Visited alone and explored the area, did not feel comfortable going into the pools as I was the only one there. Went back the next day with niece and boyfriend. The steep hike seemed easier but longer and steeper. The pools were teeming with fish and crabs, high tide was about and hour off. Looked around and dove into the deeper of the pools, the water was cool and the salt seemed filtered away. We hung out until the waves started cresting the outer walls. Very beautiful, please be respectful if you go; leave it a better, cleaner place than when you arrived. read more

We came here to potentially get in the pools, but after reading some of the warnings online and seeing the pools, which were magnificent, we opted out. We also had our kids with us so that was a game changer. Parking was easy at the trailhead and there weren't a lot of people here. There is a sign at the beginning honoring a man who died here and asking people not to go in the pools. It is about a 5 minute walk to the cliff where you can first see the pools. If you choose to walk down, it is probably another 10 minutes and the terrain isn't too terrible. The pools are indeed right on the ocean, with water from the ocean splashing into them and then pulling back out. It did not too violent when we were there and there were about 10 people swimming and diving into them, so they must be pretty deep. We stood and watched and took in the view for about 15 minutes and then went on our way. read more

This is a really cool stop off the side of the road in West Maui. It's a short walk off of the side of the road. It's a little steep and definitely rocky. There are signs warning you not to go any further way earlier than it actually gets unsafe. People swim in the pools which is said to be dangerous due to changing tides and waves. The pools are very pretty even if you don't swim (which we didn't). It's fun to watch the waves splash in as well. It can be a quick stop and is worth doing if you're in the area. read more

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12 Miles North of Kapalua-4 miles past Nakalele Blow Hole. It is a rugged, off the beaten path spot and completely unexpected. It was one of my favorite spots to spend a couple hours on a moderately hot day to take a swim. It is not for everyone. I was shocked at the hike I was going to have to do, and happy I wore tennis shoes. Don't even try this in sandals. When you walk up there is a plaque for a 30 ish year old man that died here and their family had it posted to warn others how dangerous this spot it. The tide can creep up on you, so don't go drunk or wasted. Respect nature and pay attention to it and you will be just fine. Upon coming up to the small trail, we were confused which way to go down and didn't realize until coming up, that the best way to go is actually to the RIGHT of the trail. We took the left and it wasn't too bad, but tried to go up it on the way back and ended up having to go across to the right and up. Not a great place for small children or elderly people not in great shape. My Dad came and he is 60 and did it just fine. Once you go down the mountain you come upon these gorgeous pools of water. There are small fish in them and there are some shallow areas in which I just sat in and watched the fish for a while. There are these crazy looking sucker fish there that literally will stare at you. So freaky. There is a larger pool in the back that many people were climbing on the rocks and jumping in the water. This is the area that people tend to get swept away by the current. YES, Swept away. It is dangerous. The tide wasn't even bad on the day I went and several times, it came pretty gnarly over the rocks and into the pools. It feels amazing and it changes the water to an amazing blue color. No one got swept away while I was there or even close. I can see how it could happen very easily though. The pools have natural steps in them and it makes it very easy to climb in and out of them. The water on the outside of the pools is very ferocious and blue. Very calm energy of beautiful water surrounded by crazy unrestful energy right all around it. read more

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DO NOT IGNORE THE WARNINGS. It isn't worth it just for some cool pictures. My husband and I stopped here today and the first thing we noticed was glass all over the small parking area. TONS OF GLASS. This is obviously a hot spot for a smash and grab, because the thieves know that once you venture down to the pools you won't be back quickly. We hiked the relatively easy trail to where you can look down and see the pools. Before you reach this you'll see signs noting loved ones who have died here. Yet, people ignore this and we saw many people in the pools today including young kids. The signs clearly state the dangers, the fact that your only rescue option is a helicopter that will take 20 minutes to get there, and even if it looks calm a wave can knock you down or sweep you away. Don't get me wrong, the view is BEAUTIFUL from the top. That's worth stopping for. However, know the risk to your car, AND know the risks of the pools. I'm pretty adventurous, and so is my husband. HOWEVER, this is just not the risk to take. read more

