Maui: Waterfall & Rainforest Hike with Swimming & Lunch

Summary

Hiking Maui’s wild valleys swimming in cool waterfall pools

You’ll hike through lush rainforest valleys in East Maui with a local guide, swim beneath waterfalls, scramble over basalt rocks (if you’re brave enough), and share a healthy lunch surrounded by wild green. Expect laughter, muddy shoes, and moments where everything just stops for a second—you’ll feel it.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is how green everything looked as we turned off the Hana Highway—like someone dialed up the color. Our guide, Kaleo, grinned when he saw me gawking at the ferns. “Wait till you smell the guava trees,” he said. The air was thick and sweet, almost sticky, and my shoes squelched a little from last night’s rain. We were maybe twenty minutes from where most tourists stop, but it felt like another world already.

I lost track of time picking our way along the trail—roots everywhere, sunlight flickering through the canopy, that kind of dappled light you only get in rainforests. Kaleo pointed out these basalt rocks shaped like honeycombs (columnar basalt, he called them), and some of us scrambled up to jump into one of the waterfall pools. I hesitated at first—the water looked cold—but everyone cheered when I finally jumped. It was colder than I thought, but honestly? Worth it just for that rush and the way everything sounded underwater for a second.

Lunch was simple but good—fresh fruit, something crunchy with macadamia nuts. We sat on smooth stones near another small fall while Kaleo told us stories about his childhood here. He laughed when my friend tried to pronounce “wai” (water) properly; I probably butchered it too. There was mud everywhere by then and nobody cared anymore. On the walk back, I kept thinking about how quiet it got sometimes—just birds and water—and how different that felt from anywhere else on Maui. Still think about that silence sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Waterfall and rainforest hiking adventure

• Meet at start point
• Drive along Hana Highway to trailhead
• Hike through rainforest valley
• Visit several waterfalls
• Swim in pools beneath waterfalls
• Climb basalt rock formations
• Jump safely into water
• Enjoy a healthy lunch

Top questions

How long is the Maui waterfall & rainforest hiking tour?

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours from start to finish.

Is swimming under waterfalls included on this hike?

Yes, there are opportunities to swim in pools beneath several waterfalls during the hike.

Does this day trip include lunch or snacks?

Yes, a nutritious lunch and snacks are provided as part of your booking.

What should I wear for this Maui rainforest hike?

You should wear athletic footwear that can get wet and muddy or strong sports sandals like Tevas or Keens.

Are guides local experts on this tour?

Yes, your guide is a knowledgeable local naturalist familiar with East Maui’s valleys.

Is hotel pickup included for this hiking adventure?

No hotel pickup; you meet at a designated start point before driving to the trailhead together.

Can kids join this waterfall & rainforest hike?

The minimum age is 6 years old for participants on this tour.

What happens if there aren’t enough people booked?

If minimum numbers aren’t met (2 guests), you’ll be offered an alternative date or full refund.

What’s included

Your day includes transport along Hana Highway to the trailhead after meeting at the start point, guided hiking through rainforest valleys with a local naturalist, chances to swim under waterfalls or jump from basalt rocks if you want to try it out, plus all snacks and a healthy lunch before heading back together in small group style.