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HAWAII SWIMMING HOLES

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HAWAII AREA
[2 PLACES]
(HAWA)

NO PHOTOS
TOWNS HAWAII - KAILUA
LAT, LON lat=19.675, lon=-155.578(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE HI
WATER Varies - see below
TYPE Varies - see below
DESCRIPTION Swimming holes on the "Big" Hawaiian island of Hawaii. For details, see DIRECTIONS below.
AREA Varies - see below
SANCTION Unofficial
FEE Unknown
FACILITIES Unknown
ACTIVITIES Swimming
PHONE Unknown
CAMPING Unknown
BATHING SUITS Unknown
DIRECTIONS Directions are from Keahole Airport, Hawaii:

KONA POOL [KONA]: A little-known state-owned saltwater swimming hole fed by the ocean waves. To get here: from Keahole Airport: Turn right onto Queen Kaahumanu Highway 19. At second stoplight about 5 miles down, turn right onto Palani Drive. Follow Palani Drive until it changes to Alii Drive. On Alii Drive, between Kona-By-The-Sea and Kona Isle is a 100-yard access trail that leads you to the saltwater pool. The pool is right by the ocean and there�s a smaller tide-pool to the left. If you want to swim in seawater but are hesitant to go into the ocean, here's your chance. The pool occasionally gets funky if the ocean doesn't splash over it for a while. LAT, LON : lat=19.63, lon=-156.0(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.

KEANELE WATER HOLE [KEAN]: A beautiful beach (at Kiholo Bay) and a freshwater swimming hole deep in the rocks near the bay. BLOG DESCRIPTION . To get here: from Keahole Airport: turn left onto Queen Kaahumanu Highway 19. After Kekaha Kai State Park, there is an unsigned gravel road (passable by car) on the left that has something that looks like a barber pole. Travel the road toward the beach (west). At the fork, you can go straight and park by the porta-pottis (small parking space) or go left and park by the octagonal building and porta-potties (only enough parking for about 5 vehicles) or veer left and park by the octagonal building and other portable toilets. After you park, walk either north along the beach past all the camping spots on the beach and past a small resort. Here you will find a freshwater pool in a cave in the rocks under the trees. There is a wood ladder down the water. You can jump too, and swim under the lava rock to another part of the pool. LAT, LON : lat=19.85214, lon=-155.93033(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
CONFIDENCEPretty confident
VERIFIED No
DATE UPDATED 2/2011



This swimming hole listing is by www.swimmingholes.org


KAUAI AREA
[3 PLACES]
(KAUA)

PHOTOS BELOW
TOWNS KAUAI - WAIMEA, KILAUEA, KEALIA
LAT, LON lat=22.077, lon=-159.533(source: Topozone) (accuracy:general area)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE HI
WATER Varies - see below
TYPE Varies - see below
DESCRIPTION There are many beautiful and popular swimming holes on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. For details on some, see DIRECTIONS below.
AREA Unknown
SANCTION Unofficial
FEE Unknown
FACILITIES Unknown
ACTIVITIES Swimming, sliding
PHONE Unknown
CAMPING Unknown
BATHING SUITS Unknown
DIRECTIONS From Lihue Airport, Kauai:

KOAIE CANYON [KOAI]: A spectacular hike in the Waimea Canyon area with numerous swimming holes along the way. LAT, LON : lat=22.079, lon=-159.647(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here from the airport, take RT 58 to RT 50 west to Waimea then take RT 550 north along the Waimea Canyon. Begin on the Kukui Trail (rated difficult), which starts along Highway 550, about 0.75 miles beyond the 8-Mile Marker. Kukui Trail is a scenic trail down the west side of Waimea Canyon. It makes a 2000 ft. elevation drop to the canyon floor ending at the Wiliwili Camp site.

Next take the Koaie Trail, which starts about a half mile up the Waimea River from the bottom of the Kukui Trail. It takes you on a route along the south side of Koaie Canyon, with good scenery and swimming holes. DANGER: Do not access to this trail during stormy weather in the mountains due to dangers related to flash flood storm (runoff over the Waimea River crossings). There are two backpack campsites (by permit only) on this trail, Hipalau and Lonomea. No commercial use allow for camping and hiking. Not verified. Pretty confident. Updated 3/16/04.