Olivine Pools - Beaches Near Me - Maui, Hawaii

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When I went to Olivine Pools (Currently listed #292 of 639 Outdoor Activities on a website that advises people on trips) as part of a three-site visit (the Blowhole and Dragon's Teeth are nearby), the only other people I saw at these locations were locals or tourists holding the same blue travel book. Whether or not you think it is worth the risk to sit in pretty, shallow, lava rock pools among the crashing waves is up to you. Why would someone give this less than five stars?  I mean, besides the people who lost loved ones. Yes,  I should note that four people were swept into the ocean: two in April 2004 and 2 in November 2006. Three drowned. So, okay, I can see losing a star for death. I get it. I mean, Mary Todd Lincoln probably did not like the play. In all seriousness, their family wrote this: "These pools are very beautiful but they are extremely dangerous. We do not want anyone else lost at this site. Any risk is too big to wager on any life. Please be aware, these pools are the grave site of many. They are unsafe even for the experienced traveler." read more

3 years later.....I can't believe I didn't review this magical beach yet. This place is amazing, I didn't get to take pictures because I'm clumsy, already broke 3 phones in 2 weeks, and might as well enjoy the moment while we're here. But hubby was able to take a few photos for memories. One of the pool is pretty deep, so deep that people can jump. I'm not that much of a risk taker, kudos to them that can do it. read more

One of my favorite spots in Hawaii. The road to Olivine Pools is pretty similar to the road of Hana where it's narrow, winding roads and one way. It's not as bad and the drive is so beautiful. You get a view of the mountains and ocean. Yes we are aware that this place can be dangerous. There has been deaths here. But if you do your research and plan accordingly, it's totally worth it. Wear shoes because the hike down is not a paved path. You're literally climbing rocks. Also go during low tides so you don't have to worry about the strong waves. Such a beautiful view. The tide pool is deep enough if you want want to jump in. Travel trip: follow the dangerous signs if you want to see amazing views. read more

Olivine Pools - Beaches Near Me - Maui, Hawaii

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Really cool place! But if you have trouble going down slippery slopes you may want to rethink this. The path to go down is not rocks it's mostly gravely slope where you're bound to slip and slide a lot. There was a grave stone warning everyone about how dangerous the pools are. If you stick to the area where the waves don't crash you're probably fine. Bring your snorkling stuff! Including water shoes or hiking sandals that won't get slippery when wet. Wish I had mine. But even without them you see a ton of interesting fish. We saw a lot of fish that we didn't when we went snorkeling in the ocean. The water in the pools is clear and beautiful. Also you may not have any reception when you get close to the area. It's luckily marked on Google maps. read more

Olivine Pools - Pools - Beaches Near Me - Maui, Hawaii

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We managed to find parking off the street and then took a hike down the hill toward a rocky shoreline when we ran into this large flat rock over the ocean. The rock featured a blow hole that every minute or so, would shoot ocean water up into the air. I carefully walked close to the blow hole to take a look between sprays of water. I've heard stories about people who have slipped on the wet rock and fallen into the blowhole. I understand it's a death trap because you can't get out of the cave due to the power of the waves. read more

Beautiful place to visit! Gotta stop by especially if you're driving to the Nakalele Blowhole! The pool that's big enough to swim in has fish swimming in it. read more

Beautiful and memorable. So glad we saw this on the west side of Maui. Be careful though. It is a dangerous place but a wonderful adventure. read more

My now husband purposed here! It was a magical experience! Bring your hiking shoes tho because it's a bit slippery, also do yourself a favor and stay up high no need to drown from a rouge wave read more

Beautiful and extremely dangerous spot. Easy parking and it surprises me that so many stop at the blowhole and never make it to the pools. Perhaps it's due to the fact that it is a little tougher of a hike to get down there and it doesn't really have a defined path. Make sure you bring a bag with your swim gear and water shoes along with something that you're comfortable hiking in. I only had my sandals and definitely lost my footing a couple times on the way down. A couple signs will persuade you to not go down to the pools due to danger. One is a family pleading with you not to as they lost their son down there. We checked the tide timeline and got there just before low tide. There are fish living in the pools. Some parts are really deep but most you can stand in. You really feel the power of the ocean. This part of Maui definitely had the roughest sea. The sea was angry that day my friends! There were 2 moments that the water rushed over the top and I got freaked out. Make sure to keep your eyes on the undulating tide. If a big ones coming in, don't be standing and brace yourself. If you got pulled off the rocks into the open water, you'd have a really rough time not drowning. Makes you respect Mother Nature! read more

