Olivine Pools
Olivine Pools
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4.0
172 reviews
Excellent
96
Very good
41
Average
21
Poor
7
Terrible
7
jujubean4
Asheville, NC515 contributions
Jan 2020
Quite frankly, I am stunned that this gorgeous location has not received all 5 star reviews! Breathtaking views of the black lava rocks and cliffs with the surf pounding and white foam spraying. Soooooo many photos and videos taken here! This is worth a visit just for the views - no need to get in the pools (can be dangerous). Just go!
Written 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KLE_Ridgefield
Ridgefield, WA146 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
1. Only drive clockwise to here, from kaanapali, then finish the loop still going clockwise. Parts of road are 1 lane and very steep/twisty/killer dropoffs with no guardrail. Some of those stretches are so long that it would be a big problem to meet a car going the other way. There are occasional doublewide spots but someone would have to back up a long way, to reach one.
2. Parking lot is small.
3. Overlook to pools is pretty but it is a steep trail to there.
4. After you walk down to overlook the pools, you are only halfway, and it is still much further down to actually get all the way down.
5. There are memorials to the dead, ecplaining why you shouldnt go down to the pools. to them.
2. Parking lot is small.
3. Overlook to pools is pretty but it is a steep trail to there.
4. After you walk down to overlook the pools, you are only halfway, and it is still much further down to actually get all the way down.
5. There are memorials to the dead, ecplaining why you shouldnt go down to the pools. to them.
Written 25 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth Loeb H
Washington DC, DC76 contributions
Nov 2020
This is a very cool place. However, the hike down is not easy and once you get there it is somewhat dangerous as a big wave could easily knock you into the sea (and has done so killing people). So if you go be aware and keep children very close. Laying in the pool with the waves crashing nearby was a wonderful experience.
Written 25 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John V
Westminster, CO677 contributions
July 2021
This is a great little unmarked hike to a gorgeous overlook of some pools and the north side of Maui. You can walk down as far as you want or go out on some ledges to get some truly magnificent views of the area. The parking lot is unmarked so make sure you know where you are going.
Written 21 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Piero C
Annapolis, MD769 contributions
June 2021 • Family
This is a good stop for people traveling counterclockwise to Lahaina and West Maui, close by the more interesting Blowhole. But it is nothing like the beautiful “Queen’s Bath” on Kaua’i to which it is often compared, lacking that spot’s polished black lava stone and ocean grandeur. Named for the green volcanic stone that is mixed into the rock here, the pools are not large and they have a rather ugly color that does not photograph well. But a nice and relatively safe place to cool off in a part of Maui that has no safe beaches.
Written 6 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dannykf
Washington, D.C.4 contributions
July 2015 • Couples
We were there last week and witnessed an entire family get swept all over the place by an enormous wave from the main pool. As the wave was about to hit the dad instructed everyone to cling to the nearest rock, but the wave was enormous and easily swooped them up. One of the kids was carried all the way from the front pool to a rock at the back close to the drop off into the ocean — about 40 feet or so — right by where we were standing. If the wave had swept him about five feet closer to the ocean he would have most definitely gone over the side and into the water below. He had cuts all over his body from being tossed around on the coral and was in serious need of a hospital. I grabbed him off the rock and began to carry him as couple other smaller but still large waves hit again. As I handed him to his dad, who had just regained his footing after being tossed around like a rag doll himself (he was not a small guy), I asked if everyone was accounted for and fortunately they were. The boy was seriously cut all over, and as I was carrying him i tripped and gashed my shin on a rock. I’m still dealing with the cut to stave off infection, so I can only imagine how his recovery has been. Luckily, another guy who was there with his family was a paramedic, so he helped patch him up.
But it was good news everybody was safe, and it was just a few feet away from going much worse.
And before it all happened we were on our way to the main pool. So if the wave had hit just a few minutes later, we ourselves would have been right in the middle of it.
I realize most people who go don’t have horror stories, and the pools are amazingly beautiful, but I hope that everyone reads this and other accounts before making the trek down there. Maui is amazing and this shouldn’t deter anyone from exploring it, but just be careful.
