Here Are 8 Hawaii Tide Pools That Will Make Your Weekend Epic
By Megan Shute|Published March 11, 2016
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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