While Hawaii is home to stunning beaches, sometimes you want something a little more adventurous – like local swimming holes in Hawaii with a gorgeous waterfall or an epic cliff jumping spot. In honor of the perfect summer spent in the water, here are eight Hawaii swimming holes that are sure to satisfy your need for exploration.

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1. Makupu'u Tide Pools, Oahu

Makapu‘u Lighthouse, Waimanalo, HI, USA
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 fully paved, the path to the tide pools isn’t exactly maintained well — so venture at your own risk. Once you're there, it's a great place for swimming in Oahu.

2. Pua'a Ka'a State Wayside

Pua'a Ka'a State Wayside, Hana Highway, Haiku, HI, USA
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.

3. Makaleha Falls, Kauai

Makaleha Trailhead, 7290 Kahuna Rd, Kapa?a, HI 96746, USA
Bailey Eubanks/Google
Hawaiian waterfalls are a dime a dozen, but the tiered Makaleha Falls is easily one of the most impressive and secluded cascades - with one of the most gorgeous cenotes in Hawaii. 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.

4. Ching's Pond, Maui

Hana Highway Scenic Route, Hawaii 360, Hana, HI, USA
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 why this place is a local favorite.

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5. Olivine Pools, Maui

Olivine Pools trailhead, Wailuku, HI, USA
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.

6. Pe'epe'e Falls, Big Island

Peepee Falls, Hilo, HI, USA
Jongela19/Flickr
Located just one mile past the famous Rainbow Falls is an equally gorgeous — but dangerous — natural phenomenon; 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.

7. Shark's Cove, Oahu

Shark’s Cove, Haleiwa, HI, USA
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 and swimming holes in Oahu, and don't worry, you won't find sharks here.

8. Queen's Bath, Kauai

Queen’s Bath, Kapiolani Loop, Princeville, HI, USA
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? Next time you’re on Maui, be sure to put on your favorite swimsuit and check out one of our all-time favorite swimming holes in Hawaii:

This Rugged Swimming Hole Might Just Be Hawaii’s Most Beautiful, Underrated Natural Wonder

 

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More to Explore

Hawaii Swimming Holes

Megan Shute | April 27, 2020

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 good swimming holes in Hawaii include these 13 beaches tailor-made for summer as well as these 13 Hawaiian bays.

What are the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii? 

The most beautiful beaches in Hawaii include:

  • Hanalei Bay
  • Papakolea Green Sand Beach

 

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. You can find the bluest water in Hawaii at these beaches along Oahu's windward coast.

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