But it was good news everybody was safe, and it was just a few feet away from going much worse.
And before it all happened we were on our way to the main pool. So if the wave had hit just a few minutes later, we ourselves would have been right in the middle of it.
I realize most people who go don’t have horror stories, and the pools are amazingly beautiful, but I hope that everyone reads this and other accounts before making the trek down there. Maui is amazing and this shouldn’t deter anyone from exploring it, but just be careful.
Written 28 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dbartoletti
Phoenix, AZ446 contributions
July 2015 • Family
Know before you go! The Olivine Pools is an isolated area that cannot be seen from the road and is not easily accessible. The walk down to and up from this area is a steep rock field that requires good shoes. DO NOT be misled by the name "pools". This is not a pool with a life guard on duty and a well-established safety area. This is a set of coastal tidal pools that are nothing more than deep holes in the lava platform filled and fed by large ocean waves that crest the rocks around the pools. Safety of visitors at this and other remote locations is largely impacted but the weather and ocean conditions.
Enormous waves can and do hit this area without warning causing significant flooding of the pools and the surrounding lava platform bordering the ocean. While we were there a huge wave hit without warning that immediately increased the level of the water in the pools by 6 feet. We were dragged out of the pools across the rocks causing injuries that required an ER visit. In 2006 a couple was swept off the lava rock into the ocean by a large wave and drowned. Numerous other people have also reported being hurt at the pools by large waves pushing them into and/or dragging them along the lava rocks.
Cell reception is spotty or non-existent with no easy options down to or up from the pools. The closest hospital is by the airport about an hour to an hour and a half (depending on traffic) away. IF YOU GO TO THE POOLS, GO: at low tide, during good weather with a calm (no strong winds or white caps) ocean and ALWAYS keep an eye on the ocean and the waves.
The Olivine Pools are like many of the more remote sites in Maui and the Hawaiian islands. They are fun to visit and inspiring to see but they are natural sites with no manufactured safety precautions. It’s no different than going to a remote site in a forest, mountains, etc. BEFORE YOU GO to this or other remote sites…..check the weather (e.g., large wave advisories), wear good shoes and proper clothes (lots of wind + sundress = fun views for others), be safe and take precautions, use common sense and have a HEALTHY respect for nature and what it can do.
Enormous waves can and do hit this area without warning causing significant flooding of the pools and the surrounding lava platform bordering the ocean. While we were there a huge wave hit without warning that immediately increased the level of the water in the pools by 6 feet. We were dragged out of the pools across the rocks causing injuries that required an ER visit. In 2006 a couple was swept off the lava rock into the ocean by a large wave and drowned. Numerous other people have also reported being hurt at the pools by large waves pushing them into and/or dragging them along the lava rocks.
Cell reception is spotty or non-existent with no easy options down to or up from the pools. The closest hospital is by the airport about an hour to an hour and a half (depending on traffic) away. IF YOU GO TO THE POOLS, GO: at low tide, during good weather with a calm (no strong winds or white caps) ocean and ALWAYS keep an eye on the ocean and the waves.
The Olivine Pools are like many of the more remote sites in Maui and the Hawaiian islands. They are fun to visit and inspiring to see but they are natural sites with no manufactured safety precautions. It’s no different than going to a remote site in a forest, mountains, etc. BEFORE YOU GO to this or other remote sites…..check the weather (e.g., large wave advisories), wear good shoes and proper clothes (lots of wind + sundress = fun views for others), be safe and take precautions, use common sense and have a HEALTHY respect for nature and what it can do.
Written 4 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DenverKgirl
Austin, TX16 contributions
Feb 2015 • Friends
Please be careful with your valuables when hiking down to the pools. Two cars were broken into (windows shattered) while we were there and another one the day before. Do no leave any valuables in your car.
Written 6 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JenniferFleeson
New Brighton, PA14 contributions
Stunning? Yes! Killer views? Yes! Possible killer waves? Yep, got that too. Is this real? Sure is.