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Just beautiful views. Hiked with our baby down to the overlook. Beyond that far, a little crumbly. Not sure how people get into the pools but def not for the faint of heart or baby toting . read more

Olivine Pools - Beaches Near Me - Maui, Hawaii

This was one of my top places to visit, and unfortunately I was extremely unprepared. Should've read more reviews before venturing here. 1. It is a very long windy twisty narrow roads to get here, similar to Road to Hana, but not as treacherous. 2. It is high on top of a mountain, and you must CLIMB down an UNOFFICIAL pathway to get DOWN to the tidepools. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. Definitely DO NOT recommend bringing kids and small children. 3. BRING hiking shoes/sandals, because it is VERY rocky. 4. BRING swimming clothes because you can hop in the water, but it is on your own terms, because it is dangerous because its so close to HIGH tides and waves that could wash you out. Unfortunately we just stayed on top and watched the views and did not venture down because we were extremely unprepared and only came in bikinis and sandals. P.S. THIS IS AN UNMARKED LOCATION. There are no signs showing where it is. You have to park on a large patch of dirt, and walk down through a rocky pathway. read more

I found out about Olivine pools from a friend. Just the drive there along the coast from Kanapali was beautiful and through the less inhabited parts of the island. Finding it is super hard so make sure you have your GPS all set up before you leave. There are signs everywhere cautioning you about the dangers of this location. We were the only ones there and after much debate we finally turned around after seeing another sign from a family of a person who died there. Given that...I can't recommend it but it is certainly worth the drive and some of the views along the way are incredible. read more

For those visiting the Nakalele Blowhole, this site is just another 10ish minutes down the winding roads of NW Maui. The hike down is more annoying as there is no clear cut direct way down. It'll require lots of imaginative navigation going up and down various ways with a steep and sharp landscape. The pools themselves are relatively calm. There's not much to do but just sit and soak in them, but watch out the algae rocks are very slippery underwater. As long as you don't walk along the ocean edge with the incoming crashing waves then it's safe. Overall more of the adventure is the hike itself, and the pools were just ok enough for a 10 minute stay. I might not recommend this stop with young kids. read more

Olivine Pools - Beaches Near Me - Maui, Hawaii

Incredibly beautiful but also incredibly dangerous. Please be aware that many people have died here, and the ocean is unpredictable. We did not go to any of the edges of the tide pools because of this reason. We thought about it but then within 5 minutes watched the ocean turn from calm and serene to a tumultuous rainstorm with large, crashing waves pouring into the pools. Several people at the edge were doing their best to climb back up the rocks. This is definitely something to sit and watch. It's a beautiful, unobstructed view of open ocean. Parking is just off the side of the highway, and the walk down (after the yellow sign) becomes steep and rocky, but it not difficult. Don't wear flip flops though, you make slip or get cut. read more

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Don't stop at the blow hole - keeping going up the road to Olivine Pools, between mile markers 15 & 16. I found this to be a super fun experience, for me, better than the blow hole. The trail getting to the pools is similar to the blow hole, a tad treacherous for older people, or anyone not wearing ideal footwear. It's definitely a workout, but worth it, expect a 10 minute hike getting down to the pools, and 15 getting out. The pools are fun, probably 11' deep, including a few ledges to dive off, and even some reef life, so don't hesitate to bring a mask. WARNING; it can be dangerous during high tide, you will see waves crashing and splashing into the pools. You can get all the way down to the pools to access the danger level, if you stand on the lava rocks in an area that seems dangerous you are being foolish - people have died. During the right conditions, this place is super fun, but can be perilous. read more

Olivine Pools - The view near the bottom, before getting to the pools. - Beaches Near Me - Maui, Hawaii

