MauiGuidebook.com Rating: 
In a nutshell: A beautiful pool and waterfall, but access is closed.
Minuses: Access is closed to the public.
Sound-bite: “But I came all the way from Wisconsin!”
“Blue Pool” (the real name is Helele’ike’oha Falls), is the poster child of guidebooks hyping places to the braking point, and entitled tourists following the lead. Access to this location is a few miles down a rural, narrow, unpaved country road, where you must park on private property and then walk across private land to access the pool.
The first problems were caused from the last mile-plus of dirt and mud road not being wide enough for two-way travel – there seemed to be a constant traffic-jam of those out of their element suddenly being called upon to navigate a Dodge Neon around opposing traffic (and thus, off-road obstacles.) But the real straw that broke the camel’s back began when people started leaving trash, disrespecting the residents and the land, blocking driveways and trampling through private land and gardens giving nothing in return but attitude. Such a sad turn of events, because this truly spectacular place was once left graciously open for those who understood how to show respect.
Bottom line: don’t ignore the countless signs you will pass if you drive down this road. They are not liability signs, they are for real. There are a few aggressive enforcers that will give you an indelible memory of your vacation that you certainly won’t cherish.
Key Info:
Location: End of ‘Ula’ino Rd
GPS Coordinates: 20.807622,-156.0579
Facilities: None.
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View Helele’ike’oha Falls (aka Blue Pool) in a larger map
Jill says:
I cherish my memory of visiting this sacred spot. September 2005. Nothing comes close to the sound of the waves coming in, raking the rocks beneath smooth. I’ll never forget the sight of the waterfall or the scramble back as the tide came in. It’s shameful and sad that disrespectful humans lost this for everyone.
Steve Hallberg says:
Beautiful place. Visited in 2005 Shortly after tropical storm Kenneth…Lot of rain on the windward side. So waterfalls were gushing. Stopped at this place, put a couple of dollars in the bird house parking meter. Older Native man was crossing back over from the falls. Water level was almost waist deep, he showed us where to cross and even gave us his walking stick. Made it to the falls….incredible!!! Didn’t stay long…crossed the waterway back, which even seemed higher (Think Flash Flood…waters from up high coming down). Looking back at that part and realized how potential dangerous that may have been. Basically had the place to ourselves. Total respect for people and land….Love it. When you visit don’t be the typical tourist…If you see some native folk….Talk to them, buy something from the fruit stands or whatever they are selling.. Darrell & Ruby on the Northside of the Island are beautiful people. Spoke with them for 45 min and got a real taste of Hawaii. Saw them on another trip as well,,,spent time chatting. They have real life problems like the rest of us. Sweet people. Respect, respect, respect…..listen and learn!
Ali says:
Visit this beautiful place as a child, for the first time when I was about 8 yrs, was one of the most amazing experience I’ve ever had… Cut to a few years later when I’m about 12 (circa 02-03) went back and was truly astonished and heartbroken of how trashed it was… I’m definitely not surprised it was closed down, literally feces and toilet paper everywhere, along with random sandwich bag, soda and beer cans, random clothes . Quite honestly, so Glad it was shut down and hope that it has been restored to it’s natural glory.
Traci says:
In the mid 70’s i visited this glorious place. So glad that i did before it was closed off. But i get it. Too many ignorant tourist that simply have no respect , so sad.
Ted bin says:
I’ve never been but it doesn’t seem worth it to go if this is the case.
Plus I don’t blame the residents. Many tourists don’t even realize they are being jackbut*s.
Vivian says:
There’s something I don’t understand after spending a lot of time reviewing this excellent guide – why include areas that are off-limits or extremely hazardous? It seems to me this just adds temptation to trespass and creates a problem for visitors and landowners.
Mark says:
Because this is a well known location that other publications entice people to go to without the warnings. In our world today information can not simply be omitted to prevent people from knowing about things, so the purpose of MauiGuidebook.com is to educate visitors about what to *really* expect if they choose to visit these already very well known places anyway.
Tom Campbell says:
I’ve scratched this site off of my list of places to visit in the fall. I too love the land and people, the least that I can do is pay simple respect for the culture and kama‘āina in return for the hospitality and aloha that has always been the reason that I return to these wonderful islands.
Kalai Aikane says:
I remember visiting this place many times when I was a kid growing up on Maui… very early 70’s… while it is incredible, I also agree, it should be left alone. Even when I come back to visit my homeland every so often, I know to leave well-enough alone… protect the ‘ohana and island life.
Kamana says:
This Pool is truly amazing. We went in 2004 with our cousin who has been a local for 45yrs. He knew the intimidating kanaka who’s land you have to walk across to access the fall and pool. We came back in 2012 and the locals were so upset with visitors leaving garbage and trash where ever. And even tourist who thought they were being clean was still affecting the eco system when they swam with there skin and sun tanning lotions in the pristine FRESH water. Sorry but to keep this area beautiful for future years it might be best to be just a local place only.