Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park

The park is 5 acres (2 hectares) of rain forest, about 30 minutes north of Hana by car. Visitors driving between Hana and Kahului can stop for a picnic, short hike, and quick dip underneath the waterfalls—and see Waikani, Hawani, and Makapipi falls nearby. Also, day trips along the famous Road to Hana stop at the park to swim or take a short break.

• The park is free to enter, and facilities include restrooms, public parking, and covered picnic tables.

• The short walk to the waterfalls from the parking lot is paved and mostly flat.

• Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles, leaving plants and wildlife alone and disposing of your trash in provided bins.

• Camping in the park is not permitted.

Puaʻa Kaʻa lies along the famous Road to Hana, about 12 miles (19 kilometers) north of Hana and 40 miles (64 kilometers) east of Kahului. It's best to visit by car or as part of a guided tour, and free public parking is available on-site.

The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Generally, this part of Maui is pleasant to visit year-round, though rainstorms can suddenly appear and disappear. Consider arriving mid-morning with a packed lunch to take advantage of the covered picnic areas after a swim.

Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park is one of many attractions on the Road to Hana, also called the Hana Highway, a popular driving route between Kaanapali and Hana. It takes about 3 hours to drive (without stopping), linking sights including Wai'anapanapa State Park, with its famous black sand beach, the scenic village and shoreline of Ke‘anae Point, and Ohe'o Gulch, with its tiered waterfalls and natural pools, among other favorites.