I didn’t know much about the Hawaii tide pools on Big Island until I read the information booklet our Airbnb host prepared. Turned out, Pahoa (the area where we were staying) has some of the best tide pools in Hawaii – and they are all easily accessible!
Ahalanui Park
Ahalanui is a very special tide pool – it’s thermal heated!
I was ready to jump in but Mike forgot to bring his swimwear.
“What…I thought you put it in the bag together with our goggles…”
“No…I thought you said we were going back home first…”
“I’ll wait for you here, you go swim!”
“No…/_\ (what’s the fun in playing in a tide pool by myself!)”
So I ended up just dipping my feet in the pool for a bit. It really was warm!
{Ahalanui Park} Facilities: Picnic tables, BBQ tables, toilets, carpark Main feature: thermal heated pool Where is it: See map below
Kapoho Tidepools
After we got Mike’s swimwear from our cabin, we decided to check out another tide pool in the area. We picked Kapoho because our host said it’s their favourite tide pools in the area.
The only access to the tide pools seemed to be through a private compound by foot. We parked our cars outside in the designated area and followed the well-paved roads. After you see this Aloha welcome sign, just keep walking straight.
Soon, you will see directions on the roads.
No cars allowed. Walk-ins welcome.
I understand the temptation to take shortcuts especially on a hot day, but trespassing is a no-no!
Voila. The tide pools were absolutely beautiful and clear as crystal.

The ponds here were nick-named champagne pools because snorkelling here feels like snorkelling in a chilled glass of champagne. Very poetic.
{Kapok Tidepools} Facilities: None. Main feature: Lots of tide pools to choose from. Where is it: See map below.
Other tide pools in the area
Here are the tide pool information our Airbnb host prepared.
Wanna see more of Hawaii? Check out my other blog posts:
Big Island
- 【Kona】.::You, me, palm tree and sunset::.
- 【Kahaluu Bay】.::Snorkelling in the nature’s aquarium::.
- 【South Point】.::The southernmost point of the United States of America::.
- 【Punaluu Beach】 (aka Black Beach Hawaii) .::Bah bah black beach have you any turtles::.
- 【Mauna Kea】.::Sunset able the sea of clouds::.
- 【Hawaii Volcano – Lava tour】.::WE POKED RED HOT LIVE FLOWING LAVA::.
- 【Nature’s Cottage】.::a very unique Airbnb experience::.
- 【Tide Pools】.::Crystal clear champagne tide pools::.
- 【Big Island Food】.::Bubba Gump, Splasher’s Grill, Pele’s, L&L, LuQuin’s, Cafe 100::.
Oahu
- 【Hanauma Bay】.::Snorkelling before the sun comes out::.
- 【Chinaman’s Hat & Kualoa Ranch】.::The ocean’s hat and Jurassic Park::.
- 【Polynesian Centre Luau】.::Hula without coconut bikini?::.
- 【Dole Plantation】.::Sweet pineapple and delicious Dole Whip ice cream::.
- 【Oahu Food】.::Teddy’s, Helena’s Hawaiian Food, Duke’s at Waikiki, Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, Macky’s Shrimp Truck, Ted’s Bakery, Popeye, Ramen Nakamura::.
- 【Airbnb】.::A very chic retreat::.