Hawaii's Seven Sacred Pools Are Like Heaven On Earth

Located past Hana in the Kipahulu district of Haleakala National Park and near the Pipiwai Trailhead is an idyllic valley full of cascading waterfalls and picturesque pools known as the Seven Sacred Pools. Officially known as Oheo Gulch, these breathtaking swimming holes aren’t actually sacred, and there are far more than seven pools. The nickname was coined by the owner of what is now the Travaasa Hana – previously the Hotel Hana Maui – as a way to market this then-unknown, remote location to tourists. And the publicity stunt worked – the “Seven Sacred Pools” are now one of Maui’s most popular tourist destinations, and for good reason; they’re absolutely gorgeous.

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This lush, green gulch was cut into the landscape over the course of millennia by an incredible rainforest stream. Along its course to the vast Pacific Ocean, the stream is punctuated by cascading waterfalls and beautiful pools.

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In Hawaiian, Oheo translates to "something special," and we couldn’t agree more that this place is, indeed, special.

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The most accessible of the pools are perfect for swimming, if weather permits, of course. Do please be careful, though; flash flooding is always a risk in Hawaiian swimming holes, and there is danger associated with cliff jumping into these pools. In fact, there are signs prohibiting jumping, though they are largely ignored and unenforced.

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The land was donated to Haleakala National Park in 1969 so this natural wonder would forever be open to the public. At Only In Hawaii, we applaud this decision, and believe that everyone should experience this magical landscape at least once.

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As part of Haleakala National Park, you will need to pay to get into Oheo Gulch, but the park is home to a visitors center, campground, bathroom facilities, and large, paved parking lots - all making it worth the $20/car fee, which gets you into the Haleakala summit area as well.

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Don’t forget to bring sun protection, sturdy shoes, mosquito repellant, food, and water bottles (there is no food available in the park, but the visitors center does have water fountains).

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This Maui landmark is one you’ve got to see in your lifetime, but if you prefer to experience the wonder with few tourists, be sure to arrive as early as possible before the afternoon crowds come in.

Be sure to check out these 13 reasons to drop everything and drive Maui’s Road to Hana, don’t forget to hike the nearby Pipiwai Trail, and consider planning the ultimate waterfall road trip on Maui. Oh, and here are 13 waterfall swimming holes across the islands to put on your outdoor bucket list.