While Hawaii is home to stunning beaches, sometimes you want something a little more adventurous — like a local swimming hole with a gorgeous waterfall, or an epic cliff jumping spot. In honor of the perfect summer spent in the water, here are ten Hawaii swimming holes that are sure to satisfy your need for exploration.
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- O’heo Gulch, Maui
Misha/Flickr Also known as the seven sacred pools, this picturesque series of cascades and pools is found within the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park, deep into the jungle. Fun fact: the pools aren’t actually sacred, but rumor has it that a local hotel owner coined the name to attract more visitors to his establishment.
- Makupu’u Tide Pools, Oahu
Eric Tessmur/Flickr You’ll find the steep and rocky trail that leads to this picturesque series of tide pools near the halfway point on the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail near a whale watching lookout, but unlike the main trail, which is full-paved, the path to the tide pools isn’t exactly maintained well — so venture at your own risk.
- Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside
Ryan/Flickr Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside is home to five acres of jaw-dropping rainforest and cascading waterfalls. A short hike 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.
- Makaleha Falls, Kauai
Brian McGuire/AllTrails Hawaiian waterfalls are a dime a dozen, but the tiered Makaleha Falls is easily one of the most impressive and secluded cascades in the Aloha State. Nestled near Kapa’a at the end of Kaiwahau Road, this 2.5-mile, lightly-trafficked trail is not for the hiking novice, but rather those who have quite a bit of experience hiking through the Hawaiian jungle.
- Maunawili Falls, Oahu
Owen & Aki/Flickr 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.
- Ching’s Pond, Maui
Tgidenver/Flickr Located approximately 0.9 miles after Mile Marker 16 on the Hana Highway, you won’t see Ching’s Pond while driving, but if you pull off just before the bridge, you’ll find a series of deep sapphire blue pools beneath. With beautiful crystalline blue pools and superb cliff jumping, there is no wonder as to why this place is a local favorite.
- Olivine Pools
bobafred/Flickr 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.
- Pe’epe’e Falls, Big Island
Jongela19/Flickr Located just one mile past the famous Rainbow Falls is an equally gorgeous — but dangerous — natural phenomena; Pe’epe’e Falls, pictured below, feeds a series of several pools known as the boiling pots. This oasis should only be accessed when the Wailuku River is in low flow, but man is it a gorgeous sight.
- Shark’s Cove, Oahu
Thomas Shahan/Flickr Located on Oahu’s north shore, Sharks Cove is known for its crystalline water, impressive sea life, and positively enchanting tide pools. During the summer months when the waves are calmer, this is easily one of the best snorkeling spots on Oahu, and don’t worry, you won’t find sharks here.
- Queen’s Bath, Kauai
Brian/Flickr Fed by the ocean waves, this saltwater swimming hole is perfect for those seeking a little thrill via cliff jumping. Though dangerous high surf in the winter months is common, low surf in the summer months makes this pool a popular spot for swimming — as long as you’re careful!
So, tell me, which of these Hawaii swimming holes is your favorite? Did I miss your go-to swimming hole for summer fun? To discover one of our all-time favorite swimming holes, click here.
Misha/Flickr
Also known as the seven sacred pools, this picturesque series of cascades and pools is found within the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park, deep into the jungle. Fun fact: the pools aren’t actually sacred, but rumor has it that a local hotel owner coined the name to attract more visitors to his establishment.
Eric Tessmur/Flickr
You’ll find the steep and rocky trail that leads to this picturesque series of tide pools near the halfway point on the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail near a whale watching lookout, but unlike the main trail, which is full-paved, the path to the tide pools isn’t exactly maintained well — so venture at your own risk.
Ryan/Flickr
Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside is home to five acres of jaw-dropping rainforest and cascading waterfalls. A short hike 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.
Brian McGuire/AllTrails
Hawaiian waterfalls are a dime a dozen, but the tiered Makaleha Falls is easily one of the most impressive and secluded cascades in the Aloha State. Nestled near Kapa’a at the end of Kaiwahau Road, this 2.5-mile, lightly-trafficked trail is not for the hiking novice, but rather those who have quite a bit of experience hiking through the Hawaiian jungle.
Owen & Aki/Flickr
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.
Tgidenver/Flickr
Located approximately 0.9 miles after Mile Marker 16 on the Hana Highway, you won’t see Ching’s Pond while driving, but if you pull off just before the bridge, you’ll find a series of deep sapphire blue pools beneath. With beautiful crystalline blue pools and superb cliff jumping, there is no wonder as to why this place is a local favorite.
bobafred/Flickr
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.
