We know it’s bragging, but it’s also true that Maui is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Our little island is a paradise of sun speckled beaches, looming volcanoes, and picturesque forests. In such a place, it’s nearly impossible to choose just one area as the most splendid, but if we had to, it’d be the Pools of ‘Ohéo, also known popularly as The Seven Sacred Pools. If this is your first visit to Maui, you really need to put the Pools of ‘Ohéo on your calendar. The pictures you’ll take at the waterfall alone will be worth the time and effort to get there.
What are the Pools of ‘Ohéo?
Nestled within Haleakala National Park, the Pools of ‘Ohéo are a wondrous natural phenomenon. When water levels are high, it flows down from the top of the crater, cascading as frothy waterfalls into a multitude of pools (far more than seven despite its nickname).
On a perfect day, you and your family can hike to one or more of the pools, listen to the steady crash of the waterfall, and even take a swim in the tranquil waters.
How to Get to the Pools of ‘Ohéo
Haleakala National Park is located just south of the small town of Hana in East Maui. You’ll want to take the famous Hana Highway to get to the park. Your adventure will start as soon as you turn on your engine. The Hana Highway is famous for its single-lane, windy roads that curve along treacherous cliff faces.
Be prepared to pay a small parking fee when you enter the park, and make sure you brought your hiking shoes. No matter where you enter the park, you’ll need to hike a bit to find the Pools of ‘Ohéo. Consider the view a reward for your effort. If you have some extra time, we recommend exploring the park. There are many wonderful trails that will take you away from the crowds and into the heart of Maui’s natural forests. Of course, if you have a busy schedule, then you can always grab a picnic at the pools, take a dip, snap some pics, and be on your way.
Beat the Crowds
Perhaps one of the greatest drawbacks of the Pools of ‘Ohéo is that you often have to share them with many of your fellow visitors. The Pools are extremely popular, and you may feel like you walked into a local pool party rather than a secluded paradise. The best way to beat the crowds and enjoy the serenity of the pools is to get there early! Trust us, taking a dip by yourself in the cool water is worth waking up early.
Be Safe
While you are not technically allowed to jump into the pools, this rule is regularly overlooked, and jumping from high cliffs is extremely popular. Please take care! Jumping may look like fun, but every year people get injured, and deaths have occurred far too regularly. Also, do not swim directly under the falls, as the water may be carrying rocks or other debris that could crash on top of you. Finally, take great care when the area is wet. It is extremely easy to slip on slick rocks as you explore the pools and the park.
We know that you will enjoy your trip to the Pools of ‘Ohéo. If you are finalizing your Maui activity schedule now, don’t forget to plan your accommodations. Check out our catalog of competitively priced, high quality Maui vacation condo rentals in South Maui.
