Are you looking for the best Road to Hana stops for kids that are worth it? Keep scrolling for an honest review of Pua’a Ka’a Falls and tips for hiking with kids.
This review of Pua’a Ka’a Falls as a top Road to Hana stop for families was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Planning the Road to Hana with your family? You’re probably trying to figure out which stops are actually worth your time (because let’s be real, there are a LOT of waterfalls along that drive).
After visiting Hawaii 40+ times as a professional tourist, I can tell you that Pua’a Ka’a Falls is one of the stops you shouldn’t skip.
Here’s why: it has actual parking (huge deal on this road), clean restrooms (also huge), and you can see the waterfall without hiking for an hour.
I’m talking maybe 5 minutes from your car to the waterfall. Perfect for families with little kids, grandparents, or anyone who just wants a quick, beautiful break without the hassle.
Want my complete Maui planning roadmap? Grab my Maui Travel Guide for Families with daily itineraries, exact stops to make on the Road to Hana, and all my family-tested recommendations.
Quick FAQs About Road to Hana Waterfalls
Can you actually swim in waterfalls on the Road to Hana?
Yes, but only certain ones. Pua’a Ka’a Falls is one of the few where swimming is allowed (though you’ll see some conflicting signs, which is pretty typical for Hawaii).
Twin Falls is another good swimming spot. Seven Sacred Pools at ‘Ohe’o Gulch used to be popular, but they close after heavy rain for safety reasons.
How many waterfalls are there on the Road to Hana?
Over 15 major ones, plus dozens of smaller cascades you’ll spot from the road. Some are roadside views, others require hiking.
Is there cliff jumping on the Road to Hana?
Twin Falls is your best bet for that. It’s a 1-mile hike (easy and kid-friendly) and brave souls can jump from the cliff into the pool. I personally am not that brave!
Where Exactly is Pua’a Ka’a Falls?
You’ll find it at mile marker 22.5 on the Road to Hana. The official name is Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Park, which means “rolling pig” in Hawaiian. (Fun fact to share with your kids!)
If you’re staying in Lahaina, it’s about 2 hours and 15 minutes away. From Kihei or Wailea, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 40 minutes.
The drive feels long because of all the curves, but if you leave early, you’ll avoid most of the traffic.
Most people do the Road to Hana as a day trip, driving out from their resort, stopping at various points along the way, reaching Hana town, then turning around to head back.
Some spend the night in Hana (highly recommend if you want a more relaxed trip).
I talk about all these options in my podcast episode What You Need to Know About the Road to Hana on Maui.
Why Pua’a Ka’a Falls is Worth Your Time
Look, I’ve been a Hawaii travel expert for years, and I’ve stopped at pretty much every waterfall on Maui. Some require serious hiking. Some have terrible parking. Some are beautiful but you can’t actually get close to them.
Pua’a Ka’a Falls has what most Road to Hana stops don’t: convenience without sacrificing beauty.
The Parking Situation (It’s Actually Good!)
This might sound boring, but trust me, parking is a BIG deal on the Road to Hana. So many spots have room for maybe 3-4 cars max, and people end up blocking the road or having to skip stops entirely.
Pua’a Ka’a has an actual parking lot. Like, a real one. It can fit quite a few cars. The lot is on the ocean side of the road (left side as you’re heading toward Hana).
Pro tip: It still fills up during peak hours (usually 10am-2pm), so get there earlier if possible.
Clean Restrooms (Yes, This Matters)
The restrooms here are some of the cleanest you’ll find on the entire Road to Hana. When you’re doing a long drive with kids, this is not a minor detail.
They’re actual restroom buildings with flush toilets, not porta-potties. They had some renovations done in spring 2025, so they’re in pretty good shape. Yes, they get busy, but they’re well-maintained.
The Waterfall is Right There
Cross the highway from the parking lot (be careful, obviously) and you’ll see a paved path leading up to the falls. There are also concrete stairs if you prefer. The whole “hike” takes less than 5 minutes.
You could even bring a stroller if you want, though I wouldn’t necessarily recommend wrestling a stroller across the highway. But the paths are paved, which is nice.
What You Can Actually Do at Pua’a Ka’a Falls
Swimming in the Waterfall Pool
This is probably what you came for, right? The lower waterfall has a nice pool at the base where you can swim. The water is cold (it’s mountain runoff), but so refreshing, especially on a hot day.
When I was there, the water level was pretty low because we were in a drought period. Usually there’s more water, which makes crossing the stream a bit trickier. You’ll need to hop across some rocks to get to the main pool.
Word of warning: The rocks are slippery. Hold your kids’ hands. Wear water shoes. Go slow. I’ve seen people slip and it’s not pretty.
Can you swim under the waterfall? Technically yes, but be careful of falling rocks. The locals say to never turn your back on the falls, which is good advice.
Having a Picnic
There are several covered picnic shelters both near the parking lot and by the waterfall. If you grab food from one of the roadside fruit stands earlier on the drive (there are lots of them), this is a perfect spot to eat.
The picnic areas are shaded, which is clutch. Bring bug spray though. And watch your food around the mongooses (yes, really).
These little guys were introduced to Hawaii to control rats, but they ended up eating ground birds instead and now they’re everywhere. They’re bold and will absolutely steal your sandwich.
Taking Photos
The waterfall is gorgeous and super photogenic. Both the upper and lower falls make for great shots. If you want photos without crowds, try to get there before 9am or after 3pm.
Want professional photos in Hawaii? Check out Flytographer where you can save $20 using my link. They’ll capture your family at spots like this (or anywhere on Maui) and you’ll actually be in the pictures for once!
