ALOHA!
While this post focuses on the dangers at a specific location in Hawaii, the situation is not unique to this spot and the danger exists in many spots across Maui and the rest of the Hawaiian islands.
So the Olivine Pools are one of the popular tourist spots in West Maui.
It’s a bit of a hike over rocks to get down.
This spot can also be deadly. There have been many deaths and injuries at the Olivine Pools. (There are must-see videos below of people who had close-calls with rogue waves.)
I think it is still worth a visit to see the Olivine Pools. (“See” being the operative word!)
You can see the beautiful rugged coastline of Maui just by doing a little of the Olivine Pools Trail. (See more of what to do along the far northern shores of West Maui while you’re around here too!)
These lava rock pools are also a known tourist spot for swimming. And that’s the part that you might want to think further. It could be considered a risk if you do go swimming in the Olivine Pools.
What makes the Olivine Pools dangerous?
When you go to do the hike down to the Olivine Pools, you will see a sign at the beginning of the trailhead.
The ocean is hazardous under any conditions and may cause injury or death.
The following hazardous conditions may exist:
Slippery rocks
High surf
Wave on ledge
Strong currents
What could be the biggest danger of Maui’s famous tide pools?
Answer: Rogue waves
This is an area in which something called a “rogue wave” is very possible. It’s also an area where waves can be strong. As long as you don’t get too close, it can even be a sight to see the waves crashing into the nearby cliffs and lava rocks.
But that beauty can also be deadly.
The Olivine Pools are quite literally right next to the ocean. And basically, waves can come right over these pools.
This means that the pools can seem calm, but then suddenly a wave can come crashing over them.
Rogue waves at this specific location have made it on the news.
Here’s a news report in the video below. (Not a video of the rogue waves – see further below for that.)
The worst case scenario is being swept out into the ocean. And this has actually happened, more than once.
People have actually died due to such rogue waves, and there have been injuries as well.
In one case, a dad died after he jumped into the ocean to save his daughter who got knocked over by a rogue wave.
Know that there’s a risk if you decide to swim here!
Another sign you’ll see near the start of the trailhead is a message from the family of someone who died at these very tide pools.
What this family wants you to know:
These pools are very beautiful but they are extremely dangerous.
We do not want anyone else lost at this site.
Any risk is too big to wager on any life.
Please be aware, these pools are the grave site of many.
They are unsafe even for the experienced traveler.
🌴
Here are some ideas for your time on Maui!
Among the most popular things to do on Maui are Haleakala National Park, the Road to Hana, and Waianapanapa State Park!
For Haleakala National Park, the most famous spot is the Haleakala summit at high altitude of 10,000+ feet! For an epic hike, you will want to be sure to do the Sliding Sands Trail to hike into a crater with a volcanic desert landscape.
Most people do the Road to Hana as a day trip. There are so many Road to Hana stops that it can turn into a really long day. You can make it into a more relaxing 2-day trip by staying overnight in Hana at the Waianapanapa State Park cabins (bring your own everything) or the Hyatt Hana!
Waianapanapa State Park is home to the best black sand beach on Maui. (Reservations required.) You may also want to hike the Waianapanapa Coastal Trail so you can see lava fields with ocean views!
Some more of the best Maui hikes with views you need to see are the Pipiwai Trail (bamboo forest!), Waihee Ridge Trail, and Kapalua Coastal Trail.
Also head to West Maui to see the famous blowhole of Maui, the Nakalele Blowhole.
Read more for your Hawaii trip prep:
Save the Maui video playlist to watch on youtube later!
IMPORTANT!!! If you wanted to see the famous Iao Valley in the West Maui Mountains, unfortunately it will be closed through April 2023. Check the Hawaii State Parks website to confirm.
Now…
CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Almost being swept out to sea by a rogue wave at the olivine pools
Now, here are 2 videos which display the true power of the ocean.
The video below starts in the middle and you’ll soon see the rogue wave after the intro. No one was hurt. Seriously, WATCH THIS!
And the video below shows another rogue wave coming over the Olivine Pools. Watch this one too to see the crazy wave that came over. You need to watch through the end. It seems like no one was seriously injured by this wave.
So, the ocean can be dangerous especially at the Olivine Pools on Maui!
But this is not a reason to stay completely away!
It can still be a relatively safe visit without going all the way down to near sea level (aka what could be seen as the very risky part). Or you could even hike down, just don’t get too close to the edge!
It would be best to stay on dry rock, as that would be a better indication that waves haven’t touched there, although just because it’s dry near the edge doesn’t mean the next rogue wave couldn’t hit it.
Rogue waves have also been deadly down the coastline at the famous Nakalele blowhole spot, so be aware there too. Basically, don’t get too close to the edge where ocean waves can come crashing over.
And, this part of West Maui means beautiful views, including the drive to the Olivine Pools!
The parking area for the trail to the Olivine Pools is unmarked but it’s right along the highway.
See more of what to do near the Olivine Pools in the northern West Maui part of this list!
If you are looking for a way to spend your day that will keep you somewhat active, you can make it a day trip to West Maui with a bunch of shorter walks along with the hike to the Olivine Pools:
- Hike to the Nakalele blowhole
- Hike the Ohai Loop Trail
- Walk to the Kahakuloa Bay overlook (or drive to it)
- Hike the Dragon’s Teeth Trail
- Hike the Kapalua Coastal Trail
Plus, if you are interested in the Olivine Pools, then you may also be interested in these top activities on Maui:
- Kapalua Coastal Trail
- Waihee Ridge Trail
- Iao Valley lookout
- How to spend one day in the West Maui Mountains
- Pipiwai Trail
- Driving to the Haleakala summit
- Sliding Sands Trail
- Hoapili Trail
- Best of Maui hiking
STAY SAFE DURING YOUR VISIT TO THE OLIVINE POOLS!
See the list:
- Things to do on Maui (for VIEWS!)
- Things to do in Haleakala National Park
- Road to Hana stops (for views!)
- Things to do on Lanai
- Maui to Lanai ferry
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