Maui Guidebook

Pools of ‘Ohe’o (aka Seven Sacred Pools)

Last updated 02. Feb, 2012 by Walker.

The Pools of ‘Ohe’o, (HNP Kipahulu)

Rating:

In a nutshell: The Pools of ‘Ohe’o (pupularly called the “Seven Sacred Pools”) are the most popular attraction in East Maui. Beautiful waterfalls, pools, in an absolutely stunning setting. Easy access and full facilities.
Minuses: It gets very crowded as the day goes on. Access to pools is closed off frequently in wet weather.
Sound-bite: “Is that guy really going to jump from there?”

Tip: Call 808-572-4400 Option 2 on the day of your trip to find out if the pools are open. …

Continue Reading

Wai’anapanapa State Park

Last updated 23. Jul, 2009 by Mark.

To get an idea of what is in store, this is the view from the parking lot.

Rating:

In a nutshell: Spectacular views of rugged shoreline, sea arches, black sand beach, and more.
Minuses: Swimming is marginal.
Sound-bite: “Sir, you should probably stand back from that blowhole.”

*NOTE* All photos in the Maui Guidebook can be clicked on to view a larger photo. Most browsers will resize the photo and allow you to click on it a second time for an even larger image. The photos in this article in …

Continue Reading

Twin Falls

Last updated 18. Apr, 2011 by lilikoi.

"Caveman" at Twin Falls

Rating:

In a nutshell: Twin Falls is the first easily accessible string of waterfalls and pools on the Road to Hana. It also has one of the better snack stands on the journey. Twin falls is typically underrated by guidebooks, and is a worthy stop.
Minuses: You must budget your time properly here if you are cramming the Road to Hana into only one day.
Sound-bite: “How much further to the falls?”

DETAILS:
Okay, why in the world does the most popular guidebook for Maui tell …

Continue Reading

Na’ili’ili Haele Stream & Waterfalls (aka “Bamboo Forest”)

Last updated 01. Aug, 2012 by Walker.

Na’ili’ili haele waterfall #3 (or #2, depending how wet it has been.)

Rating:

In a nutshell: Na’ili’ili Haele, for most, will be a nice short hike to two or three waterfalls and pools. The more able hikers will be rewarded with more significant sights.
Minuses: Access may be restricted by EMI. Can become dangerous to nearly impossible depending on conditions/how far you go.
Sound-bite: “Is that really a ladder?”

DETAILS:
This is a great place for everyone from the novice to the extreme hiker, and everyone in between – you …

Continue Reading

Black Rock (Pu'u Keka'a)

Last updated 23. Jun, 2009 by lilikoi.

Black Rock is great fun to jump from!

Rating:

In a nutshell: Black Rock is at the north end of Ka’anapali Beach, and is a great place to cliff-jump into the ocean, and snorkel.
Minuses: The uncoordinated may experience an up-close once-in-a-lifetime lava experience.
Sound-bite: “Wooohoooo!” [SPLASH!]

DETAILS:
Black Rock was formed from one of the last-gasp lava flows on this side of the island. It is a rocky outcrop at the far North end of Ka’anapali Beach and blocks off access (from the beach) to the lesser-known Ka’anapali Resort …

Continue Reading

Waikamoi Stream & Waterfalls

Last updated 28. May, 2009 by Walker.

A visitor stands at the top of Waikamoi Stream’s small waterfall, just a few steps from the road.

Rating:

In a nutshell: A drive-up stop, one waterfall and pool are right next to the road. The second, larger waterfall and pool just upstream are impressively beautiful, and tragically underrated by other guidebooks.
Minuses: Unpredictable flow; also unpredictable visitor count (can be packed or empty, with no rhyme or reason.)
Sound-bite: “This is all I wanted to do in Hawaii.”

DETAILS:
A popular, user-friendly (but frequently under-rated) stop on the Road …

Continue Reading

Ching's Pond (aka Blue Sapphire Pools)

Last updated 08. Aug, 2010 by Walker.

No psychologist needed – jumping feet first here means this guy is at least partially sane.

Rating:

In a nutshell: Very photogenic spot to get photographed doing something life threatening. Ching’s pond is probably a skip for all but the pathological cliff-diver seeking an impressive photo.
Minuses: Doesn’t offer much more than a daredevil’s photo-op and drinking beer with folks that are not your buddies.
Sound-bite: “Oh yeah, you’ll be fine!”

DETAILS:
Ching’s pond. What to say about Ching’s pond? Bluntly – while Ching’s is nice, it isn’t spectacular – …

Continue Reading

Waioka Pond (aka Venus Pool)

Last updated 24. Jan, 2013 by Mark.

The hala Capped lava island can serve as a leaping point in proper conditions.

Rating:

In a nutshell: Among East Maui’s most spectacular natural pools, situated in rugged and scenic coastline.
Minuses: Access and safety issues mean that the vast majority of visitors should skip this.
Sound-bite: “That last step is a doosey!”

NOTE: I did not rate Waioka Pond because most readers should not be attempting to access this site for the reasons listed below.

Waioka Pond is a spectacular jewel of the Hana coastline. That said, there are …

Continue Reading