and even humpback whales in their natural habitat. The team at Kelii’s knows the best spots to view marine life.

Haleakalā National Park

Haleakalā National Park is one of Maui’s most popular attractions, and for good reason. Known as the “house of the sun,” Haleakalā sits along the southeastern coast and is known for the Haleakalā Crater, which sits more than 10,000 above sea level. This park has more endangered species than any other park in the National Park Service, making it an ideal place for kids to learn about the precious and fragile ecosystem of Maui. 

Maui Tropical Plantation

The Maui Tropical Plantation not only offers families an inside look at the process of planting, growing, and harvesting Hawaii’s most iconic produce, it features the longest, fastest, and highest zip line on Maui. Traveling with younger kids? The Maui Tropical Plantation also has a family-friendly zip line course for kids as young as five. You’ll learn about Hawaii agriculture on the tropical express tour, which takes you along lagoons throughout the entire plantation. Be sure to grab something to eat or drink here, like a coffee, fresh smoothie, or ice pop.

Road to Hana

The Road to Hana is one of the most iconic drives on Maui. If your family is renting a car while on the island, this adventure surely cannot be missed. The Road to Hana features many stop off points where you can view waterfalls, scenic ocean views, and learn about the area’s history. There are a lot of stops, so plan ahead to check out just a few stops on the Road to Hana. You can even take a guided tour of the year if you’d prefer to simply take in the sights.

Old Lāhainā Luau

The Old Lāhainā Luau captures the essence of culture and tradition on Maui. Voted one of the Top Luaus in Maui, this traditional Luau and feast have been running since 1986 on Maui. The entire family will get to experience Hawaiian cuisine, music, cultural dances, and demonstrations. Reservations are required ahead of time, which includes food and drinks as well. It’s an experience that the family will not soon forget.

Begin planning your Maui family vacation today. Maui is home to an abundance of things to do with the entire family, no matter what kind of excursion you’re planning. Our Maui vacation rentals offer the perfect home base for your adventure. Browse our selection of West Maui condos and homes to find the ideal place to unwind and relax with your family. Have any questions? Contact us directly for more information. 

Best West Maui Kayak Tours

Loads of sunshine and relatively rain-free months year round make West Maui an excellent place for kayaking. The waters surrounding West Maui are dense with life, and on any kayaking trip you might encounter Green Sea Turtles, tropical fish, and even Humpback Whales! There are short kayaking trips for novices, and those in strong physical shape can enjoy longer excursions to unique environments like the rugged sea cliffs of Pali.

West Maui kayaking is an excellent activity for families and couples, and singles can join a group tour and meet new friends. The island is dense with kayak excursion tour guides, so to help you find the best trip for your lifestyle, we’ve made a guide to the best West Maui Kayak tours.

Pali Sea Cliff Tour by South Pacific Kayaks Maui

The Pali Sea Cliff Tour is a longer kayaking tour, so it’s best for those in good physical shape. This five mile kayak trip is definately worth the paddle, taking you to the rugged sea cliffs of Pali. You’ll enjoy two to three snorkel stops on your trip, all in areas that are teeming with wildlife.

You can expect to see the infamous (and endangered) Green Sea Turtle, among other beautiful water dwellers. This tour can be booked in public (ages 16+) or private groups (ages 12+). If you’re looking to experience the natural beauty of West Maui, we highly recommend this kayaking excursion. 

More About South Pacific Kayaks Maui >

Kelii’s 2.5 Hour Kayak & Snorkeling Tour by Kelii’s Kayak Tours

The 2.5 Hour Kayaking & Snorkeling Tour by Kelii’s Kayak Tours is our top choice for those with children (although adults will love this tour just as much). You’ll paddle about two and a half miles, and snorkel for around 45 minutes. The waters are calm and all skill levels are welcome, which is why this tour is so great for those with kiddos.

Even with the shorter excursion length, you’ll get a chance to see tropical fish, Green Sea Turtles and Humpback Whales (if it’s the right time of year, as they come to West Maui seasonally). Kelii’s also offers a 3.5 to 4 hour kayaking trip, so you can experience two different reefs. 

More About Kelii’s Kayak Tours >

Kayak, Whale Watch & Snorkel Excursion by Maui Adventure Tours

West Maui Adventure Tours is our top choice for an exciting and educational kayak excursion. Each year, from December to May, the Humpback Whales take over Olowalu. They make grand entrances from below the surface, giving visitors the opportunity to view this magnificent creature in detail.

Your West Maui Adventure Tour guide will teach you all about this annual migration, as you watch from the center of the Hawaiian Islands National Whale Marine Sanctuary. West Maui Adventures also offers a Turtle Reef Kayak & Snorkel Excursion, which is a great choice when the whales aren’t in season.

