If You Didn’t Know About These 12 Swimming Holes In Hawaii, They’re A Must Visit
While the Hawaiian Islands certainly do not have a shortage of pristine, white-sand beaches or man-made, oceanfront pools for us to choose from, occasionally we crave something a little more adventurous — like a swimming hole, sparkling blue waterfall pond, or tide pool carved into the coast. We’ve talked plenty about some of our favorite swimming holes in Hawaii before, and now we’re at it again to feature 10 of the best — from cascading waterfalls deep in the jungle to tide pools tucked away on the coast. You might see some overlap in these two lists, but that’s because some spots are just too magnificent to not share twice.
Because many of these destinations are fed by ocean waves or waterfalls, it is important for us to issue a friendly warning about the risks associated with strong ocean currents, 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, and to always watch your step.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
Combine vibrant sapphire pools with some stellar spots for cliff jumping, and you’ve got one of Maui’s favorite local hangouts. This picturesque spot can be found past mile marker 16 on the Hana Highway, below the bridge that crosses Palauhulu Stream.
Is there truly anything better than a nice hike, followed by hanging out under a beautiful, cascading waterfall? This magnificent, tiered waterfall is located off Oahu’s Old Pali Road — in the heart of the Ko’olau Mountains. The five-mile hike to the falls begins at the Pali Lookout and should take you approximately two hours.
As you are driving on Hana Highway from the north, the first notable attraction you will discover is these twin waterfalls, also known as Hololawa Falls. The waterfalls themselves might be short, but the picturesque pools are well worth the short trek and it's easy to see why this is one of the most popular stops along the Road to Hana.
Fed by waves from the Pacific, this saltwater swimming hole is exactly what it sounds like: a popular bathing spot for Hawaiian royalty. Due to the pool’s location on Kauai’s north shore, it is best enjoyed during the summer months, when the water is nice and calm (it can be quite dangerous when the surf is high).
Located just a mile upstream of Rainbow Falls on the Wailua River, Pe’epe’e Falls feeds a series of several pools known as the boiling pots. Cooling lava flows created columns, which connect a series of cascading waterfalls and pools that appear to be bubbling. Flash flooding in this area is common, so please proceed with caution.
This moderate three-mile round-trip hike leads to a gorgeous pond, with a pretty cool jump-off point. The swimming hole is pretty busy on the weekends, but if you catch it on a weekday, you will have more space to yourself.
Located within Haleakala National Park near the Pipiwai Trailhead, these beautiful stream-fed pools are also known as the seven sacred pools. The name is somewhat of a misnomer, though: there are more than seven pools, and they aren’t sacred — rumor has it that a local hotel owner coined the name in order to attract more visitors to his establishment.
Often referred to as Secret Falls, this beautiful waterfall will require substantial work to reach — but we think it’s totally worth it. Located up the Wailua River, you will need to either rent kayaks or book a guided tour to reach the trailhead. Then, you have to complete the 45-minute hike through the muddy jungle to reach the falls.
A short hike within the Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside will reward you with a relatively secluded and quite picturesque waterfall, cascading into the delightful pool below. Another stop on Maui’s Road to Hana, Pua’a Ka’a translates to “rolling pig” in Hawaiian.
Located off the Makapu’u Lighthouse trail are these charming tide pools perfect for days where you want a little more adventure than nearby beaches typically allow. There is little better way to cool off on a warm summer day than taking a dip in these crystalline, saltwater pools.
These dramatic tide pools located along Maui’s western coast were first recognized in a popular Maui guidebook, though we would like to urge visitors that the short hike to reach the pools can be dangerous — and that you should only enter the water during calm ocean conditions.
There’s nothing better than making a splash at the end of a hike on a hot Hawaiian day, and the islands’ swimming hole hikes certainly don’t disappoint. My personal favorite is Oahu’s Judd Trail, which leads to a stunning oasis known to locals as the Jackass Ginger pool, but others are far more famous and popular, like Maui’s Oheo Gulch and Kauai’s Secret Falls. No matter which trail you choose, you’re in for a marvelous Hawaiian adventure.
Where can you find the greatest concentration of swimming holes in Hawaii?
That would easily be along Maui’s famous Hana Highway. The 64-mile highway is known for its 620 curves, 59 one-lane bridges, and incredible views, but it is also littered with wondrous waterfalls and breathtaking beaches perfect for making a splash. While it would be nearly impossible to check out every beach and waterfall along the Hana Highway unless you live nearby, this road trip will take you to some of our favorites.
What are the best beaches in Hawaii?
With 750 miles of stunning coastline, the Hawaiian Islands are home to hundreds upon hundreds of incredible beaches with sand in a variety of colors — some more popular than others. From the most famous stretch of sand in the state — Oahu’s Waikiki Beach — to some of the islands’ most remote beaches — Kauai’s Polihale State Park and Maui’s Makena State Park, to name two of the best — Hawaii’s beaches are second to none. Of course, you can’t forget Hawaii’s incredible colored-sand beaches in shades of green, red, and black.
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
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