Puaa Kaa State Wayside Park

Located within the Hana Highway Region on Maui

Further down the Hana Highway, around a half-mile past mile marker 22, you'll find Pua'a Ka'a State Wayside Park (that's always fun to say). Here you'll find a paved trail to several small falls and a picnic area. A larger falls can also be accessed upstream via a dirt trail. If you decide to go, use caution crossing the viaduct and be prepared for mud. Mongooses (yes that's plural) also hang out at the park. You may have already seen them streaking across the road. Some bright soul imported them to kill the rats that the sailors brought here on their boats. Well, they killed the ground rats and most of the ground birds but left the tree rats. They are now found on every island except Kaua'i.The little creatures run around this area gathering food left over from picnics. You are also likely to see the wild Jungle Foul (chickens) that frequent the area (that is, if the mongooses haven't gotten to them yet).

The large paved parking lot at this stop will be makai. Rest rooms are available here as well. Update Several renovations have been going on at Pua'a Ka'a State Wayside Park. This should include upgraded facilities.

Swimming and Waterfalls at Pua'a Ka'a

Pua'a Ka'a State Wayside Park sits near mile marker 22 on the Hana Highway, roughly two-thirds of the way to Hana from Kahului. It's one of the few places along the drive where you can safely swim in a freshwater pool directly below a waterfall -- and you don't have to hike to reach it.

From the parking lot, a short paved path leads to the lower pool and falls. Multiple small cascades tumble down moss-covered rock into clear pools big enough to wade and swim in. The water is cool, not cold, and the setting feels like a private jungle grotto even though the road is 50 yards away.

Facilities and Timing

The park has restrooms -- a rarity on the Road to Hana, so take advantage. There's also a small picnic area with tables under the tree canopy. The paved parking lot fills up fast, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM when tour vans cycle through. Arrive before 9 AM or after 3 PM and you might have the pools to yourself.

Midday is the most crowded window. Tour groups tend to stop here for a quick photo and bathroom break, then move on. If you wait them out by 15-20 minutes, the park clears considerably.

Good to Know

Flash floods can happen in any Hawaiian valley after heavy rain. If the water turns brown or rises suddenly, get out immediately. Check conditions before wading in. The pools are generally calm and safe on dry days, but this is a natural environment -- use common sense.

The park is free to enter and open during daylight hours. No lifeguards, no food vendors. Pack your own snacks and water.

Explore smarter

Turn this stop into a better day plan.

Use maps, timing, access checks, and current conditions before adding another stop to the route.

Browse all planning tools
Map Interactive Maps See beaches, hikes, sights, routes, regions, and trip geography before the plan gets crowded. Open map Fees Reservation Checker Find parks, beaches, gardens, and attractions that need advance reservations, fees, or permits. Live Live Weather Compare island forecasts and microclimate signals before you lock in the day's plan. Free HawaiiGuide Passport Stamp the landmarks, beaches, waterfalls, and local grinds you experience — a free trip keepsake that lives on your phone, no account needed.
John C. Derrick

Published by: John C. Derrick

Founder & certified Hawai'i travel expert with 20+ years in Hawai'i tourism, University of South Carolina climate-research training, and NOAA weather-station experience.

Puaa Kaa State Wayside Park Reviews

Guidereview:
B (based on 13 visitor reviews)

Geolocation Data

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude: 20.81691278
Longitude: -156.1237995

Hawaii Safety Information

Hawaii Safety Tips & Information →
Hawaii Ocean Safety Tips →

Puaa Kaa State Wayside Park Photo Gallery
thumbnail
thumbnail
thumbnail
thumbnail
thumbnail
thumbnail
thumbnail
Recommended Tours Nearby

Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you book or buy through links on this page. See our Ad Disclosures & Standards.