More About Maui Adventure Tours >

Book Your West Maui Vacation Today

We hope our guide to the best West Maui kayak tours helped you find the perfect excursion. If you’re still not sure which tour is best for you, check out our guide to snorkeling, kayaking and water excursions in West Maui. Planning a vacation to West Maui? Don’t forget to book your Chase ‘N Rainbows vacation rental. Contact us today for more information. 

5 Best Maui Beaches

Maui is home to some of the most pristine beaches in the world. Whether you’re looking for an easily accessible beach for swimming and relaxing or an off-the-beaten-path locale for advanced surfing, Maui boasts stunning beaches for everyone. 

Best Maui Beaches at a Glance

Kā’anapali Beach

Kā’anapali Beach, also called Black Rock Beach, features golden white sand, pristine calm water, and a walking trail to explore the area. You can swim with the sea turtles, snorkel, view whales, and more. While the waters here are typically calm, there can be strong currents at times so be mindful of warnings. This is a popular beach with nearby shopping and dining within walking distance. There are no restrooms or a lifeguard on duty.

Napili Bay Beach

Napili Bay Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the western shore of Maui, and it’s a great spot for snorkeling, swimming, and body surfing. It boasts white sand along the ocean bottom, which makes it easy to view tropical fish, sea turtles, and even seals. You’ll find shopping and amenities within walking distance of Napili Bay Beach. There is no lifeguard on-duty or on-site restrooms.

Kapalua Bay Beach

Kapalua Bay Beach is one of Maui’s best-known beaches, boasting golden sand, coconut palms, and fabulous views of Molokai on clear days. There are lava rock outcroppings on either side of the Kapalua Bay Beach, which helps creates calm conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Bring along a picnic to enjoy in the lawn area or stop by a nearby restaurant or shop for snacks. There is no lifeguard on duty, but there are restrooms, showers, and a changing area. 

Pu’unoa Beach

Lāhainā’s Baby Beach, or Pu’unoa Beach, is one of the best family-friendly beaches in Maui. Calm and shallow waters are perfect for small children. Snorkeling is popular here as well, especially for beginners. Located near Lāhainā and Front Street, this beach is easily accessible. Baby Beach is also known for its beautiful sunsets and whale watching. There are no public restrooms and no lifeguards on duty here. 

Windmills Beach

Located north of the Honolua Bay, Windmills Beach is a secluded and off-the-beaten-path spot great for sunbathing, shelling, and avoiding crowds. Experienced surfers will find great conditions here, but if you’re not a surfer you will love to watch the pros ride the waves. This beach is beautiful and easily accessible, but there are no restrooms or a lifeguard on duty.

Visit These 5 Maui Museums

Maui has a deep-rooted history and West Maui is home to many notable sights and museums. Whether you’re going on a family vacation to Maui or traveling for your honeymoon, these cultural institutions are must-visits. 

Wo Hing Museum

The Wo Hing Museum in Lāhainā was built in 1912 as a social meeting hall for the Wo Hing Society. The building is known for its ornate wood details and bronze bust and marble pedestal monument in the front yard for Dr. Sun Yat-sen. Today, the downstairs is a museum with historic artifacts and a gift shop, but it was once a social space for the society. The upstairs is a temple for religious ceremonies and features the only public Taoist altar on Maui. It’s also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Baldwin Home Museum

The Baldwin Home Museum is the oldest house still standing on Maui located in the center of Historic Lāhainā. The home was originally built in 1834 and 1835, and it underwent two additions. It was owned and occupied by local missionary Reverend Ephraim Spaulding and his family. The home, which now stands at two stories, was specifically constructed to withstand the high winds off the ocean.

Lāhainā Heritage Museum

The Lāhainā Heritage Museum in the Old Lāhainā Courthouse features displays and artifacts dating back hundreds of years. You’ll find stories from the whaling period, Plantation era, early tourism, and more. The museum’s “Always Lāhainā” tells the entire Lāhainā history. There is also an interactive topographical map of Maui on the second floor.

Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House Museum

Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House Museum is the largest collection of Hawaiian antiques on Maui. The museum is run by the Maui Historical Society. Located in Wailuku, the museum features a rotating selection of programs and exhibits featuring Pre-European artifacts, modern art, paintings, sculptures, textiles, and more.

Humpback National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary offers an ideal location to whale watch on land or water. The Visitor Center features rotating exhibits documenting the culture and preservation of marine animals and all aquatic life. You can also learn about tips for whale watching, local regulations and safety, and coastal forecasts.

Plan Your West Maui Vacation

West Maui offers insight into Hawaii’s history and is home to some incredible displays of history and culture. If you’re planning a trip to Maui, consider learning about the past and present of the culture on Maui. Let us help you find the best things to do for your interests. Plus, we offer a wide variety of Maui vacation rentals for groups of all sizes.

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