KEAHUA FORESTRY ARBORETUM [KEAH]: Not the deepest of swimming holes, this is, however, an excellent choice for families. The cascading stream makes for a fun spot for kids to splash. Stay away during heavy rains, as flash flooding does occur. For photos and info, see KEAHUA FORESTRY ARBORETUM . LAT, LON : lat=22.069542, lon=-159.413123(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here from the airport, take RT 51 east to RT 56 north toward Wailua. After crossing the Wailua River Bridge, turn left on Kuamo'o Road (RT 580). The Keahua Forestry Arboretum is approximately 5 miles down the road, past the Wailua Reservoir. Not verified. Pretty confident. Updated 12/08.

QUEENS BATH [QUEE]: Swimming holes in potholes in lava field. CAUTION: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE THIS PLACE IN THE WINTER, WAVES ARE HIGH AND ROGUE WAVES ARE COMMON AND VISITORS HAVE DROWNED. SUMMER ONLY. LAT, LON : lat=22.22955, lon=-159.48545(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here, continue on RT 56 north to Princeville on the north side of the island. Princeville is a private residential area, so be sure to park only in the designated spot for the bath/beach. If it is full, do not park on the street, and do not park on anyone's lawn, or driveway. In Princeville from Ka Haku Rd., turn right on Punahele Rd and right on Kapi'olani Rd. . Park only in the designated place. Not verified. Pretty confident. Updated 2/2010.
CONFIDENCEPretty confident
VERIFIED No
DATE UPDATED 2/2010



This swimming hole listing is by www.swimmingholes.org


MAUI AREA
[8 PLACES]
(MAUI)

PHOTOS BELOW
TOWNS MAUI - KAHULUI, WAILUKU
LAT, LON lat=20.816, lon=-156.361(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE HI
WATER Varies - see below
TYPE Varies - see below
DESCRIPTION Beautiful and popular swimming holes on the Hawaiian island of Maui. For details, see DIRECTIONS below.
AREA Varies - see below
SANCTION Unofficial
FEE Unknown
FACILITIES Unknown
ACTIVITIES Swimming, sliding
PHONE Unknown
CAMPING Unknown
BATHING SUITS Unknown
DIRECTIONS From Kaluhui Airport, Maui:

HANA HIGHWAY [HANA]: From Kaluhui Airport, head east along RT 36/360 toward Hana and along the way there are several falls with swimming holes below. Reset your odometer at RT 360. LAT, LON : lat=20.83, lon=-156.14(source: deLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. For highlights along the road, buy a Hana Highway Guide

Mile Marker 2: Twin Falls. Park in the lot on the right side of the road, cross over the fence and walk across a grass area then down a dirt road down to the falls. Swim in pool at the bottom of the falls. INFO AND PHOTOS

Mile Marker 11: Puohokamoa Falls. The main feature of a small state park, Puohokamoa can be seen from a stop along the winding road to Hana. It is only one of several falls along the highway, and the park also features a pleasant grassy area, with a picnic table or two, from which the water can be seen. Some visitors swim in the refreshing pool at the base of the falls. For information and photos, see HAWAII WEB .

Mile Marker 17: Keanae Village, a Hawaiian village, taro fields, missionary church and swimming area. Walk down the gravel road, then swim upstream 50 yards to the small falls and a large pool.

Mile Marker 22.6: Pua'a Ka'a State Wayside Park. A quiet stream, small waterfall and pools. Restrooms and picnic spots are available. Parking lot also. LINK TO PHOTO . This rest stop lies within a rain forest. It offers a pleasant waterfall and pools. The falls create a soothing background sound for the park's picnic area. There is a well-marked path which leads to the falls and to a swimming hole. The park offers some beautiful rain forest vegetation. This wayside park lies along the Hana Highway approximately 38 miles east of the Kahului Airport, on Maui.

