These Geothermal Pools in Hawaii Are Worth the Dip

If you’re looking for the one place on the Big Island of Hawaii where you can feel the heartbeat of the Earth, it’s the Geothermal Pools of Pāhoa, specifically the Pohoiki Bay and Hot Springs. This magical place might look quiet at first glance, but the lava that runs beneath the surface brings a hot energy to the area that cannot be denied. These geothermal hot pools offer travelers and locals a place to soak in warm, healing waters as they sit and soak under the shade of a happy palm tree.

In the summer of 2018, the Kilauea Volcano erupted with monumental force, ensuring that Pāhoa was one of the hardest hit areas. The lava flow destroyed several hundred homes and dramatically altered the landscape, leaving hardened black rock. Yet, thanks to the intense luck of having eight separate climate zones on the Big Island of Hawaii, three new geothermal pools were created by volcanic brimstone itself.  

These three pools are naturally heated and gently warmed, thanks to an underground magma that flows from below, fed by underground hot springs, and gently warmed anywhere from a soothing 90 degrees Fahrenheit to a steamy 106 degrees Fahrenheit.  

The Pohoiki Warm Spring, nestled in Isaac Hale Beach Park, feels like a hidden oasis just steps from the vast Pacific. These pools have become a symbol of natural renewal and resilience. Making this the place where people come to relax, heal, and enjoy the communal sensation of a backyard to the sea.  

As always, you’ll need a solid pair of water shoes, your swimwear, and the essentials like sunscreen and a change of clothes. The first of the three pools is easily visible, while the second and third are more tucked away. These more secluded pools are sometimes clothing-optional, particularly during the early morning hours.

The first of the three is easy to spot and may appear to the untrained eye as a flooded area. The water is murky and green, but upon entering the pool, you’ll feel like the water is enveloping you in a blanket of calm. The water in some areas can be over 6 feet deep, but with only rock beneath you, it’s safe for floating or swimming.

The second pool, while similar in size to the first, offers a slightly warmer temperature and a much shallower depth. You can effortlessly float on your back, with just a few inches of water beneath you, feeling weightless and completely at ease. Bathed in sunlight, this area invites you to pause and imagine. This is where your island daydreams begin to take shape — a sun-drenched spot where the breeze is gentle, your thoughts slow down, and you can start to picture what life might feel like if you never had to leave.

Finally, the third pool feels like something lifted straight from the pages of an adventure novel. Tucked away in a lush, jungle-like setting, it’s just a short and easy hike, less than ten minutes from the others, yet it feels worlds apart. This is the smallest and hottest of the trio, a naturally formed hot tub hidden beneath a canopy of green. The steamy water seems to pulse with the energy of the earth itself, wrapping around you like a spell. It’s intimate, secluded, and deeply rejuvenating — a place where time slows down and reality blurs just a little. This is the perfect finale to your geothermal journey, where the wild beauty of nature leaves you both grounded and transported.

For travelers looking to connect with Hawaii beyond the usual resort circuit, the Pohoiki Geothermal Pools of Pāhoa offers something rare: a place where the land itself tells stories. And if you listen closely — while soaking in a hot spring born of fire — you might just hear it whisper back.

If you plan a visit to these geothermal pools, we think you'll love it! And if you're looking for more incredible things to do during your trip, be sure to check out our itinerary planner for additional nearby recommendations.