swim in the olivine pool

One of the best things to do while exploring West Maui is to spend some time at the Olivine Pools.  These swimmable tide pools are a perfect way to spend a few hours in the serenity of the rugged natural West Maui coastline as you experience this part of the island.

This isn’t one of the most strenuous hikes that Maui has to offer but it can be difficult due to the steepness and terrain.

So if you’re looking for a “turtle beach” in Maui, Hookipa Beach can be it!

Respect the honu. Honu means turtle, more specifically, it refers to the green sea turtle. We take the safety of turtles very seriously, show the turtles respect, allow them to rest in peace, and try not to bother them or get too close to them. Mahalo. 

swim in the olivine pool

One of the best things to do while exploring West Maui is to spend some time at the Olivine Pools.  These swimmable tide pools are a perfect way to spend a few hours in the serenity of the rugged natural West Maui coastline as you experience this part of the island.

This isn’t one of the most strenuous hikes that Maui has to offer but it can be difficult due to the steepness and terrain.

So if you’re looking for a “turtle beach” in Maui, Hookipa Beach can be it!

Respect the honu. Honu means turtle, more specifically, it refers to the green sea turtle. We take the safety of turtles very seriously, show the turtles respect, allow them to rest in peace, and try not to bother them or get too close to them. Mahalo. 

what are the olivine pools?

The Olivine Pools are tide pools formed by lava along the ocean’s edge on the back-side of West Maui. Dramatic from above, the Olivine tide pools are located on barren lava rock. This stretch of lava rock is in a remote area that has no sandy beaches or easy water access.

In order to get to the Olivine Pools, you must hike 0.4 miles down a sloped cliff to get to the waters edge.  This should take around 20-30 minutes.  The hike to get down to the Maui Olivine pools is moderately difficult largely due to jagged and in some places fairly steep lava rock.  Also the pine needles and sand/dirt make the trail at points slippery as you come up and as you go down.

There are several worn trails leading to the pools, making rough “steps” so it isn’t exceedingly difficult.  Elders and children may have a tough time getting down and back up from the ocean pools if they struggle for balance.  If you fall or teeter, there is nothing to grab onto and the lava rock is sharp and jagged.

what are the olivine pools?

The Olivine Pools are tide pools formed by lava along the ocean’s edge on the back-side of West Maui. Dramatic from above, the Olivine tide pools are located on barren lava rock. This stretch of lava rock is in a remote area that has no sandy beaches or easy water access.

In order to get to the Olivine Pools, you must hike 0.4 miles down a sloped cliff to get to the waters edge.  This should take around 20-30 minutes.  The hike to get down to the Maui Olivine pools is moderately difficult largely due to jagged and in some places fairly steep lava rock.  Also the pine needles and sand/dirt make the trail at points slippery as you come up and as you go down.

There are several worn trails leading to the pools, making rough “steps” so it isn’t exceedingly difficult.  Elders and children may have a tough time getting down and back up from the ocean pools if they struggle for balance.  If you fall or teeter, there is nothing to grab onto and the lava rock is sharp and jagged.

where are the olivine pools?

The Maui Olivine Pools are located on the backside of West Maui. A good plan You can stop by 

Just after mile marker 40 (on Highway 30) is where you will park to start the small hike down to the Olivine Pools.  If coming from the South you will see a huge rock on themauka (right) hand side of the road and parking will be directly after you pass the rock on the makai (left) hand side of the road.

The parking area is just a worn dirt patch. If you come later in the day you won’t miss it as there will be a pile of cars parked along side the road.  In my opinion this kind of takes away the lure of off-the-beaten path Maui.

It is also important to note the parking area is a hot-spot for smash-and-grab thieves – bring valuables with you to the pools, and leave the car unlocked to avoid broken glass.

If you come early around 7 am or in the late afternoon it will be possible to avoid the crowds.  This is a great spot to catch sunrise on West Maui.  I went to the Olivine Pools recently around 7 am and we were the only ones there and the island is packed right now.  We were able to fly the drone and get amazing shots with no one in it.

where are the olivine pools?

The Maui Olivine Pools are located on the backside of West Maui. A good plan You can stop by 

Just after mile marker 40 (on Highway 30) is where you will park to start the small hike down to the Olivine Pools.  If coming from the South you will see a huge rock on themauka (right) hand side of the road and parking will be directly after you pass the rock on the makai (left) hand side of the road.

The parking area is just a worn dirt patch. If you come later in the day you won’t miss it as there will be a pile of cars parked along side the road.  In my opinion this kind of takes away the lure of off-the-beaten path Maui.

It is also important to note the parking area is a hot-spot for smash-and-grab thieves – bring valuables with you to the pools, and leave the car unlocked to avoid broken glass.

If you come early around 7 am or in the late afternoon it will be possible to avoid the crowds.  This is a great spot to catch sunrise on West Maui.  I went to the Olivine Pools recently around 7 am and we were the only ones there and the island is packed right now.  We were able to fly the drone and get amazing shots with no one in it.

You can stop by The Island Fresh Café to grab one of our tropical fruit, drinks or maybe some Hawaiian food for the road

You can stop by The Island Fresh Café to grab one of our tropical fruit, drinks or maybe some Hawaiian food for the road

Thank you for interest in joining our community!

Suscribe with your email and recieve updates for the Island Fresh Café. We will get you know about our island Maui and what’s new at the Café! Discounts, specials and much more!

Thank you for interest in joining our community!

Suscribe with your email and recieve updates for the Island Fresh Café. We will get you know about our island Maui and what’s new at the Café! Discounts, specials and much more!