Pu‘a Ka‘a State Wayside Park
A refreshing roadside oasis on the Road to Hana, featuring an accessible waterfall and swimming pond, plus picnic spots and restrooms.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Pu‘a Ka‘a State Wayside Park
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A refreshing roadside oasis on the Road to Hana, featuring an accessible waterfall and swimming pond, plus picnic spots and restrooms.
"One of the best spots on the Road to Hana for a refreshing dip and a much-needed break."
🚗 Parking is Limited
Arrive early or be patient; parking fills up fast! 🚗
🏊♀️ Refreshing Swim Spot
Perfect for a dip on a hot day. Water is clean and clear. :athletic_shoe::swim:
Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 628 reviews
Type
State Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pu'a Ka'a Waterfall
Main attraction
A beautiful, easily accessible waterfall with a pond perfect for a refreshing swim.
Picnic & Restroom Facilities
Near parking area
Convenient picnic tables and restrooms make this a great break spot on the Road to Hana.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Pit Stop Essentials
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Road to Hana stops.
I have been researching for weeks and I’m still struggling to come up with an itinerary for the Road to Hana day on our trip. We’re planning on going 7/23 unless it’s raining then we’ll try to go 7/25. It’s my husband and I plus our two kids (12 and 9) My kids are mostly excited…
🚗 Parking is Limited
Arrive early or be patient; parking fills up fast! 🚗
🏊♀️ Refreshing Swim Spot
Perfect for a dip on a hot day. Water is clean and clear. :athletic_shoe::swim:
Is this Road to Hana doable/ exciting for our honeymoon?
Leave 6am from Kihei 1) Drive straight to Pipiwai Trail (\~3 hour hike) 2) Stop by Wailua falls (is it worth it or should we skip?) 3) Wai'anapanapa State Park (can I get tickets the day of, as we don't know the approx time we will get there?) 4) Hana Lava tube 5) Three…
First timers in need of help planning 4-Day Maui Trip!!!
Hi everyone! Friends (mid-20's) headed to Maui this Wednesday and are so excited for our trip. We will be staying in Wailea and have made a schedule of what we would like to do but I would love some pointers. Some questions: \- We want to add Haleakala sunrise/sunset. Where in…
🧺 Picnic Break
Plenty of picnic tables available for a meal stop. 🍴
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it great for furry friends too. 🐕
Road to Hana stops + Southeast Maui -- which of these are must-sees? Which can be passed over?
For a single day, we made a big list of pitstops to consider when making the drive around the eastern end of the island, but we may be strapped for time. We're staying at the Hyatt Maui, and waking up to visit the Kuau Store which opens at 6:30 am, and eating there before we…
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking is Limited
Arrive early or be patient; parking fills up fast! 🚗
🏊♀️ Refreshing Swim Spot
Perfect for a dip on a hot day. Water is clean and clear. :athletic_shoe::swim:
🧺 Picnic Break
Plenty of picnic tables available for a meal stop. 🍴
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it great for furry friends too. 🐕
🚽 Essential Restrooms
A much-needed bathroom break on the Road to Hana. 🚽
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pu'a Ka'a State Wayside Park is a highly recommended, free stop on the Road to Hana, praised for its accessible waterfall and refreshing swimming pond. Visitors appreciate the convenient restrooms and picnic tables, making it an ideal pit stop. However, parking is very limited and fills up quickly, leading to potential waits and crowds.
"Ideal place for a pit stop as they have restrooms, albeit rather dirty but still better than porta-potties. Lots of picnic tables and great views of the falls.
Parking is minimal since this is one of the few bathroom stops along the way many people stop here to either use the restroom or swim in the falls."
Dakota Duncan
"Free parking. Great spot for a quick photo or a refreshing dip/swim. Optional stop but definitely recommended especially on a hot day. Picnic tables available. And dog friendly (saw some folks & their furry friends)
Bathroom break on your RTH journey"
Hester Pamela
"We felt this was better than twin Falls! Right at Road, no long hike. Great restrooms, free parking. Easy to get in for swimming."
Joanna Gw
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pu'a Ka'a State Wayside Park is located directly on the Road to Hana (Hana Highway). It's a popular stop, so keep an eye out for the signs. Parking is minimal and fills up quickly, so arriving early is recommended.
Yes, Pu'a Ka'a State Wayside Park is a well-known stop along the scenic Road to Hana on Maui. It's a convenient place to break up the drive.
The drive to Pu'a Ka'a is part of the famous Road to Hana, known for its winding roads, one-lane bridges, and lush scenery. Drive cautiously and be mindful of other vehicles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Pu'a Ka'a State Wayside Park is free to enter. Parking is also free, though it is limited and can fill up quickly.
As a wayside park, it is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no specific posted hours, but it's best to visit when there's ample light for safety and enjoyment.
No advance booking is required for Pu'a Ka'a State Wayside Park as it is a free public park. Entry and parking are on a first-come, first-served basis.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a refreshing swim in the waterfall's pond, have a picnic at the available tables, use the restrooms, and take photos of the beautiful scenery. It's a great spot for a quick break.
Yes, the pond at the base of the waterfall is very popular for swimming. The water is described as clean and clear, offering a great way to cool off.
While the park itself is a wayside stop, some reviews mention a 2-mile hike (4 miles roundtrip) that includes bamboo forests and waterfalls. However, the main attraction at the wayside park is the directly accessible waterfall and pond.
It can get quite crowded, especially during peak travel times on the Road to Hana, as it's one of the few convenient stops for restrooms and a swim. Arriving early or visiting on a weekday can help mitigate crowds.
Yes, the park is dog-friendly. Visitors have reported seeing people with their leashed dogs enjoying the area.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no food vendors or restaurants directly at Pu'a Ka'a State Wayside Park. However, there are picnic tables available, so it's recommended to bring your own food and drinks for a picnic.
Pack essentials like sandwiches, snacks, drinks, and any utensils you might need. Don't forget trash bags to pack out everything you bring in, keeping the park clean.
📸 📸 Photography
The main waterfall and its swimming pond offer beautiful photo opportunities. The lush greenery surrounding the park also provides scenic backdrops.
Early morning light can be beautiful, offering softer light and fewer people in your shots. Midday can be bright, but the waterfall itself is still a great subject.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit