The Hawaiian Islands are home to countless incredible hiking trails — many of which lead to striking natural oases nestled in the Hawaiian jungle. This trail through Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside is no different. Located on Maui’s famous Hana Highway, this short trail leads hikers on a magnificent journey to a hidden turquoise swimming hole sure to mesmerize you.
Because this incredible destination is a waterfall swimming hole, it is important to issue a friendly warning about the risks associated with flash flooding, and leptospirosis bacteria found in many of Hawaii’s natural pools. It is advised that you check weather reports and ocean conditions before heading out for the day, never swim when you have open wounds, and to always watch your step. With that warning out of the way, let’s dive in, shall we?
This short and sweet trail within the Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside will reward adventurous tourists and locals with a relatively secluded and picture-perfect waterfall cascading into a crystalline turquoise pool.
The public park is actually home to two waterfalls, one of which is nestled next to the parking lot, and a few others, which are accessible via a short .4 mile out and back trail. Today, we’re focusing on one of the lesser-known waterfalls, not only because it is actually hidden and often overlooked but because it's simply stunning turquoise pool is a stunner.
For less than half a mile of easy hiking, the destination surely is worth the effort it takes to get there.
Though short, the hike to the second waterfall is muddy and requires walking upstream and across an embankment above a water diversion ditch, which is likely scary for those afraid of heights (you’ve been warned).
But once you’ve arrived, you’ll quickly forget about being afraid of heights, and jump into the crystalline pool to wash off any of that mud.
The waterfall is dependent on rain, and because the stream has been diverted, doesn’t get very strong. That’s okay, though, because the real destination is the striking turquoise pool.
Many tourists overlook this short path and stop at the 5-acre Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside for a quick bathroom break, but for those adventurers in the know (we’re talking about you), it’s a lovely little spot worthy of a visit.
One of many incredible stops along Maui’s Road to Hana, Pua’a Ka’a is situated approximately half a mile after mile marker 22 in a dense jungle, and translates to "rolling pig" in Hawaiian.
Interested in discovering more incredible waterfall swimming holes across the Hawaiian Islands? Click here!
And if you want to explore all of the natural oases and wonders found across the Hawaiian Islands, be sure to join our Hawaii Nature Lovers Facebook group, where we all share our favorite spots and photos.
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