The Kūloa Point Trail begins at the mouth of ‘Ohe’o Gulch. This trail is popular because it walks to a viewing area of the Seven Sacred Pools, or Pools of ‘Ohe’o, in Haleakala National Park on Maui. This hike runs only about a half mile roundtrip and is definitely worth the effort it takes to see the pools.
Trailhead
The Kūloa Point Trail to the pools starts at the Kīpahulu Visitor Center just south of Hana. It is about 12 miles from the town of Hana to this area of Haleakala National Park. The Kūloa Point Trail begins at the same trailhead used for the hike to Waimoku Falls, which is called Pipiwai Trail. Just after leaving the parking lot to the north, the trail splits. There is a sign that directs you to the left for the longer waterfall hike, or to the right to the pools.
The river is the same, so as it comes down from the waterfall to the ocean, it forms the seven pools. These can sort of be seen from the road above, but there is really no place to pull out, so you should drive into the parking lot for the short hike. However, you will have to present a National Park Pass or pay the entrance fee.
Historical Artifacts
The trail heads down toward the shore, but it is not a steep or difficult path. On the right, you’ll pass a few ancient Hawaiian artifacts. Honestly, they weren’t very interesting, and the signage is basically there to tell you not to touch or disturb them.
Pools of ‘Ohe’o
Within a quarter mile, you come to the edge of the small ravine that opens to the ocean. The water is perilous far below on the beach, but you don’t want to go down there anyway. It is much prettier to see the pools from the trail. They are linked by small waterfalls that fall from pool to pool as the river makes its way down to the ocean.
We also recommend getting as far toward the ocean as possible. This gives the best camera angle for looking back up the mountain toward the pools. It is still tricky to get a great shot of the pools, but we loved seeing how they were all connected. There are several trails that branch off the main trail that allow you to get closer to the ocean and pools. Don’t try to leave the trail system and go down to the pools though as swimming or wading is forbidden (2025). Check the National Park website for current status.
The Kūloa Point Trail is mostly flat and very easy. It is a great hike for families. This part of Haleakala gets very hot and humid, so be prepared with water for all of your hikes. For other family-friendly hikes, check out our Haleakala Kid Hikes Guide.
