Upper Waikani Falls (Three Bears Falls)

Overview

Upper Waikani—better known as Three Bears—packs a lot into a quick stop. Three side‑by‑side ribbons (Papa, Mama, and Baby Bear) plunge about 70 feet into a clear pool, framed by jungle greens and dark volcanic rock. It’s one of the Road to Hana’s postcard moments and you don’t need a long hike to see it.

What You’ll See

• Three parallel waterfalls dropping into a boulder‑rimmed pool.
• Lush rainforest—ferns, bamboo, mosses—hugging the canyon walls.
• Water flow that changes with weather: distinct “three bears” in normal flow, a wilder torrent after heavy rain that can blur the trio effect.

Getting There & Access

You’ll spot the falls around mile 19–20 on Hāna Highway. Most people pull off just beyond the bridge and walk back carefully. From the road, you can admire the falls or, if you’re sure‑footed, take a short but steep, often muddy scramble down to the base. Expect slick rocks and a bit of hands‑and‑feet work.

Swimming & Safety

The pool is swimmable when the stream is calm—lovely on a warm day. That said, this is a true stream environment: rocks are slippery, footing is uneven, and flash surges can happen after upstream rain. If the water looks pushy or brown, skip the swim.

Why It’s Special

Few waterfalls line up three side‑by‑side streams like this, and the jungle setting is classic Hāna. It’s also a rare Road to Hana stop where the view from the bridge is already great—perfect for a quick photo without committing to a longer hike.

Notes on Nature & Setting

This valley is part of the Wailua Nui stream system, carved through old lava layers over millions of years—harder rock ledges help create the tiered drop. The broader area sits within a traditional Hawaiian ahupua‘a. Wildlife specifics aren’t widely reported here, but you’ll be immersed in thick rainforest habitat.

Best Time to Visit

• Early morning or late afternoon: fewer tour buses and softer light.
• After light rain the falls are fuller (but the path gets slick). Avoid during or right after heavy rains due to surge risk.
• Weekdays are generally calmer than weekends.