Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DIVINE, YES. SACRED, NO.
Back in the 1970s ʻOheʻo Gulch was dubbed the ʻSeven Sacred Pools' as part of a
tourism promotion and the term lives on today, still floating around freely, much to
the chagrin of park officials. It's a complete misnomer since there are 24 pools in
all, extending from the ocean to Waimoku Falls, and they were never sacred - but
they certainly are divine.
The waters once supported a large Hawaiian settlement that cultivated sweet
potatoes and taro in terraced gardens beside the stream. Archaeologists have
identified the stone remains of more than 700 ancient structures at ʻOheʻo.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Kipahulu Area (ʻOheʻo Gulch)
There's more to Haleakalā National Park than the cindery summit. The park extends
down the southeast face of the volcano all the way to the sea. The crowning glory of its
Kipahulu section is ʻOheʻo Gulch with its magnificent waterfalls and wide pools, each
one tumbling into the next one below. When the sun shines, these cool glistening pools
make the most inviting swimming holes on Maui.
Because there's no access between the Kipahulu section of the park and the main
Haleakalā summit area, you'll be visiting the two sections of the park on different days.
So hold on to your ticket - it's good for both sections of the park.
Sights & Activities
Lower Pools
HIKING, SWIMMING
MAP
First on your agenda should be the
Kuloa Point Trail
, a half-mile loop from the visitor
center down along the lower pools and back. These large freshwater pools are terraced
one atop the other and connected by gentle cascades. They're usually calm and great for
swimming, their cool waters refreshingly brisk. The second big pool below the bridge is
a favorite swimming hole.
However, be aware: conditions can change in a heartbeat. Heavy rains falling far away
on the upper slopes can bring a sudden torrent through the pools at any time. If the water
starts to rise, get out immediately; several people have been swept out to sea by flash
