With approximately 750 miles of stunning coastline, there are countless incredible beaches and coastal secrets in Hawaii. While we certainly love our beach days (let’s be honest though – who doesn’t?), sometimes you just need a little more adventure. From waterfall-fed swimming holes to tide pools nestled along the coast, these natural pools scattered across the Hawaiian Islands are perfect for a summer adventure.

Because these incredible destinations are fed by streams, cascading waterfalls, and the ocean, it is important to issue a friendly warning about the risks associated with flash flooding, and leptospirosis bacteria found in many of Hawaii’s natural pools. It is advised that you check weather reports and ocean conditions before heading out for the day, never swim in these pools when you have open wounds, and to always watch your step. With that warning out of the way, let’s dive in!

1. Upper Waikani Falls
Upper Waikani Falls, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA
Joe Parks/Flickr
Appropriately referred to as Three Bears Falls, you will find a surreal series of three waterfalls, each taller than the last, from 70 feet to more than 150 feet tall, according to various estimations we found on the internet. Not only will you experience a serene beauty you can’t get from above, but the crystalline water is enticing, and soon, you’ll be taking a dip in one of Hawaii’s best waterfall swimming holes.. This waterfall swimming hole hike is well worth the visit.
2. Waimea Falls
Waimea Falls, North Shore, HI 96712, USA
Will/Flickr
Located within Waimea Valley is this charming waterfall, perfect for a family swim. Visitors will have to pay an entrance fee for the botanical garden, but once inside, the paved stroll to the waterfall is quick and features a changing room, available life jackets and lifeguards on duty. The main trail is approximately 1.5 miles round trip and is entirely paved, with plenty of unpaved offshoots to check out along the way. You can even pay a very affordable price for a tram ride to true highlight of the valley: the lovely 45-foot Waimea Falls.
3. ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls
'Opaeka'a Falls, Wailua Homesteads, HI 96746, USA
EDubya/Flickr
Often known as Secret Falls to locals and visitors alike for some unknown reason (the waterfall is in no way a secret, at least not anymore), the journey to this remote waterfall is a popular day adventure on Kauai’s east side. Located up the Wailua River, you will need to either rent kayaks or book a guided tour to reach the trailhead. Then, you have to complete the 45-minute hike through the muddy jungle to reach the falls. The effort is totally worth it when you reach this dreamy spot.
4. Makapipi Falls
Makapipi Falls, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA
thaths/Flickr
Makapipi Falls is visible from the Road to Hana and is unique in that the waterfall plummets into a striking blue pool. You can either take a look from the bridge or hike down to the base and go for a swim. Unfortunately, the strength of the falls is often dependent on rainfall — so here's to hoping you catch it on a good day.
5. Waimano Falls
Waimano Falls, O‘ahu Hawaii, USA, Pearl City, HI 96782, USA
Andrew K. Smith/Flickr
The hidden Manana Trail, nestled in Pearl City, leads hikers on a 2.8-mile journey to the ethereal Waimano Falls and Pool, an unexpected destination in the heart of the Hawaiian jungle. If it’s been raining lately, you’ll find a flowing waterfall, but if not, you’re more likely to encounter little flow and a few stagnant pools.
6. Ahalanui Hot Pond
Bismo Beerbelly/Flickr
Geothermally warmed by flowing lava deep beneath the surface, Ahalanui Hot Pond is surrounded by green grass, palm trees, and the Pacific Ocean. Though the water is a combination of river water and seawater, you will still find plenty of sea life in this balmy hot pond, and snorkeling is allowed. While is obvious that the cement walls that surround the pond are man-made, the pool itself is naturally geothermal, and its waters are heated volcanically to a balmy 90 degrees. Lava located beneath the park’s surface warms the fresh water that flows in from surrounding terrain.