Mile Marker 42: Ohe'O'Gulch and Pipiwai Stream in Haleakala National Park. The Pipiwai Trail follows the stream and goes to the 7 Sacred Pools and ends at the Waimoku Falls, falling 400-feet down a sheer lava rock wall into a swimming hole at the bottom. It is a 4 mile round trip hike to the falls and takes about 3 hours. On Hwy 31, park just past Mile Marker 42 on the ocean side of the highway. See: HAWAII WEB.

IAO STREAM [IAOS]: A 1 mile hike in the spectacular Iao Valley along Iao Stream with several swimming places on the way. Here is a link to information and photos of the Iao Valley: IAO VALLEY STATE PARK . To get here from the Kaluhui airport, take RT 36 west to RT 32 west through Wailuku. Past Wailuku, RT 32 (Kaahumanu Road) becomes RT 320. Continue to the end of this road at the Iao Valley State Park/Monument. Park here and walk along the Iao Stream. The first half mile is on a trail, you may have to wade or hop rocks in the second half mile. The swimming holes are along here. LAT, LON lat=20.8800, lon=-156.5554(source: Topozone) (accuracy:approximate)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident. Updated 3/16/04.

MAKAMAKAOLE FALLS [MAKA]: A 1 mile hike (each way) to a large waterfall on Makamaka'ole Stream with a pool you can swim in at the bottom. LINK TO VIDEO . To get here from the Kaluhui airport, take RT 36 west to RT 340 north and go until you come to Waihe'e Ridge Rd. (not sure how far this is. We think the road narrows to one-lane and is known as Kahekili Highway. This waterfall is located just past Mile Marker #8.). Turn left (west) and drive 0.9 miles to park at the parking area for the Waihe'e Ridge Trail. The trail begins steep and you will see the falls right away. Hike about 1 mile (not sure of hike distance)to the pool at the base of the falls. LAT, LON lat=20.95304, lon=-156.54870(source: Topo map) (accuracy:approximate)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident. Updated 2/2011.

OLIVINE POOLS [OLIV]: Natural salt water swimming pools in lava rock beside Kahakuola Bay. TO get here from Makamakaole Falls (above) continue north on RT 340 toward Kahakuloa Village. Just before you get to mile marker 16 there is a small gravel road on the left. Park here and walk toward the ocean. Walk to the right at the second intersection. Flat rock is above the pools and a trail to the left going down to ledges and the pools. Wear shoes to walk on the lava and dont wear lotion or oil in the pools. LAT, LON lat=20.99814, lon=-156.55037 (source: Topo map) (accuracy:general area)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident. Updated 2/2011.

CONFIDENCEPretty confident
VERIFIED No
DATE UPDATED 2/2011



This swimming hole listing is by www.swimmingholes.org


OAHU AREA
3 PLACES
(OAHU)

PHOTOS BELOW
TOWNS OAHU - HONOLULU
LAT, LON lat=21.287, lon=-157.754(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE HI
WATER Varies - see below
TYPE Varies - see below
DESCRIPTION Several outstanding swimming places on Oahu. For details, see DIRECTIONS below.
AREA Varies - see below
SANCTION Varies - see below
FEE Varies - see below
FACILITIES Unknown
ACTIVITIES Swimming, snorkeling
PHONE Unknown
CAMPING Unknown
BATHING SUITS Customary
DIRECTIONS All directions are from Honolulu:

TOILET BOWL [TOIL]: NOTE: This place was closed indefinitely as of 3/2009 because of rocks caving in from around the rim.
This report from an enthusiastic fan: "On Oahu, you go to Hanauma Bay, which is a big tourist draw for amateur snorkelers... everyone knows where it is... it's a big site... as you look out at the ocean from the bay, you just walk all away around the point to the left (as you look out at the ocean) and the toilet bowl is at the bottom of a little gorge cut out of lava rock." (It is not very good for snorkeling, really. Better to stay in Waikiki and snorkel along the near side (Waikiki beach side) of the rock "groin" or jetty that is at the Queens Beach. This place is much easier to get to and you will not see quite as many fish as at Hanauma but you will see a good variety.) PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 , PHOTO 3

"It is totally cool. The water comes into, and flows out, of a big sort of oval pool which is about 10 x 12 feet and about 7 or 8 feet deep. This happens with each surge of the waves. The water enters and leaves through a small passageway, which is fun for the brave to swim through... you let the wave suck you out into the ocean side, as the water goes down."

