Puaa Kaa State Wayside Park
Road to Hana’s Best Waterfall Stop — Tropical Pools, Paved Path to Falls, Restrooms and Picnic Tables, Mile Marker 22.5, East Maui
Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park is a state wayside park on the Hāna Highway (Highway 360) near mile marker 22.5, East Maui, Hawaii. The park features small waterfalls cascading into swimmable tropical pools, a paved path to the main lower falls, a dirt trail upstream to a larger waterfall and deeper pool, covered picnic tables, restrooms, and one of the few convenient rest stops on the Road to Hāna.
Puaʻa Kaʻa is the Road to Hāna’s most accessible waterfall stop — a paved path leads directly from the parking area to the main lower falls, making it one of the few waterfalls you can reach without a serious hike. The tropical pools at the base are swimmable (when conditions are safe), and the lush, jungle-like setting feels like stepping into a postcard of Hawaiian paradise.
For those willing to venture further, a dirt path upstream crosses a viaduct and leads to a larger, more dramatic waterfall with a deeper pool. This upper fall sees fewer visitors and offers a more private swimming experience.
Safety Information
| Hazard | Details |
|---|---|
| Slippery Rocks | Extremely slippery — wear water shoes |
| Flash Flooding | Water levels rise rapidly after rain — exit pools immediately |
| Muddy Trail | Upper trail slippery and muddy, especially after rain |
| No Lifeguards | Swim at your own risk |
Things to Do
- Lower waterfall — paved path, easy access, tropical pool
- Upper waterfall — dirt trail, larger pool, fewer visitors
- Swimming — natural pools (conditions permitting)
- Photography — lush tropical waterfall scenery
- Rest stop — restrooms, covered picnic tables
- Road to Hāna break — convenient midpoint stop
Visitor Tips
- Arrive early — parking fills quickly during peak season
- Wear water shoes — rocks are extremely slippery when wet
- Check weather — heavy rain creates flash flood risk
- Bring food — no vendors; limited services on the Road to Hāna
- Mosquito repellent — tropical forest environment
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Hāna Highway (Hwy 360), Mile Marker 22.5 |
| Island | East Maui, Hawaii |
| Facilities | Restrooms, covered picnic tables, parking |
| Admission | Free |
| Season | Year-round (conditions permitting) |
| Managed By | Hawaii DLNR — Division of State Parks |
| Coordinates | 20.8173° N, 156.1251° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Pua’a Ka’a SWP — twin waterfalls on the Road to Hana. Tropical bamboo forest and natural swimming pools.
Nearby Attractions
Road to Hana — along the route.
Can you swim at Puaa Kaa State Wayside Park?
Yes — Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park on the Road to Hāna (mile marker 22.5) has waterfall pools you can swim in when conditions are safe. A paved path leads to the lower falls; a dirt trail goes upstream to a larger pool. No lifeguards — rocks are very slippery and flash flooding can occur after rain. Free admission with restrooms and picnic tables.
Where are the waterfalls on the Road to Hana?
Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park at mile marker 22.5 on the Hāna Highway is one of the most accessible waterfall stops. A paved path reaches the lower falls, and a dirt trail leads to a larger upper waterfall. The park has free parking, restrooms, and covered picnic tables — making it an ideal rest stop during the drive.
Last updated: May 2026
Park Location
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