Pros & cons
PROS
- Short walk to roadside waterfalls and swim-friendly pools
- Real bathrooms and shaded picnic tables right off the highway
CONS
- Small parking lot fills up midday
- Bathrooms can be dirty or out of supplies
- Muddy, slippery path to upper falls; flash-flood risk after rain
Overview
A true Road to Hana classic at mile marker 22.5, Pua'a Ka'a State Wayside is a lush, 5‑acre rainforest rest stop split by the highway. It’s one of the easiest places on the drive to stretch your legs, hit a real bathroom, and hop into a natural pool beneath a small waterfall.
What You'll See
- A pair of small waterfalls and clear pools just steps from the parking area.
- The popular lower pool sits right by the bridge; an upper pool is a short walk beyond the picnic area.
- Thick rainforest greenery and a relaxed, picnic‑friendly lawn. Expect the occasional feral cat or a mongoose cruising for crumbs.
Why Stop Here
You’re getting a scenic waterfall, legit restrooms, and shaded picnic tables in one quick pull-off—rare on this route. It’s not the biggest or most dramatic waterfall on the drive, but for convenience and a refreshing dip, it punches above its weight.
Swimming and Safety
The lower pool is the easy, obvious swim. Rocks are slick, so water shoes help. Skip swimming if the stream is high, fast, or brown—flash floods happen after rain. The path to the upper falls can get very muddy with some narrow, dicey crossings; many folks turn around.
Amenities
Day-use only, no fee. Small paved parking lot, restrooms, and multiple shaded picnic tables. A short path leads up-valley for closer views and the upper pool.
Best Time to Visit
Hit it early (before 10 am) or late afternoon for easier parking and fewer tour vans. Midday is busiest. The light is softest in the morning; after storms, expect mud and potentially unsafe water conditions. Officially open during daylight hours.
Good to Know
Bring a towel, bug spray, and water shoes. If you’re on a tight schedule, enjoy the lower pool and move on—there are bigger waterfalls ahead, but few with this combo of scenery and facilities.
Where it is
20.8173, -156.1248Tips for Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside
- 01Arrive before 10 am or late afternoon for easier parking.
- 02Bring water shoes; the rocks and crossings are slick.
- 03Skip the upper falls if it’s muddy—the lower pool is the draw.
- 04Do not swim after heavy rain or if the water looks brown or fast.
- 05Pack bug spray; mosquitoes are common after rain.
Amenities
Near Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayPuaʻa Kaʻa Falls TrailShort rainforest walk to easy waterfalls and a refreshing poolEasy · 0.1 mi · 18 min
1.1 mi awayHanawi FallsLush roadside waterfall viewed from a historic bridgePullout · Parking
1.4 mi awayUpper Waikani Falls Trail (Three Bears Falls)Iconic roadside triple falls with a short, slippery scramble to pool.Easy · 0.1 mi · 30 min
1.4 mi awayUpper Waikani Falls (Three Bears Falls)Roadside triple waterfall with a dreamy pool and easy photosPullout · Parking
1.9 mi awayWailua Valley State WaysideSmall wayside with sweeping ocean and valley views in both directionsPullout · Parking
2 mi awayMakapipi FallsTop-down bridge view of a seasonal waterfall into a blue poolPullout · Parking
3.2 mi awayKeʻanae Arboretum TrailShady botanical stroll with rainbow eucalyptus and taro terracesEasy · 0.6 mi · 30 min
4.7 mi awayKaumahina Wayside Loop TrailQuick rainforest leg-stretcher with big ocean views and bathroomsEasy · 0.5 mi · 30 min
