If you’re driving the legendary Road to Hāna, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of waterfalls, viewpoints, and hidden gems along the way. While many travelers rush toward the black sand beach and pools further along, the magic often begins right at the start. Situated just a few miles past the surf town of Pāʻia, your ultimate adventure starts at the very first accessible stop: Twin Falls.
More than just a pretty waterfall, Twin Falls offers the perfect introduction to the unparalleled beauty of the Hāna experience. Twin Falls has easily accessible pools and refreshing swimming holes right in the heart of Maui’s lush tropical rainforest.
What & Where Is Twin Falls?
Twin Falls is often cited as the official “first stop” on the Road to Hāna. It’s located just past Mile Marker #2 on the Hāna Highway (Route 360), making it very convenient for those beginning their journey from Kahului or Pāʻia.
Twin Falls gets its name from the two main cascading waterfalls that empty into pools at the bottom of the falls. The lower falls is closest to the trailhead and fairly easy to reach. Accessing the upper falls requires a bit more walking but the destination is nonetheless incredibly rewarding.
Twin Falls is more than just a beautiful roadside attraction; it’s a working farm (Wailele Farm) that’s situated on privately owned property in which the family generously opens to the public. Before you begin your adventure, always remember the importance of mālama (caring for the land). You are not simply in a public park, but on working agricultural land. Respect the posted signs, stay on marked trails, and practice Leave No Trace principles to ensure that the property remains open for generations to enjoy.
The area is full of history. As you walk the main trail, you’ll be following a wide, graded path that runs alongside the historic East Maui Irrigation ditches. These hand-dug ditches date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, serving as a critical part of the system developed to transport water from the wet slopes of Haleakalā down to the sugar cane fields in Central Maui. As you hike, you’re walking through a vital piece of Maui’s agricultural and infrastructural history, connecting you to the island’s past in a unique way.
Things to Do at Twin Falls
While Twin Falls isn’t a full-day stop, there’s plenty to do and enjoy during your visit.
Hike to the Waterfalls and Pools
The Irrigation Ditches and Hoʻolawa Stream are a great opportunity to immerse yourself in history and view the irrigation ditches. Walk along the paths that lead right along the concrete channel and see unique views.
The Lower Falls
The first waterfall is just a short walk from the parking lot, offering a quick, accessible spot for a cool photo and refreshing swim. The lower pool’s waters are generally calm and surrounded by smooth, mossy rocks.
The Upper Falls
The most popular destination, sometimes referred to as “Caveman Falls” by the locals, requires a slightly longer walk but takes you deeper into the jungle. The waterfall cascades into a beautiful, large pool, and if the conditions are safe, this is the perfect spot for swimming. As always, check the posted signs; sometimes swimming is prohibited if the water is too muddy and high after heavy rains.
Refuel at the Fruit Stand
Before or after your hike, make sure to visit the Wailele Farm stand located right by the parking lot. Known for being one of the best stops on the road, it offers a great selection of treats for you to enjoy. Fuel up with fresh fruit, cold drinks, banana bread, sugarcane juice, and other local treats. It’s a great opportunity to directly support the local family that owns and maintains this beautiful land.
Twin Falls Parking & Directions
Due to the site’s popularity and location right at the start of the Road to Hāna, following traffic and parking rules are critical for exploring Twin Falls safely.
It’s important to note that the parking area can fill up quickly, as there are only 55 paid, first-come first-serve parking spots. Parking costs around $10 per vehicle and the funds help contribute to the maintenance of the trails and facilities. No street parking or parking on the bridge side is allowed.
Twin Falls is located right around Mile Marker #2.1 on the Hāna Highway, about 15 to 20 minutes east of Pāʻia.
Directions (from Kahului)
- Head east of Highway 36 (Hāna Highway) toward Pāʻia.
- Pass through Pāʻia town.
- Continue past the Maui Country Club; the road officially becomes Route 360.
- Look for a small concrete bridge after Mile Marker 2.
- The entrance to the designated dirt parking lot for Wailele Farm/Twin Falls will immediately be on the right.
- The entrance to the site is just to the left of the farm stand.
Other Notable Road to Hāna Stops Near Twin Falls
The beauty of the Road to Hāna is that the journey itself is the destination. Twin Falls is just the beginning of a long stretch of highway that holds dozens of unique treasures. To help you plan your first few stops, here’s two notable locations you’ll pass shortly after leaving Twin Falls.
Huelo Lookout (Mile Marker #4-5)
Just a few miles up the road from Twin Falls, the Huelo Lookout is a scenic-pull off that provides amazing panoramic views of the coastline where the rainforest meets the sea. While the view is beautiful, this stop is most famous for its fruit stand. If you didn’t grab some food at Twin Falls, this is another excellent opportunity to sample some fresh, local fruit. It’s an easy stop for a quick photo and a snack.
Garden of Eden Arboretum (Mile Marker #10)
Located between mile markers 10 and 11, this 26-acre botanical garden celebrates Maui’s rich plant life with over 700 labeled species of tropical plants. The Garden of Eden Arboretum features over 2.5 miles of walking trails that offer a spectacular view of Puohokamoa Falls. It’s also famously recognizable as the location of the opening scene in the movie Jurassic Park.
When traveling to Maui there will never be a shortage of things and places to see. Make sure you’re always abiding by local and cultural laws when exploring the natural beauty of Maui and most importantly, relax! That’s what you came to do after all.