"The normal routine is to jump in when full, making sure to swim toward the water as it comes in (so it doesn't knock you against the rock), then, as the water goes out, you swim away from the current, so you don't get sucked through the hole. It's not as hard as it sounds, and when you go there, you observe those inside for awhile, and the other swimmers instruct you (being "pros") before you jump in."

"When you want to get out, the best way is to wait until a large enough wave comes in so that you can slide up onto the edge like a seal. Sometimes, if the wave isn't big enough, you have to wait a while for a nice enough wave, so get out before you're too tired."

To get here from Honolulu, take RT H1 southeast then RT 72 southeast to Hanauma Bay S. P.. As you look out at the ocean from the bay, you just walk all away around the point to the left (as you look out at the ocean) and the toilet bowl is at the bottom of a little gorge cut out of lava rock. AT, LON : lat=21.272, lon=-157.696(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Partially verified. 3/2009. Updated 2/2010.

WAIMEA FALLS [WAIM]: On the North Shore of Oahu, the 55-foot-high cascade forms the centerpiece of Waimea Valley Park, operated by the Audubon Society. PHOTO , PHOTO , PHOTO There's a modest admission charge for the attractive nature reserve, with its flowers and peacocks. There are interesting guided tours included in the admission charge. In ancient times, the valley was the home of thousands of Hawaiians. Capt. James Cook's ships took on water there in 1779. Swimming is permitted in the large natural pool under the falls - there is even a lifeguard on duty. To get here from Honolulu, take RT H1 west bound to RT H2 heading to the North Shore. Take the Wahiawa Exit and get on Kamehameha Highway. Turn right into the Park just past the Waimea Bay Beach Park. LAT, LON : lat=21.6339, lon=-158.0463(source: Topozone) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified, 3/2009. Updated 2/2010.

MOKULUA ISLANDS [MOKU]: This enthusiastic report from a visitor:� This is the location of the best swimming hole I ever encountered. Off the shore of Lanikai Beach, Oahu are two small islands, the Mokulua Islands. LINK TO PHOTOS. The one on the left has a small sandy area that you can easily land a sea kayak on - in fact that is what most people do. they rent kayaks and paddle out. (A little hint, use individual kayaks, not doubles. they are faster and more stable when you only have to worry about balancing yourself. Of course do not go without a life vest) Watch the water, you may see some sea turtles on the way! When on the island, make sure you are wearing boat shoes or something on your feet. walk around the left (or northwest) side of the island, there you will find a small cove that is protected by rocks. it is pristine with warm water, crystal blue color, and easy to get in and out of due to a rock ledge that is just below the water line. Absolutely awesome!" LAT, LON: lat=21.39215, lon=-157.69956(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 2/2010

Lanikai Beach is right next to Kailua Beach on the southeast coast of Oahu. To get here, from Waikiki take RT H1 to the Pali Highway (RT 61) and go over the Pali to the Windward side of Oahu. Stay on the Pali at Kamehameha Hwy the Pali turns into Kalanianaole Hwy. Take Kalanianaole Hwy to Kailua Rd. You will not need to make a turn onto Kailua Rd, just bear to the left where Kailua Rd meets Kalanianaole Hwy. At the triangle intersection of Kailua Rd and Kuulei Rd, bear to the right to stay on Kailua Rd. At the second signal intersection, make a left turn to stay on Kailua Road. Go to the intersection of Kailua Rd and Kawailo Rd. Take Kawailo Rd to Aalapapa Dr. Aalapapa Dr and Mokulua Dr form a large one way loop that along with their side streets encompass the area know as Lanikai. Aalapapa Dr leads into Lanikai and Mokulua Dr leads out of Lanikai. There are many two way streets in the area that connect Aalapapa Dr and Mokulua Dr making it easy to change directions while in the loop. To get to Lanikai Beach find parking along Mokulua Dr or one of its many side streets. On Mokulua Dr there are many public access points to the beach. There may be vans there where you can rent a kayak. Kayak out to the island.
CONFIDENCEVery confident
VERIFIED Partially, 3/2009
DATE UPDATED 2/2010


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