Jongela19/Flickr
Located just one mile past the famous Rainbow Falls is an equally gorgeous — but dangerous — natural phenomena; Pe’epe’e Falls, pictured below, feeds a series of several pools known as the boiling pots. This oasis should only be accessed when the Wailuku River is in low flow, but man is it a gorgeous sight.
Thomas Shahan/Flickr
Located on Oahu’s north shore, Sharks Cove is known for its crystalline water, impressive sea life, and positively enchanting tide pools. During the summer months when the waves are calmer, this is easily one of the best snorkeling spots on Oahu, and don’t worry, you won’t find sharks here.
Brian/Flickr
Fed by the ocean waves, this saltwater swimming hole is perfect for those seeking a little thrill via cliff jumping. Though dangerous high surf in the winter months is common, low surf in the summer months makes this pool a popular spot for swimming — as long as you’re careful!
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Address: ‘Ohe‘o Gulch, ‘Ohe‘O Gulch, Hawaii 96713, USAAddress: Makapu?u Point Lighthouse Trail, Waimanalo, HI 96795, USAAddress: Pua’a Ka’a Falls, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USAAddress: Maunawili Falls, Hawaii 96734, USAAddress: 13670 Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USAAddress: Kahekili Hwy, Lahaina, HI 96761, USAAddress: Peepee Falls, Hilo, HI 96720, USAAddress: Sharks Cove, Pupukea, HI 96712, USAAddress: Queen’s Bath, Kapiolani Loop, Princeville, HI 96722, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hawaii Swimming Holes April 27, 2020 Megan Shute Are there any good swimming holes in Hawaii? Of course, there are! From waterfall-fed swimming holes to tide pools nestled along the coast as well as miles and miles of breathtaking beaches, epic swimming holes are everywhere here in the Aloha State. Some of our favorites summer destinations include these 13 beaches tailor-made for summer as well as these 13 Hawaiian bays. What are the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii? With 750 miles of pristine coastline and hundreds upon hundreds of stunning stretches of sand, this question feels nearly impossible to answer — but these 27 Hawaii beaches consistently top our travel bucket list. From Kauai’s picture-perfect Hanalei Bay to Papakolea Green Sand Beach, found on the southern shore of Hawaii Island, these beaches are truly remarkable. Where can I find the bluest water in Hawaii? The Hawaiian Islands are known across the world for the crystalline turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean, but these 15 swimming spots have some of the clearest, most pristine water in the state. As for the bluest water, we’d have to give that title to the series of beaches you’ll find along Oahu’s windward coast.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hawaii Swimming Holes
April 27, 2020
Megan Shute
Are there any good swimming holes in Hawaii? Of course, there are! From waterfall-fed swimming holes to tide pools nestled along the coast as well as miles and miles of breathtaking beaches, epic swimming holes are everywhere here in the Aloha State. Some of our favorites summer destinations include these 13 beaches tailor-made for summer as well as these 13 Hawaiian bays. What are the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii? With 750 miles of pristine coastline and hundreds upon hundreds of stunning stretches of sand, this question feels nearly impossible to answer — but these 27 Hawaii beaches consistently top our travel bucket list. From Kauai’s picture-perfect Hanalei Bay to Papakolea Green Sand Beach, found on the southern shore of Hawaii Island, these beaches are truly remarkable. Where can I find the bluest water in Hawaii? The Hawaiian Islands are known across the world for the crystalline turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean, but these 15 swimming spots have some of the clearest, most pristine water in the state. As for the bluest water, we’d have to give that title to the series of beaches you’ll find along Oahu’s windward coast.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Of course, there are! From waterfall-fed swimming holes to tide pools nestled along the coast as well as miles and miles of breathtaking beaches, epic swimming holes are everywhere here in the Aloha State. Some of our favorites summer destinations include these 13 beaches tailor-made for summer as well as these 13 Hawaiian bays.
What are the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii?
With 750 miles of pristine coastline and hundreds upon hundreds of stunning stretches of sand, this question feels nearly impossible to answer — but these 27 Hawaii beaches consistently top our travel bucket list. From Kauai’s picture-perfect Hanalei Bay to Papakolea Green Sand Beach, found on the southern shore of Hawaii Island, these beaches are truly remarkable.
Where can I find the bluest water in Hawaii?
The Hawaiian Islands are known across the world for the crystalline turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean, but these 15 swimming spots have some of the clearest, most pristine water in the state. As for the bluest water, we’d have to give that title to the series of beaches you’ll find along Oahu’s windward coast.
