Kapoho Tide Pools
Kapoho Tide Pools
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
779 reviews
Excellent
538
Very good
167
Average
46
Poor
15
Terrible
13
Rafterian
Sacramento, CA30 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
Due to the 2018 eruption, access no longer exists. Tide pools are now under 60 feet of volcanic rock.
If you turn left at the cement blocks, after driving through the gloomy lava fields, you can follow the road through the jungle and find a spot or two to walk to the cliffs and enjoy the ocean view. That road essentially leads right back to Pāhoa.
If you turn left at the cement blocks, after driving through the gloomy lava fields, you can follow the road through the jungle and find a spot or two to walk to the cliffs and enjoy the ocean view. That road essentially leads right back to Pāhoa.
Written November 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jim K
Keaau, HI2 contributions
Dec 2020
This was a fantastic snorkel area about 8 ft deep max and loaded with plate type corrals. All buried now under several feet of new lava (and are really tough hike to get to). Bummer !
Written December 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mike H
Phoenix, AZ2,036 contributions
Jan 2020
Give it a three just for the drive but the pools are gone now so unless you want to see a lava field head to someplace else.
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
happy4travel
Northern California1,290 contributions
Nov 2019
We loved our trip to Hawaii, can’t wait for more! The family was thrilled! The kids only got out of the pool for dinner! Next year for sure! 🌴🌺😍
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Timothy D
Suzhou, China648 contributions
Dec 2019
We drove there from Hilo. A nice day drive through lava fields and an amazing jungle just after where we were supposed to turn off to the pools; however, the road to the pools doesn’t exist since the recent eruption. They’re apparently 60 feet below the lava now.
Written December 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Daniel S
San Diego, CA6 contributions
Nov 2019
This very unique snorkeling spot is now under two feet of lava. Another treasure lost but another will surely develop.
Written November 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
EllyJ77
Kailua-Kona, HI3 contributions
Nov 2018 • Friends
They were beautiful. The Kilauea eruption of 2018 took them out. They are now under 60 feet of lava and the new shoreline is out a mile. Very sad.
Written October 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Compass39928523202
4 contributions
May 2019
These pools are now gone, buried under lava from the 2018 Kilauea eruption. Very disappointing, as these were apparently very nice before :(
Written May 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jim S
Bellevue, WA65 contributions
Jun 2018 • Solo
Kapoho Tide Pools used to be my all-time favorite snorkeling spot...it was magical. Unfortunately the 2018 eruption of Kilauea that destroyed hundreds of homes also buried these tide pools in 50 feet of lava. Don't try to snorkel there.
Written May 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shelley B
Coarsegold, CA100 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
The latest 2018 Kiluea covered the tide pools. It’s is very sad how the lava flowed to the sea. If you want to see the lava first hand, then head this direction- even out to Isaac Hale Park.
Written February 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Since there are no more tide pools here, where might one go for another tide pool location on the island? Kids are a big fan of the marine life within the tide pools. TIA!
Shelley B
Coarsegold, CA100 contributions
I’m not sure. We didn’t encounter any on that side of the island.
Dianna O
Columbia, MO84 contributions
Can you still go to these tide pools with the recent eruptions? It is Sunday, May 20, and our gps says we can still there but I trust folks on TripAdvisor. Thanks.
andrewoldtiger
Berkeley, CA22 contributions
Yes I have been there several times so know the geography well. Do not even dream of going there now. Ali access and exit roads have been destroyed. People already evacuated, except idiots who are now trapped.The biggest current lava flow has reached the tide pool area. I do not know specifically which houses have already been destroyed. But they probably all will be since the flow is half mile wide !
Reneezy B
8 contributions
Aloha! I just discovered this place in a guidebook and I would love to visit when I am there. However, the author said it was a gated community that you needed a passcode for to get to the champagne ponds. Is this still true? None of the reviews mention this. If not, is it easy to find this place? I am also wondering if it would have a good view of the sunrise. Mahalo!
Becky U
37 contributions
Both Champagne Pond and Kapoho Tidepools are in gated communities. At Champagne Pond, you just need to take the walkway around the gate. Once inside, there aren't good markings on how to get there though. At Kapoho Tidepools, I believe the asphalt is marked showing you the way. You would get the best sunrise at Kapoho. (If you want an easily accessible warm pool, go to Ahalanui Park further up the road.)
Is a shower or washing up facility to wash off the salt after snorkeling?
Robert T
Pahoa, HI11 contributions
No, there is not. But just up the road, 6K, there is a park with outdoor showers.....
Katy
Texas110 contributions
Where can I find the tide times?
fibersong
Asheville, NC51 contributions
Check tropical snorkeling.
Slack high tide will keep uou above the reefs and you won't need to put feet or hands down, which damages the coral. Use hard soled warer shoes or reef shoes, not fins.
I felt really weird without fins, as I also dive, but it worked out just fine. There are 2 places to enter. Do both!!
penelopelouise
Chicago, IL13 contributions
Where can you get a snorkel and mask for the Kapoho Tide Pools?
Marty and Carrell
Green Valley, AZ156 contributions
You can rent in Hilo...........
rjakiel1
Haymarket, VA
Can someone give me an update on whether there is still a cesspool problem at the Tide Pools? Is the water tested frequently? How safe is it to swim or snorkel there for someone that is prone to getting sick and ear infections?
Most of the nearby offending cesspools were destroyed by hurricane Iselle and were replaced with aerobic septic systems that actively treat the effluent.The water is tested on a regular basis and is some of the cleanest beach water on the island.
