Located near mile marker 12 on the Road to Hana, Upper Puohokamoa Falls is a real gem worth a stop. The falls are just two minutes from the road, so you can take a break from your road trip and go for a nice swim.
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While it is nice to swim in the pool below the falls, we don't recommend swimming directly under the waterfall. The pressure of the water can be intense, and sometimes rocks and other debris can come over the falls without warning and cause injury.
There's plenty of time to swim and jump from waterfall ledges into deep freshwater pools and learn about the island along the way. Fun, easy, and great for families, or if you are limited on time. Swim (optional) in pools under two waterfalls—10 and 20 feet high.
One of the main dangers on the Road to Hana is the narrow and winding nature of the road itself. The road is only two lanes wide, and it winds through the rainforest, with sharp turns and steep drop-offs. There are also many one-lane bridges along the route, which can be difficult to navigate.
Never swim or wade upstream near a waterfall, even if the water appears shallow and calm. The currents close to the falls could pull swimmers over the edge.
Kapalua BeachThe shore has a gentle slope, so it's easy for young kids to splash around in the water. Long, sheltering outcrops at both ends of the bay make Kapalua Beach the safest year-round swimming spot on this coast.
Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach located on Maui is known to have rough water and is reported to be one of a handful of red sand beaches around the world. Makena Beach in Maui has the nickname of “breakneck beach” because the surf breaks right on the shore, making it very dangerous to swim in.
'Ohe'o Gulch. (Seven Sacred Pools)When water levels are up, there are many more than 7 pools (as the inaccurate name suggests). The pools are currently not open to swimming. (Obey all signs here, as some areas are known for rock slides and have killed people.
You might think not knowing how to swim would exclude you from being able to snorkel, but that just isn't the case! While knowing how to swim will certainly allow you to enjoy and experience more, you don't need it to snorkel! This is because you have the option of wearing a life vest.
Rainbow Falls is not safe for swimming. However, the pools in the river above Rainbow Falls can be safe for swimming (at your own risk) when the river is calm and the weather is dry.
Avoid swimming at night, dawn and dusk.Well, that's when sharks tend to be the most aggressive and active. See more shark avoiding tips here. On Oahu, Box jellyfish usually arrive to the near shore approximately 7 to 11 days after the full moon of each month.
Although there are countless waterfalls on the Road to Hana, the falls at Pua?a Ka?a are the safest to swim in, and they're one of the few that don't require trespassing or parking illegally. This state wayside park features restrooms, picnic areas, and ample parking— a rare sight at most Road to Hana stops!
Shark safety when snorkeling in Maui. If sharks are scaring you away from snorkeling in Maui, keep this in mind: Hawaii has more than 9 million visitors each year. Since 1995 there have been 120 shark attacks, with five of them fatal. The odds are in your favor that you'll be able to swim and snorkel safely here.
Leptospirosis is found worldwide but is more common in tropical areas like Hawaii. Leptospira bacteria can live for long periods in fresh water and mud. How are people infected? Swimming, wading, hiking and fishing in freshwater ponds, waterfalls or streams contaminated with animal urine.
But with a waterfall, the force of the water coming down breaks some of that tension and makes for a “softer” landing. That said, it's still a highly dangerous endeavor. Colliding with rocks and drowning from not being able to get up to the surface in time are just a couple of the potentially fatal risks involved.
Yes, you can certainly drive the Road to Hana on your own. However, if you'd like some extra guidance on your trip, a driving guide from Action Tour Guide will make for the perfect travel buddy. Driving the Road to Hana is a thrilling and breathtaking experience.