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We walked down the trail to see the pools, but we didn't get too close for fear of death lol. Really pretty! Quick spot to visit, but nice views for sure. read more

Prior to even coming to Maui, I read up on the Olivine Pools including all the dangers and the tragedies that have happened here. I was still interested in checking it out since I've never seen/swam in natural tide pools. I was staying in Napili, north of Lahaina so getting here from the west side wasn't too bad. Yes, the roads are windy, some one way bridges and even some huge fallen rocks blocking the lanes, but since we drove the road to Hana the day before, this was not as bad at all. Putting the directions into google maps was pretty accurate and since there were some cars already parked it was easily identifiable. We arrived around noon and from the top of the mountain, we already spotted a handful of people swimming in the tide pools so we presumed it was safe enough/in low tide. The walk down is very steep and some rocks are loose, so make sure your foot placements are on secure spots. I walked up and down this in Birks and was fine, just be super cautious and take your time. We spent almost a good hour here and luckily did not witness any crazy/rogue waves that came up onto the lava rocks, but still would take caution in where you're stepping, staying away from the edges, etc. Swimming in the pools were great, haven't experienced anything like it. I did slightly cut my foot on one of the sharp rocks climbing out so also be aware of that. Really cool to be able to swim/hike among the natural volcanic rocks but can also see the crazy dangers of this place so do proceed with caution! read more

Maybe the most beautiful spot in Maui. It's a bit of a drive, and a short but somewhat steep hike down, but once you're there it is absolutely amazing. Be warned, large waves do crash up and come over the edge. They are very strong and will knock over full grown adults. Young kids should not be anywhere near the edges here. If you make the trek though, you're sure to get some amazing pictures. read more

Before going, I knew the drive to Olivine Pools would be difficult and the hike down to the pools would be even more treacherous. But I'd kick myself for going to Maui and not even trying to visit these pools. Tip #1: By all means, drive to Olivine Pools from the west side of Maui! Whatever you do, try your best to come from the direction of Lahaina. The roads coming from that direction are windy, but there is still one lane going in each direction. Also, the views of the ocean are amazing! We came from the direction of Kuhului (OGG airport) per Google Maps because we had just finished catching the sunrise at Haleakala Summit. This was the most butt-clenching, scariest one lane road we've ever been on! You are driving along a mountain side and there is no shoulder, it is super windy with frequent hairpin turns, and BOTH directions of traffic share ONE lane for MILES! What made it worse was that the road was slick and wet due to morning rain showers and every so many meters there would be a small cross and memorial along the road for someone who had died there. :X Tip #2: Go early! There is no cell phone reception out there, but the Yelp address is pretty accurate. Coming from Lahaina, once you pass the "Dip and chip" in the road, Olivine Pools is the next turnout on your left. We had the hardest time finding the tide pools bc there is no clear sign that says you have arrived and there were no other cars parked at the turnout yet. We got there around 8:30am on a Monday and had the entire pools to ourselves. The next people to arrive got there around 9am, and by 10am the turnout was full of parked cars and tourists had swarmed the cliff side and pools. Tip #3: Wear hiking shoes or shoes you can swim in. I hiked down in my Vibrams while my BF had a tougher time scaling up/down the cliff in flip flops. Once you park, follow the dirt trail to the "Danger: Do Not Proceed" sign, then continue to proceed to your left LOL. You will then have to make your own path down the very steep and jagged lava rocks to get down to the pools. It looks scary but all ages and shapes were able to make it down. Just take your time. The climb back up is harder bc it takes a bit out of you to pull yourself back up to the top. Look everything up beforehand, plan ahead, and pack appropriately and you'll have a great time! The pools are filled with so much sea life! Crabs, different varieties of fish, and I swear I saw some urchin-looking things down the small blowhole. read more

Olivine Pools - Come early and have the entire place to yourself! - Beaches Near Me - Maui, Hawaii

