While there is no shortage of man-made, oceanfront pools found throughout Hawaii, nature’s pools offer a little more whimsy — and a lot more adventure. The lava rock-lined coasts of the Hawaiian Islands provide create perfect conditions for tide pools, ideal for snorkeling, or just a nice, relaxing float, and this particular spot accessible only via hike is home to several natural pools sure to enchant.
Before we dive in, we should probably give you a warning about the risks of checking out tide pools when ocean conditions are less than favorable; waves can still crash into these tide pools, and it is advised that you check ocean conditions before you head out. You should also be careful where you step, as the lava rocks can be razor-sharp, and absolutely, under no circumstances, should you face your back to the waves, unless you want to be swept out to sea.
Imagine this: you’re lying flat on your back floating in a pool, with the sound of the Pacific Ocean crashing on the rocks just feet away and the rays of sunlight warm on your face. No, this isn’t an infinity pool found at one of the islands’ many luxurious, oceanfront resorts, but the Olivine Pools.
stephenrwalli/Flickr
Nestled on the remote and wild backside of West Maui between Kahakuloa and the Nakalele Blowhole is a series of tide pools carved into the dramatic, lava-rock coastline you can hike to.
bobafred/Flickr
Popularized for the masses and named by the mass-marketed guidebook, “Maui Revealed,” eco-adventure hiking companies used to bring tourists here as part of an off-the-beaten-path hiking excursion, but today, it is a popular spot for adventurous tourists and locals alike to enjoy.
bobafred/Flickr
The hike to reach these jaw-dropping tide pools is of moderate difficult due to the jagged — and in some places steep — lava rock. Several worn trails lead down to the tide pools, and those who are active shouldn’t have a problem tackling this hike that measures in at less than a mile round trip.
Tony Faiola/Flickr
Once you’ve reached the tide pools, you’ll want to spend all your time basking in the rugged natural beauty of the West Maui coastline. Just don’t forget to bring your camera.
bobafred/Flickr Show up early or late in the day and you might just have this special place to yourself, but visit in the middle of the afternoon and you’ll likely find dozens of others enjoying this not-so-secret spot.
If you decide to go, please be careful. People have died here and others have been injured. Visit only on a day when the seas are calm and waves are not washing onto the rocks. Stop to watch the waves for at least 10 minutes before you begin your descent.
Ariane Colenbrander/Flickr If waves are crashing into the pools with any force at all, do not enter. The lava rock walls close to where the waves break are always unsafe regardless of appearances, and you should not get close to this area. The only thing you’ll find on the side of the road is a small patch of dirt that has turned into a makeshift parking lot. There is no sign naming the Olivine Pools, but plenty of signs warning visitors not to venture any further.
All that said, the Olivine Pools are undoubtedly stunning and, even if you choose not to visit, beautiful to look at in photographs like these.
Tony Faiola/Flickr
Address: Kahekili Highway, Lahaina, HI 96761
stephenrwalli/Flickr
bobafred/Flickr
Tony Faiola/Flickr
Show up early or late in the day and you might just have this special place to yourself, but visit in the middle of the afternoon and you’ll likely find dozens of others enjoying this not-so-secret spot.
Ariane Colenbrander/Flickr
If waves are crashing into the pools with any force at all, do not enter. The lava rock walls close to where the waves break are always unsafe regardless of appearances, and you should not get close to this area. The only thing you’ll find on the side of the road is a small patch of dirt that has turned into a makeshift parking lot. There is no sign naming the Olivine Pools, but plenty of signs warning visitors not to venture any further.
Have you embarked on the trail to Maui’s Olivine Pools? What about Oahu’s Makapu’u Tidepools? Share your favorite natural swimming holes in Hawaii with us in the comments below.
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