Twin Falls Hiking Trail in East Maui

At mile marker 2 (11.4 miles past Pa‘ia), Twin Falls is one of the easiest and shortest waterfall hikes you’ll find in East Maui. It’s also the first series of waterfalls you’ll encounter on the Road to Hana. Since much of the area weaves through private homes (respect the Kapu, or “Keep Out” signs on driveways), most of the “trail” is a gravel road that is wide and easy for strolling. Although there are a few spots where the footing can be tricky, this is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a “tame” walk into the jungle.

An outdoor playground peppered with waterfalls, the only downside about Twin Falls is that it’s far from being a secret. During the midmorning hours as visitors make their way toward Hana, there can be well over 50 cars parked along the side of the road, and it’s safe to say that you won’t have the waterfalls to yourself. If you would prefer to visit without the crowds, you can either stop on your drive back from Hana, visit really early before everyone else has arrived, or make a separate trip out here in the late afternoon. Regardless of when you visit, bring mosquito repellent.

Although there are myriad waterfalls at Twin Falls, the two main ones are most accessible for visitors. For exploration into the hinterlands of the rainforest, Hike Maui offers an informative guided tour. For casual visitors, however, the 1.3-mile trail begins in the gravel parking lot and makes its way through a small gate in a lush and forested orchard area. There are port-a-potties on the right side of the trail, and visitors are encouraged to leave a donation for their maintenance and upkeep.

After five minutes of walking along the gravel road, you’ll hear some waterfalls off to your left. While these are nice for a quick photo, the main waterfalls are still farther down the trail. After 10 minutes of walking, you’ll come to a stream crossing that can flood during periods of high rain. If the water appears to be rushing violently, it’s best to turn around. Five minutes past the stream crossing, you’ll come to a three-way fork in the road. Go straight. After five more minutes you’ll come to another fork, where the trail to your left has a wooden plank crossing over a small stream. Go straight, and after two minutes of clambering around an irrigation flume, you’ll reach a waterfall that has a small pool for swimming. While this waterfall is nice enough, there’s a second waterfall known as Caveman that is far more dramatic, although it can be a little tougher to reach.

To get to Caveman, turn around and go back to the fork in the trail where there was the wooden plank. Cross over the wooden plank, ascend a small hill, take the fork to the left, and then a take a right 50 yards later. You’ll now find yourself walking downhill, and a few minutes later you’ll reach a concrete irrigation structure with steps leading up and over it. From here you’ll begin to see the waterfall in the distance, although to reach the base of the falls you must wade across a stream that is usually about knee-deep. If the stream is manageable, a short scramble past it will bring you to a cavernous waterfall begging you to take your photo behind it. Since the water isn’t clear enough to see the bottom, don’t even think about jumping off the top.

Adjacent to the pool at Caveman you’ll notice a thin trail which switchbacks its way up the hill. Following this trail will bring you to more pools and waterfalls, although since it’s easy to get lost back here it’s best to have a guide if you plan on venturing any farther. On your way out from Caveman, after you climb up and over the irrigation structure and ascend the hill, by following the trail to the right when it forks you’ll end up at the three-way fork in the trail you originally encountered on your walk in, ultimately having done a full loop. From here it’s a short walk back to the parking lot and the rest of East Maui’s treasures.

Map of the Road to Hana, Hawaii
Road to Hana

Related Travel Guides