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
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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! :car:
🏊♀️ Refreshing Swim Spot
Perfect for a dip on a hot day. Water is clean and clear. :athletic_shoe::swim:
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.
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Planning Your Visit
Pit Stop Essentials
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Road to Hana stops.
🚗 Parking is Limited
Arrive early or be patient; parking fills up fast! :car:
🏊♀️ 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?
First timers in need of help planning 4-Day Maui Trip!!!
🧺 Picnic Break
Plenty of picnic tables available for a meal stop. :forkandknife:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it great for furry friends too. :dog:
Road to Hana stops + Southeast Maui -- which of these are must-sees? Which can be passed over?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking is Limited
Arrive early or be patient; parking fills up fast! :car:
🏊♀️ 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. :forkandknife:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it great for furry friends too. :dog:
🚽 Essential Restrooms
A much-needed bathroom break on the Road to Hana. :toilet:
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Arrive early to secure parking, as it can get very busy. Pack snacks and drinks for a picnic, as there are no food services. Ensure children are supervised while swimming. The park's restrooms are a convenient amenity for families on the go.
🚗 Road to Hana Day-Trippers
Key advice: Prioritize an early start to avoid the worst crowds and parking issues. Be prepared for a quick stop – it's ideal for a refreshing dip and a short break, not an extended stay. Having your swimwear and towel ready will save you time.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Road to Hana Experience
Travelers often plan their Road to Hana itinerary around key attractions, and Pu'a Ka'a is frequently cited as a must-stop for its accessibility and the opportunity for a quick, invigorating swim. It's particularly appealing for families with children who are excited about seeing waterfalls, as mentioned in discussions about kid-friendly stops. The park's direct roadside location means you don't need to embark on a long hike to enjoy its main feature, making it an ideal spot for a short, rewarding break.
When planning your Road to Hana journey, consider Pu'a Ka'a as a mid-point or early stop. It's important to be prepared for limited parking and potential crowds, especially during peak season. Bringing snacks and drinks is advisable, as dining options are minimal. The park's charm lies in its simplicity and its role as a natural oasis amidst the adventurous drive.
Swimming and Refreshment at Pu'a Ka'a
Many visitors find this stop to be a highlight, with some even preferring it over other, more famous waterfall attractions due to its ease of access and pleasant swimming conditions. The refreshing water provides a welcome respite from the heat and humidity often experienced while driving the Road to Hana. It's a place where you can quickly change, enjoy a swim, and be back on your way in a relatively short amount of time, maximizing your exploration of the surrounding area.
Remember to bring your swimwear and a towel. While the park offers restrooms, they are noted as being basic. The pond is generally safe for swimming, but always exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. It's a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of Maui and rejuvenate before continuing your journey.
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