We came here during low tide. The trail really isn't difficult you just need to take your time. We saw people hiking in flip flops although we wore tennis shoes and I would suggest tennis shoes to be on the safer side. Watch where you step as the rocks are sharp. Once down at the pools just remember to keep your eyes focused on what is going on around you. The waves were not really that high and we felt relatively safe. We did see a few people going to the edge of the pools to get some photos of the ocean on the other side of the pools. There are plenty of fish in the larger pool and you can safely jump off the rocks into the pool below. Nice little spot to stop I would around 1-2 hours and make sure to time your visit around low tide. read more

A definite must see while on the island. Take a road trip and also stop at the Nakalele blowhole and you have an awesome excursion. This hike up and down to the pools is quite steep and a little treacherous so take it slow and wear hiking shoes or sneakers. Once at the bottom be careful to leave your belongings away from the water if you plan on jumping in. There are several size swimming holes to enjoy, some with fish. Our group of 12 had this secret gem to ourselves when we arrived and we relished in the beauty of it, took a ton of photos and a few did some cliff diving into one of the deeper pools. Rocks are extremely slippery though, so use caution. read more

Olivine Pools - We love Maui! - Beaches Near Me - Maui, Hawaii

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Very cool place!! Make sure to be careful and watch the tide if it coming in! Fun to snorkel in, watch your footing! read more

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You will never forget this if you are lucky enough to get there at a good time. Olivine Pools are a number of tide pools in the lava rock that provides a calm place to swim and see fish right on the lava coast. You are protected from the prevailing seas except when it is very rough. I am totally guessing that the largest pool is more than 20' long and 10' wide. That pool is also about 15' deep. There are a number of fish that have been washed into the pools. It is a great ecosystem to observe! There are also a number of smaller pools in which you can observe marine life. On the east side of the pool there is a an outcropping of lava from which a person can jump or dive into the pool. When we first went back in the 90s, only the locals and their friends knew. For years this was basically a well hidden local destination. Now, the secret is revealed in at least one popular guide book. You can find it on Wikimapia. Risks: 1) Wave conditions. When you get to the cliffs above the Olivine Pools, if the area is awash in whitewater, DON'T GO! 2) There are steep rough trails down to the pools. Be prepared with the proper foot wear or be prepared to go very slow and carefully. 3) Because it's no longer a secret, many people can show up. What would normally feel unique and special can start to feel overcrowded and abused very quickly. 4) If there has been rain on the coast, the pools will be clouded with runoff and the trails could be dangerous. read more

Olivine pools are worth it. It doesn't take too long at all. It was BEAUTIFUL. I would recommend shoes, you could do it in sandals.....but unless you're used to balancing and going down hill on uneven rocks and sand, I wouldn't. My parents did it & they aren't in the best shape (took our time) but it does break a sweat going back up. The view down was amazing. The wildlife was awesome. It isn't too hard to find, we googled a YouTube video and it was pretty clear. Just a dirt turn out & usually there's 1 to 2 cars. Worth it :) read more

Olivine Pools - Such natural beauty! - Beaches Near Me - Maui, Hawaii

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We looked up tide pools on Maui, and I've never been on the north east side of the island. Why? It was so beautiful. I rate this a better easier drive then Hana, on a non-busy day. We went on a Tuesday in the morning and it was breathtaking. Wear Keen or terrain hiking water shoes, bring water, a camera, and if you want a towel. The hike is short and the views and pools are beyond disbelief. You can even rock jump into some pools. Just beware the ocean waves are relentless and the pools are at the cliffs edge so be safe. Enjoy the majestic beauty. If you see locals parked on the shoulder on the way there, stop and follow their path to amazing waterfalls and ponds! Aloha! read more

Olivine Pools - Funny sign editing both at you HAVE to take selfies with on the way to Olivine pools! - Beaches Near Me - Maui, Hawaii

Pretty amazing views and the drive here from West Maui was longer than expected (20-30m) but amazing scenic views on slow twisty roads. Once there it was probably a 10-15min hike downhill to access the pools & cliffs. Make sure to bring water hiking shoes, Tevas probably won't cut it. The rocks are sharp and the hike can be steep in spots. Recommend going on a dry day. Took 7 year old boys and they made it without issue but we hike semi frequently. read more

