The mesmerizing view at  the ‘Ohe’o pools which is also dubbed the ‘Seven Sacred Pools’ | Photo by Joe Parks

The Seven Sacred Pools (AKA Pools of Oheo) are one of Hawaii’s most surreal natural formations. These “Seven Sacred Pools” along the Oheo gulch, a large ravine with jungle foliage, actually consist of about 20 swimmable pools formed along the Palikea stream. There are two awesome hikes nearby as well as camping.

Parking, Hours, Cost

Parking: There is plenty of parking at the Kipahulu Visitors Center.

Hours: The pools can be accessed at any time, but the adjacent visitors center is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. 

Cost: There is a $30 dollar entrance fee that grants access to both districts of the Haleakala National Park. 

Are you ready for this hike on your Shaka Guide Road to Hana adventure? | Photo by Dieter F

About the Seven Sacred Pools

This valley was created by millions of years of streamflow and contains several pools perfect for swimming. Surrounded by rainforests and waterfalls, you will likely come to understand why these pools have long been considered sacred by native Hawaiians. 

It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that the ‘Ohe’o pools were dubbed the ‘Seven Sacred Pools’ by hotel owners seeking to promote tourism. Nowadays, tourists and locals alike collect at the pools for the jungle scenery, refreshing swimming, and exhilarating jumps. 

The pools have multiple locations suitable for jumps, which mostly ignored signage will strongly discourage. You’ll almost certainly see others taking these jumps, but (disclaimer inbound) you will be doing so at your own risk if you choose to partake.

Weather

This is one of the rainiest regions of Maui. This area also doesn’t comply with the typical Hawaiian weather patterns, since there is more rain in this area during Hawaii’s ‘dry’ season than it’s ‘wet’ season. 

From April to October, when most of Hawaii receives less rain, the Seven Sacred pools receive between 19 and 22 days of rain per month. Average daily highs at this time sit between 79 and 83 degrees, with lows in the high-60s to low-70s. 

November through March, temperatures decrease and rain decreases. You’ll see between 12 and 19 days of rain per month during this period. For this season, daily average highs stay right around 79 to 80 degrees with lows dropping into the high 60s. 

November through March are some of the "least" rainiest days on the Seven Sacred Pools | Photo by Jackie Frost

Directions and Location

You can get to the pools from the town of Hana in about 30 minutes. You’ll just head south until you arrive at Haleakala National Park’s entrance and then turn left into the Kipahulu visitors center. 

Keep in mind that although the Kipahulu District is part of the Haleakala National Park, the park’s main region cannot be accessed from this southeastern end. You’ll need to pay to enter this district unless you have already paid for Haleakala–be sure to keep your receipt if you have. 

Camping

Don't forget your camping gear for an ultimate Shaka Guide experience | Photo by Forest and Kim Starr

There is an awesome campground near-by with 50 campsites available. No permit is required, but you must pay the park entrance fee, $30, to get to the sites. They are first come first serve with a maximum stay of three nights. 

Trails

The trail to pools is less than .5 miles and rated as easy. The trail begins at the Kipahulu Visitors Center Parking lot. You’ll also find the trailhead for the beautiful Pipiwai trail here, which ends in an awe-inspiring 400-foot waterfall. You can read more about that and plan an awesome visit on our blog for Pipiwai and Waimoku Falls. 

FAQ

Are the Seven Sacred Pools open?

Yes! The pool reopened after a long closure in late 2018 to allow some safety enhancements following a rockslide.

Can you swim?

Definitely! The Pools of Oheo is one of the best freshwater swimming spots in Maui.

Is it crowded?

Unfortunately, yes, the pools are one of the most popular spots on the island and are almost always quite crowded. 

Where along the Road to Hana are the Seven Sacred Pools? 

The Seven Sacred Pools are actually about 30 minutes south of Hana. Since the Road to Hana runs north of town, the pools are not technically on the famed Road to Hana since they come after Hana.

River meets ocean. Check it out on your Road to Hana Shaka Guide adventure | Photo by PhotoSurch