But so is the delicate ecosystem of the pools. I've been there a total of 9 times and each time I return, the condition of the "ecosystem" has diminished. Sure there are still lots of little fish to be seen...under the sheen of oil floating on top of the water. This never used to be there. Yes, fresh water gets washed in with each large surge but for the last several times I've been there, the oil hasn't washed out. Please think about that before you slather that dangerous sunscreen on your body right before jumping in. Try using a rash guard with UV protection instead. I'm terrified to see what will become of the water and sea life here if this practice of sunscreen use continues. I love this spot and I want to someday bring my grandchildren here, as I'm sure everyone does who has been touched by the beauty and rawness of this little oasis. Mahalo to those who read this and think twice before using sunscreen in the pools.
But so is the delicate ecosystem of the pools. I've been there a total of 9 times and each time I return, the condition of the "ecosystem" has diminished. Sure there are still lots of little fish to be seen...under the sheen of oil floating on top of the water. This never used to be there. Yes, fresh water gets washed in with each large surge but for the last several times I've been there, the oil hasn't washed out. Please think about that before you slather that dangerous sunscreen on your body right before jumping in. Try using a rash guard with UV protection instead. I'm terrified to see what will become of the water and sea life here if this practice of sunscreen use continues. I love this spot and I want to someday bring my grandchildren here, as I'm sure everyone does who has been touched by the beauty and rawness of this little oasis. Mahalo to those who read this and think twice before using sunscreen in the pools.
Written 6 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
joelanai
Smyrna, TN33 contributions
Feb 2018 • Solo
I've lived in Maui County for over 25 years, so I am familiar with many of the "must see" areas of Maui. The "Olivine Pools" area is a beautiful place to see and photograph, but I can't recommend that anyone actually swim in the pools. People have died here when unexpected waves come crashing up over the rocks into the pools. There is a marker, on the trail to the pools, for a young man who died in this area. You will also notice a cross erected on the rocks right next to the pools. Even when it seems relatively calm, a rogue wave can come out of nowhere and wreak havoc with anyone unfortunate enough to be in the pools at the time. This is one of those places that, unfortunately, no matter how many warnings are given... people still try to push their luck. I've included an aerial photo that shows powerful waves crashing into the pools. The risk of swimming in the pools is just too great... at anytime... especially for those unfamiliar with unpredictable ocean waves around Hawaii. My best advice is to take photos of this beautiful place, but stay out of the water!
Written 21 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The man I and my children saw die today after 20 min of being face down and limp is in critical condition. Prayers to his family and witnesses this experienced touched today. Please research the " olivine pools" which locals and natives call by a different name and don't go out there doe a REASON READ READ READ WARNINGS PEOPLE HAVE DIED HERE. MANY MANY PEOPLE!!!
Written 29 June 2017
My daughter's good friend was swept away at the Olivine Pools by a rogue wave on Monday, Jan 23, 2017, this year. She keeps thinking he can still be alive, even tho searchers have been looking now for 3 days and now found him. I think he's at the bottom of the ocean somewhere. How cold is the water there now?
I don't see how he could still be alive.
Written 26 January 2017
Wow..Best of luck to your daughter, and especially to her friend's family. It could be a devastating experience.
Written 6 April 2017
People have been killed being on the ocean side even during calm weather. There are often rogue waves. Please don't encourage that even int he slightest. Many people have died there.
Written 19 November 2016
Please don't encourage people to stand on the far edge, many people have died and been seriously injured doing that. Its very very unsafe. And anyone who does it is risking their lives.
Written 19 November 2016
Clearly you have misunderstood what I wrote. I am not encouraging anybody to do anything stupid. Not sure how you interpreted what I wrote to encourage people to stand on the far edge and risk their lives. Anyways, hope you enjoyed the pools!
Written 27 November 2016
I know SPG as Starwood Preferred Guest; Sheraton Hotels, Westin, Aloft, etc.
Written 30 June 2016
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