There’s Actually More Than One Waterfall Here
Most people only see the main lower waterfall because it’s right by the parking area. But if you walk a few feet to the right along the road, there’s a smaller second waterfall with its own little pool.
I was the only person at the second waterfall when there were probably 20 people at the main one. It’s literally steps away. Perfect for photos if you want something less crowded.
There’s also supposedly a third waterfall if you hike upstream past the second one.
I didn’t do this trail because multiple sources say it’s muddy, slippery, and involves crossing a narrow viaduct that can be dangerous.
Not worth it when there are so many other amazing waterfalls along the Road to Hana that don’t require sketchy hiking.
Planning Your Visit: What to Know Before You Go
What to Pack
Here’s what I always bring:
- Swimsuit (wear it under your clothes)
- Towel
- Change of clothes (you’ll be wet)
- Water shoes (the rocks are slippery)
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Snacks and water
- Bug spray
- Camera or phone for photos
If you’re doing the full Road to Hana drive, you’ll want all this stuff anyway. Check out my Road to Hana guide for a complete packing list.
How Long to Stay
This really depends on what you want to do.
Just looking at the waterfall and taking a few photos? 10-15 minutes tops.
Swimming and hanging out? Plan for 30-60 minutes. That gives you time to get in the water, let the kids play, dry off a bit, and not feel rushed.
Having a picnic? Add another 20-30 minutes.
The park is officially open 6am to 6pm daily, and it’s free.
Best Time to Visit
Early morning is best, hands down. Try to get there before 9am if you can. You’ll have better parking, fewer crowds, and better light for photos.
Late afternoon (after 3pm) is also pretty good since many people are heading back by then.
Avoid midday (10am-2pm) if possible. That’s when tour buses and rental cars are all there at once.
Weather Considerations
The Road to Hana side of Maui is the wet side. It rains a lot there (which is why everything is so green and lush). Light rain is pretty normal and honestly makes the waterfalls more impressive.
Heavy rain? That’s when you need to be careful. Flash floods can happen, and swimming in the pools becomes dangerous. If it’s been raining heavily, skip the swimming and just look at the falls from the path.
Tips for Visiting with Kids
I’ve done this drive with my kids multiple times, so here’s my honest take:
Pua’a Ka’a is one of the easiest waterfall stops for families. The short walk from the car is key. Little legs get tired fast, and this doesn’t require much hiking.
The paved paths are stroller-friendly, though I personally wouldn’t want to navigate a stroller across the highway. If your kids are under 2, baby carriers work better.
For the actual swimming part, keep close to your kids. The rocks are slippery and the current can be strong after rain. Water shoes are not optional for kids (or adults, honestly).
The restrooms are a lifesaver. My kids always have to go at the most inconvenient times, so having real bathrooms here is clutch.
Bring snacks. Always. Even if you just ate. You know this.
Should You Actually Stop Here?
Short answer: Yes.
This is one of my top recommended stops on the Road to Hana because it hits the sweet spot of being beautiful, accessible, and practical.
The combination of good parking, clean restrooms, easy access, and a gorgeous waterfall makes it worth the stop.
It’s perfect for families, older adults, anyone with mobility concerns, or people who just want to see a beautiful waterfall without hiking for an hour.
The only time I’d say skip it is if you’re really short on time and can only make 2-3 stops total on your Road to Hana drive.
In that case, prioritize places like Waianapanapa State Park or the Pipiwai Trail.
But if you have time for 5-6 stops? Definitely include Pua’a Ka’a Falls.
Planning Your Road to Hana Adventure
The Road to Hana can feel overwhelming to plan. There are so many stops, the road is curvy and narrow, and you’re trying to figure out what’s worth your time.
I put together a complete guide on how to plan the Road to Hana with my recommended stops, timing, what to pack, and common mistakes to avoid.
You can also listen to my podcast episode How to Plan a Trip to Maui where I walk through the entire planning process.
Need more personalized help? I offer one-on-one Hawaii travel consultations where we can map out your exact Road to Hana route based on your family’s interests and timeline.
Want to save money on your trip? Grab my free 5-day email course on how to save money in Hawaii. I share all my best tips for cutting costs without sacrificing the experience.
Visiting other islands too? Check out my complete travel guides:
- Oahu Travel Guide for Families
- Kauai Travel Guide for Families
- Big Island Travel Guide for Families
- Hawaii Island Hopping Guide
Other Road to Hana Stops Worth Your Time
While you’re planning your drive, check out these other popular stops:
- Twin Falls – Easy hike, swimming, cliff jumping
- Waianapanapa State Park – Black sand beach, sea caves
- Things to do in Hana – Once you actually get to Hana town
- Where to stay in Hana – If you want to spend the night
Looking for tours along the Road to Hana? Sometimes letting someone else drive is worth it, especially if you get carsick easily or want to actually enjoy the views instead of white-knuckling the steering wheel.
Need a rental car? I always book through Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they compare all the major companies and usually have the best rates.
The Bottom Line
Pua’a Ka’a Falls checks all the boxes for what makes a great Road to Hana stop. Easy access, beautiful scenery, swimming opportunities, good facilities, and actual parking.
You’re not going to find dramatic 400-foot waterfalls here. This is a smaller, more intimate spot.
But that’s kind of the point.
It’s accessible, family-friendly, and gives you that classic Hawaiian waterfall experience without the crowds and difficult hikes you’ll find at other spots.
Stop here, take a swim, have a snack, use the restrooms, and continue on your Road to Hana adventure feeling refreshed. That’s exactly what this stop is designed for, and it does it perfectly.
Looking for more Road to Hana content? Find out what to know before driving the Road to Hana, best kid-friendly Road to Hana stops, things to do in Hana, review of the Twin Falls tour, guide to Maui black sand beach, and where to stay in Hana.
