Seven Sacred Pools in East Maui
Are you planning for some adventure on your Maui vacation? If you'd like to make the journey to the other side of the island to see stunning jungles and waterfalls, we recommend Seven Sacred Pools, also known as the Pools at O'heo. While many say that a trip out to Hana is more about the journey than the destination, Seven Sacred is an amazing place to aim for. Here's the lowdown on what to expect!
Challenges: If you're staying at one of our West Maui condos or vacation rental homes, the drive will be about two and a half hours, so you will want to make sure you have a full tank of gas. Hana road is notoriously windy, so those who get carsick should take something beforehand, or skip out entirely. The one drawback to the jungle environment is the mosquitoes, so bring some bug spray. It can get crowded at this spot, so you may want to choose a weekday, but if you are visiting during the off season, it shouldn't be too bad.
Benefits: Incredible scenery. The drive is breathtaking, and you will pass numerous waterfalls that you can enjoy without even getting out of your car. There are also amazing ocean views, so expect to find yourself surrounded by the striking natural beauty for which Maui is known. The photo opportunities are endless. There is no charge to get in to see and swim in the pools. All you have to plan for is gas money and food, but there are a couple spots where you can stop for snacks along the way. This is a good place for kids, but be sure to supervise if you feel the terrain is a bit more rugged than what they're used to.
The pools are spread along a two mile stretch of land from the ocean inland, and fed by Pipiwai Streams. They are pleasantly staggered so that one pool feeds into the next like a multi-tiered fountain. This is particularly pronounced at the pools closer to the ocean. Aside from swimming and sight-seeing, there is also an amazing trail for hikers. It's about 4 miles, and involves a 650-foot climb that takes about 2.5-5 hours to hike. The trail ends at Waimoku Falls, which is a sheer 400 foot cascade of water down a striking wall of rock. Again, don't forget your camera, even if it's just your phone!
We hope you have an unforgettable experience all throughout your trip to Hana! Drive slow to take it all in, but be polite and pull over so that others can pass. Lastly, if you need any assistance with your accommodations, you'll find our contact information at the bottom of the page. Mahalo!