Who doesn’t love a good pool party? While there is no shortage of man-made, oceanfront pools in 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.
Before we reveal our favorite tide pools, 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 to any of them. 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.
- Makapu’u Tide Pools, Oahu
Eric Tessmer/Flickr Located below the Makupu’u Lighthouse Trail are these lovely little tide pools, perfect for curious kiddos and adults alike. What better way to cool off after the stroll/hike to the Makapu’u Lighthouse?
- Queen’s Bath, Kauai
Anne Peterson/Flickr Fed by the ocean waves, this saltwater swimming hole was used for exactly what it sounds like: a popular bathing spot for Hawaiian royalty. Located on Kauai’s north shore, the Queen’s Bath is best experienced in the summer time, when the water is calm.
- Olivine Pools, Maui
Stephenrwalli/Flickr These dramatic tide pools located along the west Maui coast were put on the map, so to speak, by a popular Maui guidebook, and while gorgeous, the short hike to the pools can be dangerous, and swimming in the pools is only advised during the calmest of ocean conditions.
- Kapoho Tide Pools, Big Island
Lindley Ashline/Flickr Perhaps the most popular tide pools in Hawaii, Kapoho consists of several interconnecting tide pools extending up to 200 yards off shore. Many of the pools are large enough for snorkeling, and some of the pools are volcanically heated, and can reach up to 90 degrees.
- Hulopoe Bay, Lanai
John Hyun/Flickr Located on the eastern side of Hulopoe Bay are these magical tide pools carved from volcanic rock. The water is clear, and the pools are home to various hermit crabs, sea stars, and small fish.
- Pupukea Tide Pools, Oahu
Deeje/Flickr Also known as Shark’s Cove, these protected tide pools are the perfect spot for some killer snorkeling. Due to their location on Oahu’s north shore, it can be hard to find a good parking spot in the summer, and you’ll want to be careful on the steep dirt path leading to the few patches of sand between the boulders lining the shore.
- Secret Beach + Lava Pools, Kauai
Eric Richardson/Flickr Watch the whales and professional surfers in the winter, and snorkel in the lava pools during the calmer summer months. Oh, and be sure to continue your journey around the rock cliff to rinse off in the nearby waterfall.
- Wawaloli Beach, Big Island
Kathleen/Flickr Protected from the high surf by rock walls, the shallow and sand-filled tide pools at Wawaloli Beach are the perfect place for children to play and their parents to lounge close by.
Please remember to always check ocean conditions and proceed with extreme caution when checking out any of these tide pools. Which of these is your favorite spot to explore?
Eric Tessmer/Flickr
Located below the Makupu’u Lighthouse Trail are these lovely little tide pools, perfect for curious kiddos and adults alike. What better way to cool off after the stroll/hike to the Makapu’u Lighthouse?
Anne Peterson/Flickr
Fed by the ocean waves, this saltwater swimming hole was used for exactly what it sounds like: a popular bathing spot for Hawaiian royalty. Located on Kauai’s north shore, the Queen’s Bath is best experienced in the summer time, when the water is calm.
Stephenrwalli/Flickr
These dramatic tide pools located along the west Maui coast were put on the map, so to speak, by a popular Maui guidebook, and while gorgeous, the short hike to the pools can be dangerous, and swimming in the pools is only advised during the calmest of ocean conditions.
Lindley Ashline/Flickr
Perhaps the most popular tide pools in Hawaii, Kapoho consists of several interconnecting tide pools extending up to 200 yards off shore. Many of the pools are large enough for snorkeling, and some of the pools are volcanically heated, and can reach up to 90 degrees.
John Hyun/Flickr
Located on the eastern side of Hulopoe Bay are these magical tide pools carved from volcanic rock. The water is clear, and the pools are home to various hermit crabs, sea stars, and small fish.
Deeje/Flickr
Also known as Shark’s Cove, these protected tide pools are the perfect spot for some killer snorkeling. Due to their location on Oahu’s north shore, it can be hard to find a good parking spot in the summer, and you’ll want to be careful on the steep dirt path leading to the few patches of sand between the boulders lining the shore.
Eric Richardson/Flickr
Watch the whales and professional surfers in the winter, and snorkel in the lava pools during the calmer summer months. Oh, and be sure to continue your journey around the rock cliff to rinse off in the nearby waterfall.
Kathleen/Flickr
Protected from the high surf by rock walls, the shallow and sand-filled tide pools at Wawaloli Beach are the perfect place for children to play and their parents to lounge close by.
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