Upper & Lower Puohokamoa Falls
Upper and Lower Puohokamoa Falls are two waterfalls located along Maui’s iconic Road to Hana. The upper falls are smaller and once accessible via a roadside trail, but now are best viewed from the nearby Garden of Eden. The lower falls are much taller—about 200 feet—and can be seen from a scenic lookout along the highway. Both are picturesque, though access is limited due to safety and private property restrictions.
Upper & Lower Puohokamoa Falls, Maui
Upper Puohokamoa Falls is a small waterfall that is about 30 feet (9 m) high. It used to be a popular stop on the Road to Hana, drawing crowds. But since it is located on private property, it was closed to the public. However, you can get a bird's eye view of it from the nearby Garden of Eden (which is a paid attraction that is located a half mile (0.8 km) past mile marker 10).
Lower Puohokamoa Falls is further off and not many people know it's here because of its hidden location below the Hana Highway. It is a much larger waterfall, roughly 200 feet (60 m), but the trail is very steep and dangerous and closed to the public as well. However, there is a lookout point about 0.8 miles (1.3 km) after mile marker 10 (when driving toward Hana).
CAUTION: As with all freshwater streams and waterfalls in Hawaii, Leptospirosis bacteria may be present in the water. Do not drink the water and keep water out of open wounds (including small scratches) and eyes.
Key Features of Puohokamoa Falls
- Two-tiered experience: View the 30-foot Upper Puohokamoa Falls and the dramatic 200-foot Lower Puohokamoa Falls.
- Garden of Eden access: The best view of the upper falls is from this nearby botanical garden (entry fee required).
- Scenic lookout: A viewpoint for Lower Puohokamoa Falls is located about 0.8 miles after mile marker 10.
- Roadside visibility: While both waterfalls are located near the highway, they are somewhat hidden by dense vegetation.
- Safety note: Both waterfall trails are now closed to the public due to steep and dangerous terrain.
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the Puohokamoa Falls located?
They are located along the Hana Highway between mile markers 10 and 11 on Maui’s north shore.
Can you hike to the falls?
No, both trails to the falls are closed. The Upper Puohokamoa Falls can be viewed from the Garden of Eden, while the lower falls are visible from a roadside lookout.
Which of the two falls is taller?
Lower Puohokamoa Falls is much taller at approximately 200 feet, compared to the 30-foot Upper Puohokamoa Falls.
Is it worth stopping at the Garden of Eden?
Yes, the Garden of Eden provides a well-maintained viewpoint of Upper Puohokamoa Falls, along with scenic gardens and other overlooks.