Look at me. Going on about jazz festivals and cars shows and fishing tournaments and who knows what else. It’s almost summertime. Heck, for a lot of families out there, it is summertime. Who wants to put on waders at a time like this?
No, today USA Travel Guide comes correct with some real summer vacation love. Set your mind to “daydream” – we’re headed to Maui.
You don’t have to go far to find beautiful scenery on Hawaii’s second-largest island. Looking out your window is usually effort enough. In a way, that’s what makes the Seven Sacred Pools so impressive. In a world of immeasurable splendor, this winding system of pools, falls and streams still manages to turn heads and draw a crowd.
Maybe it’s marketing. After all, the generous stretch of isolated pools along Palikea Stream in Haleakala National Park is actually called Oheo Gulch. “Seven Sacred Pools” is apocryphal at best. There’s certainly nothing sacred about them. There’s not even seven. And judging by the write-up on the NPS site, the government is trying to draw some nomenclatural distance. But what can I say? As a marketing writer by day, I’m a sucker for branding. My heart says “Seven Sacred Pools”. I like the fact that there’s not seven.
The Seven Sacred Pools refers to an unstaffed portion of Haleakala National Park in Maui comprised of over a dozen small freshwater pools that have grown along the banks of a mountain stream, Palikea. Some residents but mostly tourists make a day of it in Haleakala and especially the Pools, which offer remarkably clean water and an almost cinematic level of beauty in the surrounding trees and weathered rocks. Did you ever see Turistas? No? Well, never mind then.
If you love the setting but don’t fancy a swim, a two-mile hike up the gulch is a splendid and heart-healthy option. There is a managed trail that roughly follows the stream, or you can set off on your own. At which point I’m required to say, “But be careful, won’t you?!”
We’re mixing shallow pools, a stream, jagged rocks, an unpredictable climate and soft, fleshy humans here, so please be mindful of safety. Some things to keep in mind:
- There are no lifeguards
- Never dive; check the pool and then jump feet first
- Bring freshwater; don’t drink from the pools
- Waterproof footwear recommended
- Be extra cautious during the rain; this area is prone to flash floods
- DON’T FORGET A CAMERA!
And make that camera waterproof. (It’s a rainforest rule of thumb.)
The Seven Sacred Pools are located near the coast in Haleakala National Park – Kipahulu Area. The nearest parking is the large lot at Mile Marker #42. There is never a charge to enter the park, and it is open all the live-long day. Learn more.
2980 S. Kihei Road
Kihei, HI 96753
Phone: 808-879-7744
Web site: http://www.mauioceanfrontinn.com/
Specials: http://www.mauioceanfrontinn.com/rooms.php
The Seven Sacred Pools are a daytrip – you’ll be traveling there, but not staying. Since Haleakala Park offers plenty in the way of inland forest, we prefer to stay on the beach. The Maui Oceanfront Resort is situated on scenic Keawakapu Beach, with walk-up access to the surf. The property also gives all the conveniences of home you may need – free wireless Internet, cable TV, exercise facility – so that you don’t suffer withdraw. Whatever you do, don’t skip a dinner at the on-site restaurant, Sarento’s on the Beach. The four-diamond restaurant has been named the best in Hawaii multiple times.
Have fun at the Seven Sacred Pools in Maui!
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2 Comments
Seven Sacred Pools is a big score but the drive there is a long one. For more info for stuff to do in the area (like hike), we relied on the Maui Trailblazer guide. In it we found out about possible flash floods at the pools. So as US Travel Guide sez……watch the weather before spashing around there.
What a great place to visit if you are in the mood for a swim. I been to Hawaii before, but I didn’t quite make it to Maui. Next time I visit, the Seven Sacred Pools will be at the top of my list.
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