The Olivene Tide Pools are located 4 miles past the Nakalele Blowhole on Maui’s north side. They have received much hype in recent years, but are they worth the time to visit? I may be in the minority, but my opinion is no.
Ohai Trail
The first thing to know is if you see a sign for the Ohai Trail, you are in the wrong location. This trail is located half way between the Nakalele Blowhole and the Olivene Pools. The trail is an easy 1.2 mile loop. We ended up here by accident and did not know how long the trail was at the time, so we opted out of taking it. We hopped back in the car and drove on the crazy, curvy road another two miles to the correct turn out.
The Volcanic Rock Backdrop of the Olivene Pools
The hike to the pools is about 1/3 of a mile. There are a couple of ‘trails’ you can follow to get down. It’s rated as a moderate hike, due to the degree of descent and the rocky path. Wearing appropriate shoes and bringing a hiking stick will make the trip down easier.
The Volcanic Rock Backdrop of the Olivene Pools
The volcanic rock has many sharp and jagged edges, so be careful about leaning up against it. The volcanic rock formations are cool, but there are many similar ones at Nakalele Blowhole. If you are going to choose between the two sites, I recommend Nakalele.
The Volcanic Rock Backdrop of the Olivene Tide Pools
We explored the tide pools, staying far away from the ocean’s edge. Notice the sharp rock in the foreground, an illustration of why you should wear shoes with good grip and not try to wander around this area in flip flops. The tide pools on the west side of Maui seemed to have a larger variety of inhabitants, are easier to get to, and are usually located on or near a nice sandy, swimmable beach.
The Largest Olivene Pool
After first discovering the Olivene Pools in the book Maui Revealed, I started some internet research. Many of the websites mentioned what a great swimming hole this is, leaving out the information that people die at this location every year, being swept out of the tide pools and into the ocean. It is incredibly dangerous to go swimming in the pools, especially as the tide is coming in. Also, the water isn’t really deep enough to swim in unless you go into the far, back pool, which is closer to the ocean and has waves washing over it frequently. On the hike down, there are signs warning you not to swim or get close to the edge of the pools and the ocean. There is also a memorial plaque for a young man who was swept out to sea, along with a commemorative cross his parents erected as a warning to others to not risk their lives. It simply isn’t worth the risk. Seriously, you are in Maui, try a beach that has sand and less risk of serious injury or death.
The Shoreline Near the Olivene Pools
I took this picture of the shoreline on the hike down. Please remember, I use a telephoto lens for my photography. I am never as close as I seem to the water’s edge. I like this photo because it is a good representation of why people who are pulled in almost never get out. They would be trying to climb up sharp, slippery lava rock while the waves are pounding and the riptides are pulling them away.
The Pacific Ocean Near the Olivene Pools
If you sit high enough up and far enough back, it is a great spot to watch the ocean crashing into the shoreline. All of the different shades of blue are gorgeous and vibrant. I feel that sitting high enough up so you get a view of the entire tide pool area (as in the title photo) would be a neat and safe place to watch the tide come in, if that holds appeal to you. Again, I am using a telephoto lens in that picture and we are pretty high up relative to the pools.
Please watch the following 47 second video before deciding if you want to visit the Pools. It shows what happens to two men when a large waves crashes over the edge and into the pool. (Neither of them were pulled into the ocean, but they were knocked over and dragged through the pools. They reported receiving cuts and abrasions from being thrown against the jagged lava rocks. The video is not graphic in any way, just a very visual warning of the risk.) Why You Should NOT Swim at the Olivene Tide Pools
All in all, I was disappointed. The main reason we went is because I saw a website that showed brilliant chartreuse and green water in the pools. When we arrived, it was immediately apparent that the blogger had greatly enhanced the colors of the pool to the point where it was not at all representative of what was there. With so many things to see and do in Maui, it’s my opinion that this spot should not top your list, especially if you have a very limited time on the island. This is the only spot we visited on our entire trip that I have no desire to return to. However, many people seem to love it. If you decide to add it to your list of must sees, remember: sunscreen, good hiking/water shoes, walking stick, sunglasses, water, and stay far away from the edges of the pools.
Our next adventure took us to Iao Valley State Monument for some jaw dropping beauty. As always, wishing you happy travels and fantastic adventures in this thing called life.
For options other than the Olivene Pools, check out some links below.
Snorkeling at Napili and Kapalua Beaches
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The Olivene Tide Pools
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