Hiking Project Logo

This area is remote, but seeing the seven sacred pools and ocean vistas make the drive worthwhile.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

0.6

Miles

1.0

KM

Point to Point

104' 32 m

High

40' 12 m

Low

64' 19 m

Up

70' 21 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

14%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Swimming · Views · Waterfall

Family Friendly Short and sweet, this path has easy access and mellow terrain. Kids will be entertained with pools, ocean views and a tree with strange fruit.

Several people have drowned here when flash flooding has swept down the mountain and into the pools. Before swimming, check with the rangers and obey all signs. Access to the ocean is not recommended due to very rough conditions, currents and sharks.

Overview

If you've braved the twisty roads to get here, be sure to hike this trail! Stretch the legs and take in some great ocean views along with a series of unforgettable Hawaiian pools.

Description

Start out just north from the Kipahulu Vistor Center and circle in the counterclockwise direction for the most dramatic views. You'll first pass through a demonstration area that showcases a thatched house, ancient walls and other native Hawaiian cultural items. Keep an eye out for Hala trees with their strange pineapple-like fruit. Continue gently downhill towards the crashing ocean and surmount a small hill with spectacular views of the Hana coast- if the air is very clear you can even see across to the Big Island 30 miles away.

Next, the trail turns north where mouth of the Ohe'o Gulch empties into the ocean. Ascend along the southern edge of the gulch eventually reaching the seven beautifully terraced freshwater pools that flow into each other via small braided waterfalls. Swimming is popular here, but be aware that flash floods are sudden and deadly. Complete the loop via rooty trail sections back to the visitor center.

This popular destination can be crowded, so consider timing your trip to arrive in early morning. Also, as of this writing, food is not available for purchase in the park so bring your own refreshments.

Flora & Fauna

From the viewpoint, look for sea turtles, monk seals, dolphins, seabirds and humpback whales (Dec-April). Hala trees.

Contacts

Shared By:

Megan W

Trail Ratings

  4.9 from 8 votes

#970

Overall
  4.9 from 8 votes
5 Star
88%
4 Star
13%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#9

in Hawaii

#970

Overall
23 Views Last Month
4,143 Since Apr 27, 2016
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

13%
38%
50%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Seven Sacred Pools
May 3, 2016 near Hāna, HI
Ohe'o Gulch empties into the ocean
Apr 1, 2020 near Hāna, HI
Kūloa Point
Apr 1, 2020 near Hāna, HI
Pools at Ohe'o.
Dec 8, 2016 near Hāna, HI
'Ohe'o Gulch
Apr 7, 2020 near Hāna, HI
Passing Hala trees
Apr 7, 2020 near Hāna, HI

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Feb 23, 2023
Manoj Abey
0.6mi
Jan 14, 2023
Rachel Rollings
Oct 8, 2022
Kimberly Wong
Aug 30, 2022
Julie Olmos
Jun 9, 2021
John Eun
Feb 1, 2021
Tom Herr
Muddy and fun hike by the pools just off the ocean. 0.6mi
Jan 22, 2020
A Catalano
Sep 9, 2019
Dave Montesano
2019
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.