Hanawi Falls

Overview

Hanawi Falls is one of those quintessential Road to Hana moments: a photogenic cascade pouring through dense, emerald rainforest, practically at your car door. Most visitors admire the upper falls right from the Hanawi Stream bridge near mile marker 24—easy, dramatic, and zero hiking.

What You’ll See

Expect a roughly 30-foot upper cascade dropping into a clear pool, framed by mossy rock and thick jungle. In wet weather, the show gets bigger, sometimes with extra trickles appearing on the cliffs. The setting is all rainforest vibes—eucalyptus and lush greenery, mist hanging in the air.

Access and Safety

The best vantage is the bridge itself and the roadside pullouts before/after it. Traffic is constant and the road is narrow, so step carefully and don’t block the bridge. Some people pick their way down to the pool, but the descent is steep and slick, with fire ants reported along informal paths—skip it unless you’re sure-footed and prepared.

A Bit of Context

You’re standing on a slice of old Hawai‘i—this bridge dates back to 1926, part of the early Hana Highway construction era. The stream’s steady flow is fed by East Maui’s frequent rains, which keep the falls going year-round.

Wildlife

Hanawi Stream is noted as habitat for the endangered Megalagrion pacificum damselfly, an endemic species tied to healthy Hawaiian streams. You won’t always spot it, but it’s a reminder you’re in a sensitive, living watershed.

Logistics and Nearby Stops

There are no facilities here. For bathrooms and a stretch-your-legs break, Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park (MM 22) is close by. Makapipi Falls is about a mile farther along, so you can bundle these stops.

Best Time to Visit

Early morning is your friend—parking is tight and tour traffic builds late morning to early afternoon. If you overnight in Hāna, swing back in the morning for a quieter scene. Overcast light is great for photos; after rain, the falls are strongest, but be extra cautious about slick roads and potential flashier flows.