ALOHA!
So if you want to see tide pools during your stay on Lanai, then there are some pretty easy to access tide pools that you can get to!
Hulopoe Beach is the main beach on Lanai, and it’s from here that you can walk to the tide pools.
The location of these tide pools generally makes this a calm area. Still, it could be better to keep anything you want to stay dry up above the stairs, just in case a rogue wave comes through and washes up further than you expect!
There are no lifeguards at Hulopoe Bay, which means there are no lifeguards near the Hulopoe tide pools. Dangers of Hulopoe Bay include a dangerous shorebreak and strong current.
Enter the Lanai tide pools at your own risk. Lava rocks are slippery when wet. For your own safety, don’t jump into the tide pools, and don’t jump into the ocean.
Also, water shoes can be helpful when you go to the tide pools! Walking across lava rocks barefoot can be rough on the feet. Water shoes can be among the everyday essentials when you’re out and about in Hawaii!
How did these Lanai tide pools come to be?
According to the people of Lanai, the lava rock of this area was carved out to create a safe(r) ocean pool for kids! As described by the informational sign near the Hulopoe Bay tide pools:
At the base of the steps is a larger pool which was actually made in 1951 during the seven-month long pineapple strike.
During the strike, Hawaiian Pineapple Company employees engaged in a number of community service projects, one of which included the creation of the pond to serve as a safe place for children to swim.
The pond is referred to as “keiki pond” by island residents.
keiki = child. See more common Hawaiian words that you are likely to hear during a trip to Hawaii!
More below on how to get to the Hulopoe Bay tide pools on Lanai!
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Side note!
Here's some info on Hawaii trip prep!
- Maui to Lanai ferry (watch for whales during whale season!)
- Things to do in West Maui (amazing views!)
- The big list of 50+ things to do on Maui (mostly free and outdoors!)
- What to pack for Hawaii (Hawaii essentials!)
👇 Explore the Lanai map on google maps!
So now…
How to get to the Hulopoe Bay tide pools
There are basically 2 ways that you can get to the Hulopoe Bay tide pools.
No matter which way you take, you’ll be walking alongside Hulopoe Bay to get to these Lanai tide pools.
1. Start off by taking the Puu Pehe Trail and take the stairs down to the tide pools.
The Puupehe Trail is the trail to Sweetheart Rock.
2. Stay at sea level and walk from Hulopoe Beach across the lava rocks to get to the tide pools.
Either way you choose to get to these Lanai tide pools, you’ll start off on the left side of the Hulopoe Beach as you are facing the ocean. This is the eastern side of Hulopoe Bay, and it’s on the side that is NOT where Four Seasons Lanai is located. Instead, you will see the Four Season from the tide pools across the bay!
The side of the tide pools is also the side that’s considered to be the best snorkeling at Hulopoe Beach.
And then if you’re interested in some more coastal hiking on Lanai, you can continue onwards on the Puu Pehe Trail to first get to Uolokeahi Point, and then onwards to the Puu Pehe Overlook where you can see Lanai’s famous landmark of Sweetheart Rock!
And that’s a bit about making a visit to the famous tide pools in Lanai!
Explore the other side of Hulopoe Bay too with a coastal hike on the Fisherman’s Trail!
And more things to do in Lanai!
HAPPY VISIT TO THE HULOPOE TIDE POOLS!
See the list:
- Things to do on Lanai
- Maui to Lanai ferry
- Things to do on Maui (for VIEWS!)
- Things to do in Haleakala National Park
- Road to Hana stops (for views!)
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Top things to pack for your Hawaii vacation!
The ultimate beach towel for travel?!
Turkish towels are considered to be more absorbent and lightweight than your average beach towel. Be sure to check out turkish towels like these!Get your suitcase more organized!
Packing cubes can make it so you're spending less time on your vacation looking for things! They are basically a form of drawers in your suitcase. Take a look at these packing cubes.The cheapo way to waterproof your phone
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- How a cheapo waterproof phone case works
- Why wear water shoes for the beach
- Why a personal swim buoy is an essential for snorkeling and swimming in the ocean
- Essentials to pack for Hawaii
- Best shoes for Hawaii