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Things to do nearPua'a Ka'a State Wayside

Pua'a Ka'a State Wayside is a roadside gem along Maui's Hana Highway in Hawaii, beloved for its twin waterfalls, cool freshwater pools, and lush rainforest setting.

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Pua'a Ka'a State Wayside sits at roughly the halfway point of the legendary Road to Hana, positioned in the lush windward corridor of Maui where annual rainfall keeps the vegetation dense and intensely green year-round. The name translates roughly to 'rolling pigs' in Hawaiian, a reference rooted in the area's deep cultural and agricultural history. The wayside is managed by the Hawaii Division of State Parks and has long served as a natural rest stop for travelers making the full journey to Hana, offering restrooms, picnic shelters, and direct access to the waterfalls without a strenuous hike.

The two main falls drop in sequence, the upper cascade feeding into a shallow pool before continuing downward to a lower, more accessible swimming area. The surrounding forest is a mix of native Hawaiian plants and introduced species, including ginger, heliconia, and hala trees, all of which thrive in the near-constant moisture. Birdsong is a constant backdrop, and on quieter mornings the only competition is the sound of the water itself.

Because it sits directly on Highway 360, Pua'a Ka'a State Wayside is one of the most accessible natural stops on the entire Hana route, requiring no permit or advance reservation. For anyone traveling the Road to Hana, it represents one of the most rewarding places to slow down and genuinely absorb the wild, unhurried character of Maui's eastern coast.

Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA

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Tips for visiting Pua'a Ka'a State Wayside

Visit early in the morning, ideally before 9 a.m., when tour traffic along the Hana Highway is lightest and the pools are quietest.

Bring water shoes with good grip, as the rocks around the pools and near the falls tend to be slippery with algae and moss.

Pack a small picnic to enjoy at the covered tables on the makai side of the highway, a genuinely peaceful spot shaded by large tropical trees.

Check recent road and weather conditions before heading out, as heavy rainfall can raise water levels quickly and make swimming unsafe.

Take a few minutes to walk the short trail behind the lower pool, where the foliage thickens and smaller cascades are often overlooked by passing visitors.