Puaaluu Falls

Puaaluu Falls: A Best Kept Secret Along Hana Highway
The Bottom Line:

Puaaluu is on the southeast side of Maui, one of the lesser-known falls located along Hana Highway. Getting to the falls will require you to take a short hike, which can be wet and slippery at certain times, so you will need to prepare. However, once you make it to the falls, you will quickly realize that the strenuous hike and time you take definitely is worth it. 

- The HawaiianIslands.com Local Expert Team

If you are traveling along the Hana Highway, you will be amazed at all of the glorious views this area offers. There are many beautiful waterfalls that you can view from the road and simply pull off to get some great photographs. However, if you are searching for some hidden gems, take the time to get out of the car and stretch your legs on a hike to view the beautiful Puaaluu Falls. You will not be disappointed when you arrive at these glorious 100-foot falls. 

The pullout to view Puaaluu Falls is past the 43-mile post, not far from the Hahalawe Gulch Bridge. There is a primitive path from the pullout that goes under the road and arrives at the falls base. The hike is short but can be a bit tricky, so make sure that you are wearing good shoes and are ready to get a bit wet as there are times when you will be walking across large rocks and water.

Puaaluu Falls is one of the many secret gems hiding in Hawaii that many people simply do not realize is there. When traveling down Hana Highway, it is easy to get lost in the beauty of the road and miss this excellent sightseeing option. The short hike may seem treacherous at times and make you wonder why you decided to attempt it. However, the spectacular views of this magical waterfall make it worth the hike to get there. 

At times, the Puaaluu Falls will offer a more significant flow based on the amount of rain that has been in the area. It is important to note that there are areas where you may get stuck if a rainstorm comes while you are at the falls, so make sure to check the weather before heading out.

Finding hidden waterfalls in Hawaii is a unique experience that everyone should do while visiting the islands. Taking your time to see some of these hidden gems, such as the Puaaluu Falls, is definitely worth it. Just make sure that you are prepared for the hike and you will have some wonderful memories while enjoying one of the most beautiful places in the world. 

Insider Tips:
-If you plan to visit Puaaluu falls, make sure that you take a hiking stick along as this can help you navigate the slippery slopes. You also want to make sure that you are wearing good non-slip shoes to help keep you safe.
-It is also important to note that, as with all of the freshwater waterfalls and streams throughout the island, Leptospirosis could be present, so make sure that you do not have any open wounds and do not attempt to drink the water, no matter how clear it might look.