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Discover These Best Hot Springs in Hawaii Before They’re Gone!

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Best Hot Springs in Hawaii

Are you looking for the best hot springs in Hawaii? You may be surprised! Although Hawaii is full of volcanic activity, it does not have traditional hot springs. Instead, there are warm springs and tide pools.

In this article, you will find more information about these unconventional heated soaking experiences. Due to the 2018 volcanic eruption, some of the most popular hot springs in Hawaii were already destroyed.

So, don’t miss out on the opportunity to soak in the hidden gems on this list, they may not be there on your next visit!

best places to visit in Hawaii islands

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Are there hot springs in Hawaii?

Although traditional hot springs are not common in Hawaii, there are warm springs and tide pools, which are the areas where water is trapped by rocks when the tide goes out. The outer shells of these igneous rock trap heat from sunlight and keeps the water warm, especially during the summer months.

1. Pohoiki Hot Springs – Isaac Hale Park, Big Island of Hawaii

Pohoiki Hot Springs is one of the newest hot springs in Hawaii and in the world – as it was recently created and transformed by the 2018 volcanic eruption! Located in the Isaac Hale Beach Park on the Puna Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, Pohoki Hot Spring offers visitors not only a chance to soak in thermal water but also the opportunity to experience a black sand beach.

The black sand beach was created by lava flows, and if you have never seen a black sand beach before, this is a must-see! The view is stunning and it is one of the most accessible black sand beaches on the island. Isaac Hale Beach Park is approximately 30 miles from Hilo, and there is a paved road that leads directly to the beach.

There are currently two thermal ponds, one near the parking lot and the other warmer one further away in the jungle, providing the much-needed shade and privacy for visitors. The average temperature of the hot springs is around 95 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, which is perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.

It is noteworthy to experience Pohoiki Hot Springs now, as the area constantly changes with tides and volcanic activity. If you come back later, you may notice drastic changes in the scenery, and the hot springs may no longer be available.

Note: Because bacteria can grow in warm water, it is recommended that you avoid using the spring if you have any open cuts or injuries.

Overall, Pohoiki Hot Springs is a great place to visit. Surrounded by tropical plants, you’ll feel like you’re a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. After soaking, you can enjoy a picnic by the beach with amazing views.

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2. The Seven Sacred Pools of Oheo – Maui, Hawaii

The Seven Sacred Pools of Oheo are famous natural wonders located in the Oheo Gulch area of Haleakala National Park, just a fifteen-minute drive south of Hana on Highway 31. Formed by igneous rock, these pools are filled with river water that has been heated by the sun. Although these pools are not technically hot springs, the Seven Sacred Pools offer a unique and relaxing soaking experience.

There is a $10 fee per car to enter the park, but since Oheo is part of the Haleakala National Park, you can use the same receipt to get to Haleakala Summit, a dormant volcano that last erupted between the 15th and 17th centuries. The Haleakala Summit is perfect for hiking, biking, camping, and catching sunrises or sunsets of a lifetime.

If you want to visit the Pools of Oheo/Seven Sacred Pools or Haleakala National Park in general, you want to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds. If you want to watch the sunrise from the summit, make sure you obtain a permit in advance or join a sunrise tour – the park requires reservations for watching the sunrise to avoid overcrowding in the area.

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3. Queen’s Bath – Kauai, Hawaii

Queen’s Bath is the result of a collapsed lava tube, forming a natural oceanside tide pool. Even though it is not a traditional hot springs in Hawaii, the shells of the tide pools are igneous rocks that trap the heat of the sun, just like the Seven Sacred Pools of Oheo in Maui.

Queen’s Bath is the size of a big swimming pool with crystal clear water and gorgeous views of the ocean. You can access the pool by following an easy hiking trail for about 8 to 10 minutes. The best time to visit Queen’s Bath would be late spring and summer when the water is the warmest.

Make sure you pay attention to the safety warnings at the trailhead and do not enter if the gates are closed, as that means there may be high surf waves coming.

4. Kapoho Tide Pools – Big Island of Hawaii

While Kapoho tide pools in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park were once a popular destination for hot springs lovers and visitors to Hawaii, the 2018 eruption of Kīlauea put an end to that. All of the tide pools in the park are now buried under 60 feet of volcanic rock.

Nevertheless, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is still a worthwhile destination to add to your itinerary, where you can witness stunning views of craters that experienced thousands of earthquakes, explosive rockfalls, lava lake, and more.

Note: There is an eruption at Kilauea Volcano which began in late 2020 and still going on. If you’re in the area, don’t miss the opportunity to witness this event!

🌋Safely Watch Lava Flow from Active Volcano in Hawaii with this Small-Group Tour!

Best place to visit in Big Island of Hawaii

5. Millionaires Pond in Ahalanui Park – Big Island of Hawaii

Nestled in the Ahalanui Park, the Millionaires are one of Hawaii’s best-kept secrets. Flowing out into a warm pond, the springs offer visitors a chance to relax and soak in the healing waters.

Unfortunately, the Millionaires Pond in Ahalanui Park was destroyed in 2018 due to lava flow from the lower Puna eruption of the Kilauea volcano.

The Wrap Up: Best Hot Springs in Hawaii

The 2018 eruption of Kīlauea put an end to some of the best hot springs in Hawaii, so the best option left on the Big Island of Hawaii is currently the Pohoiki Hot Springs in Isaac Hale Park. The area is constantly changing, and especially with the current active state of Kilauea Volcano, it’s hard to say how long the Pohoiki Hot Springs will be available.

On the other hand, there are other warm springs and tide pools in Hawaii that are perfect for soaking and relaxing such as Queen’s Bath in Kauai and the Pools of Oheo at Haleakala National Park in Maui. Although they are not the traditional hot springs that you’d expect to see in Hawaii, they are beautiful natural wonders with warm waters heated by sunlight trapped in igneous rock from lava.

Hawaii Travel Resources

  1. How to Tour Hawaii & Do More Things for Less Money $$$
    • List of the best things to do in Oahu and how to maximize the value of Go Oahu Pass
  2. How to Find the Best Hawaiian Luau in Oahu, Hawaii
    • Reviews of the best Hawaiian Luaus in Oahu and tips to get the best experiences
  3. Hawaii Without a Car — Should You Rent a Moped?
    • Itineraries and tips to cope with the rental car shortage in Hawaii
  4. Best Places to Visit in 6 Major Hawaii Islands
    • Hawaii Travel Guide to help you pick the best Hawaii islands for your visit
  5. Best Beaches in Oahu, Hawaii for Snorkeling & Swimming with Sea Turtles
    • List of the best beaches in Oahu and visiting tips for you to spot green sea turtles!
  6. Kualoa Ranch Tours: Which One is Worth Visiting?
    • A complete guide and review of Kualoa Ranch tours and activities
  7. Polynesian Cultural Center Luau Review, Ticket Discount & Visiting Tips
    • A complete guide and review of the Polynesian Cultural Center
  8. 125+ Best Hawaii Quotes for Instagram Captions!
    • Get inspired with the best quotes to capture your Hawaiian experience on social media!