Related Stories

Everyone In Hawaii Needs To Visit This One Small Town This Summer

Everyone In Hawaii Needs To Visit This One Small Town This Summer

 17 Activities To Add To Your Hawaii Bucket List This Summer

17 Activities To Add To Your Hawaii Bucket List This Summer

 This Mountain Tubing Adventure Is A Must Have In Hawaii This Summer

This Mountain Tubing Adventure Is A Must Have In Hawaii This Summer
7. Hanawi Falls
Hanawi Falls, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com
Surrounded by lush rainforest and featuring several plunging waterfalls, it doesn’t get any more picturesque than this striking stop along the Hana Highway. Hanawi Falls is a true gift from Mother Nature, and we're obsessed. On a calm day, the waterfall-fed pool visible from the Hana Highway near Mile Marker 24 is perfect for a relaxing - albeit icy cold - swim.
8. Lulumahu Falls
Lulumahu Falls, Hawaii 61, Honolulu, HI, USA
Andrew Wong/Flickr
Located off Pali Highway is this extraordinary waterfall hike complete with a trek through a bamboo forest, views of a stunning field and reservoir, the beauty of the Hawaiian jungle, and, of course, the jaw-dropping, 50-foot Lulumahu Falls. At the cascading waterfall, you can enjoy a picnic lunch, admire your surroundings, and maybe even wade in the pool below. What a perfect day in paradise, wouldn’t you agree?
9. Queen's Bath
Queens Bath, Hawaii 96778, USA
Anne Petersen/Flickr
Fed by waves from the Pacific, this saltwater swimming hole is exactly what it sounds like: a popular bathing spot for Hawaiian royalty. Due to the pool’s location on Kauai’s north shore, it is best enjoyed during the summer months, when the water is nice and calm. Adventurers who aren’t scared off by the dangers associated with accessing the Queen's Bath should always check the surf report before you head out — if the tallest waves are predicted to be less than four feet tall, the bath will be relatively safe to swim in.
10. Ching's Pond
Hana Highway, Hana Hwy, Hawaii, USA
tgidenver/Flickr
Combine vibrant sapphire pools with some stellar spots for cliff jumping, and you’ve got one of Maui’s local hangouts. This picturesque spot can be found past mile marker 16 on the Hana Highway, below the bridge that crosses Palauhulu Stream. Also known as the Blue Sapphire Pools, Ching’s Pond is certainly a sight to behold.
11. Makapu'u Tide Pools
Makapu'u Tidepools, 8 7th Street, Honolulu, HI 96819, USA
Eric Tessmer/Flickr
These utterly divine tide pools are perfect for days where you want a little more adventure than nearby beaches typically allow, though unfortunately, these tide pools aren’t necessarily easy to access. Located via a steep, rocky path off the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail, these tide pools are absolutely dreamy. Truly, a visit to the stunning Makapu'u Tide Pools is one you won't soon forget.
12. Makaleha Falls
Makaleha Trailhead, 7290 Kahuna Rd, Kapa?a, HI 96746, USA
Danielle Caziarc/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. A tiered-waterfall cascading down a narrow canyon, Makaleha looks as though it has been ripped from the pages of your favorite fantasy novel.

What’s your favorite natural pool in Hawaii? Share your opinions and experiences with us in the comments! We love hearing from you! And if you’re more into beaches than swimming holes, check out our favorite beaches in Hawaii tailor-made for summer.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Hawaii Natural Pools

Tori Jane | July 09, 2022

Which Oahu natural pools are the best for swimming?  

Oahu is an incredibly amazing little place; when people think of “paradise”, chances are, something that looks a lot like Oahu is going to come up first. Much like with the rest of the islands, Oahu has some natural pools great for swimmers, like the amazing, emerald-green, chilly splendor that is Maunawili Falls. The pool is fairly deep, too, which is great for activities like cliff diving (though we personally do not recommend doing that). Waimea Falls and the natural pool at its feet is another must-do when it comes to Oahu natural pools; it’s even got a lifeguard on duty sometimes, so you can rest assured it’s a safe swimming spot!  

Which natural pools in Hawaii are best for swimmers?  

The answer depends on your level of expertise when it comes to swimming; more advanced swimmers who like a little danger might enjoy chancing it in the Olivine Pools, which can be quite dangerous during high tide thanks to sharp rocks and unpredictable currents. Those looking for easy, low-key natural pools in Hawaii will love Shark’s Cove, which is known for its crystal-clear water and amazing snorkeling opportunities. The amazing variety of critters you’ll spot here makes it worth the trip alone! We also love the pool beneath the secluded and stunning Makaleha Falls, which is one of the lesser-known and most impressive waterfalls in Hawaii. 

Which Maui natural pools are the best for swimming?  

Where to begin! Maui is a paradise for swimmers, too, much like the rest of the islands. Among our favorite Maui natural pools for swimmers include the beautiful Ching’s Pond, which can be found 0.9 miles past Mile 16 on the scenic Hana Highway. It’s a literal sapphire pool that just beckons you to come closer. It’s deep enough for cliff jumping (which is quite popular here), and overall, it might just be one of the most awe-invoking natural wonders in Hawaii. Another favorite is the Seven Sacred Pools at O’heo Gulch, which is complete with multiple tiers and some breathtaking waterfalls (we’re beginning to see a pattern here).  

Related Articles

Explore Hawaii