Amazing beauty! Loved it. Unfortunate not marked and took a bit to find. The bad part is that you really have to be sure footed to make it down to the tide pools AND it is a shame to see people standing on the walls and floors of the pools!!! It's the ecosystem people do not understand! It is not supposed to be stood on as it will kill off the food that the fish eat!! Not sure how people don't know that but it was sad watching people stomp around not being respectful! The experience is just as amazing if you look at it and don't step all over Mother Nature!!! People have commented on the murkiness of the water and don't know that is part if the reason! PS Hiking shoes recommended! read more

Easy to miss. Quick hike down to the pool On jagged rocks, can be pretty intense. However I saw all ages and fitness levels make down and back up. read more

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Nice little spot to stretch your legs on the way to Hana. This is a pretty short little hike down the cliff to some little pools and some big waves depending on the time of year of course. It won't be a mind blowing experience but a nice little hike down to the water. The pools are shallow and be careful in the rocks coming down, especially if the clay areas are wet! SLIPPERY! read more

Know what you're getting yourself into before heading down. The hike down is not for the faint of heart and while the pools are cool enough, I'm not sure that they're worth the danger. The trail down to the pools is quite hidden. The hike down is steep and the rocks are slippery--dress appropriately. The entrance is marked by a headstone of a guy who died in or near the pools. Just a reminder that you don't fuck with mother nature. The lava rocks surrounding the pools are marked with a big cross, just in case you forget. This is a sight that is definitely off the beaten path. It's so secluded it almost felt wrong to be there--for safety and ethereal reasons. The actual tide pools are beautiful and the water is so clear you can see the teeming wildlife beneath. I would not recommend climbing on or jumping off of the rocks. While there is a rock formation that acts as a barrier to the crashing waves, there are occasional rogue waves that can be HUGE. This is how people get injured or die. Stupidity + bad luck + ruthless mother nature = death. read more

Definitely worth going to see, it is beautiful. There are two trails at the warning sign stay to the left. It can be done in flip flops but probably easier in tennis shoes. We learned a valuable lesson always watch the ocean, what seem calm and inviting tuned dangerous. Big waves come up over the rocks my husband was tossed around by it in the pools. read more

Olivine Pools - Olivine pools - a wave we need not see coming - Beaches Near Me - Maui, Hawaii

The tide pools are amazing, the road to the pools is a nightmare I'm sorry it's horrible you will feel like you're gonna flip over and die, we almost did when this guy didn't let us pass on a one way lane which is pretty much all one way the whole way if you go the shortest distance from Wailiku, I would go around through Lahaina it's safer Take your phone up until the water touches your feet so you can take a picture of the fishes they are so colorful and cute read more

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We found Olivine Pools DANGEROUS. Skip this or look and don't play. It's not that great. Down in the pools, the rocks are very slippery and the water can be very stagnant and high in bacteria. Water shoes dont help much. Waves are not always predictable. My wife and I both accustomed hikers etc, we're both badly hurt when caught by a crashing rogue wave being thrown down 10+ ft of the lava tube acting as the breakwall. Injuries incl stiches, fractures, deep bruising, and other superficial injuries... 6 days remaining on our trip we're completely ruined. The amount of water from the wave was unavoidable. My opinion is that yelpers and anyone seeing this "Gem" labeled by book Maui Revealed should be aware of risk and cautious with water conditions. Thankful as to not hit our heads and to those who helped us out of the pools and rinse injuries. read more

On March 27th my husband died here trying to save my daughter from drowning. He is one of many who have died here, but that is not included in the Maui Revealed book or on the sign at the location. There were a lot of intelligent people there that day, who might not have been had the reality of the true danger been disclosed. Do your research and decide if venturing down is worth your life. My husband was an intelligent man and a man of statistics. Had he had all the information, I know we would never have ventured down there. Yes some people can go and have a pleasant time and leave with an uneventful experience, but this location carries a large risk of death or serious injury. If you have children I'd advise you to not go down. There were many children there that day besides my own who had to witness the horrific events. No child should have to see something like that. Behold the beauty from above. It's just not worth the risk. read more

It's not an easy hike. Wear proper shoes and don't go on a non-clear day or high tide. People have either got injured or drowned on this spot, so trek and swim with extra caution. read more

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