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off Highway 137, East Hawaii

This unusually large collection of tidepools and spring fed pools stretches almost a mile down the coast and extend up to 200 yards out into the ocean. However, the feature that makes this site most interesting is the fact that some of the pools are heated -- volcanically heated! Many locals have incorporated some of the smaller pools into their property to use as swimming pools and "hot" tubs. The warm, brackish water is usually very calm, relaxing, and rarely crowded. A wide variety of fish are also attracted to the area so snorkeling is easy and fascinating.

Useful Information:

Usually calm water but always use extreme caution around the ocean

Good snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing

No Facilities

Keep off of private property

Wai'opae Ponds, adjacent to the ocean, are large ponds with good snorkeling and are located on public property

Wear beach shoes and use caution when walking on the rough and slippery rocks

Also visit nearby Ahalanui Park for another large, heated pool

DIRECTIONS:

Take Highway 130 south from Pahoa. When it dead ends at Highway 137, turn right. Just before Mile Marker #9, turn left on Kapoho Kai Road. Take the next left on Kaheka and then right on Waiopae. The pools stretch for 1 mile along the coast.