I tried to learn how to swim as a kid here and almost drowned. Or at least so I remembered it to be. More recently, I wanted to try different things to see how much of a bad swimmer I am.
#IronMan in training.
Yes folks, I had a dream of trying to do an IronMan someday. Such dreams were dashed when I learned that swimming was to be an integral part of it and not just running a lot. I remember the days where I had to learn how to swim here at the Palolo Valley Pool. It was the closest facility to Liliuokalani Elementary school at the time, don't know if Kapolono community pool was feasible or built 25 years or so ago. And so, I came to Palolo Valley pool to read discover what I have been missing since childhood. I have learned that not so much anymore, but just my fears as a kid, who just was just too scared of his own shadow. The hours here are very peculiar, just because they don't open at night, even though they have lights up at night. Too bad that they are just open in the weekday afternoons for free open swim and on the weekends too, which is usually when I go whenever I feel the urge to get in the water. While I do have anxiety about drowning and such, I try to be brave and just do what I can and just get better.
I usually get looks about swimming with a top on. I don't care really. I'm just that self conscious about myself. I kind of wish that I had a nicer leaner body, but what can you do but to work hard to achieve it. With that said, Palolo Valley Pool is tucked away in beautiful Palolo Valley in Honolulu at 2007 Palolo Avenue. Next door is the Jarrett Middle School and the low income public housing project is across the street. Admission is free to use this community pool, which is always a plus. Free is always a good way to help defray costs while having a good time on a weekend. They can be closed due to a private classes, but on the most part, swimming here is definitely free. To get here, there is a public parking lot for your added convenience. But if you are like me, best bet is to use public transportation. Route 9S currently serves this area and stops right in front of the swimming pool complex, which is always nice.
There is lifeguard duty here, but do always swim at your own risk. Don't want to drown today or any day you are here. Every time I come to swim here is always pleasant time. While the pool is decently large, there's always kids here along with her parents. You can't really say this is a private pool, but is probably enough. Unless you go to the 24 hour fitness in Mililani, where they have a pool on the premises, then you can just say you almost have a private pool, depending on who is using it on a daily basis. There is a tendency that the pool can be warm or cold depending on the current weather conditions on any given day. Testing the water before you get in is almost always a good idea. The staff here is great and always looking forward to the next time I come here, which can be far and few between.
Just because I love running little too much. And swimming can take a backseat.
4.0 stars for being free. But 3.5 stars for being just an average pool and have irregular hours.
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