Kapoho Tide Pools at a Glance
Located on the Big Island's east shore at Kapoho Bay, the Kapoho Tide Pools offer a unique outdoor bathing experience. There are numerous and interconnecting tide pools that extend up to 200 yards (183 m) offshore. Many of them are large and deep enough to provide enough room for swimmers and snorkelers. Some of the pools are volcanically heated and quite warm, up to about 90 degrees F (32.2 C).
In the outer pools near the surf break, a wide variety of sea life can be seen, such as fish, crabs, shellfish and sea cucumbers. However, it is best to stay away from the surf line and further inshore because strong rip currents are common further out.
The inner pools are almost always calm (except during periods of strong surf and storms) and are a good area for snorkeling, since the water here is clear and protected. During calm days, the fishing conditions are good at the edge of the reef. This is also the time when scuba divers explore the outer edges of the reef, which they access via boat from offshore.
The entire shoreline consists of black lava rocks, which is rough and sharp. There is no sand at all. So it is best to wear protective shoes to access the area and also when swimming in the tide pools. Reef shoes are ideal.
A few beach homes line the shore and some residents have incorporated some of the smaller pools at the outer edges into their property to use as swimming pools and "hot" tubs, so make sure you don't go dipping in a pool that is located on private property.
The name "Kapoho" means "the depression" in the Hawaiian language, referring to the many salt-water-filled depressions (tidal pools) in the area.
Kapoho Tide Pools in Bullet Points
- Many volcanically heated tide pools that offer good snorkeling conditions and a unique, natural outdoor bathing experience
- Wear reef shoes and stay in the pools near the shore where the water is clear and protected
Kapoho Tide Pools Facilities (top)
- No facilities
- No lifeguards
Kapoho Tide Pools Water Activities
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Scuba diving
- Fishing
Kapoho Tide Pools Driving Directions / Location
From Pahoa, take Highway 130 south. At the dead end at Highway 137, make a right turn. Right before Mile Marker #9, make a left turn on Kapoho Kai Road. Then take the next left on Kaheka and then right on Waiopae.
Address: 14-5134 Alapai Point Rd., Kapoho, Hawaii 96778
Kapoho Tide Pools Map (top)
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Kapoho Tide Pools Weather (top)
Now
67°F
Windchill:
67°F
Light Rain
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Location: Pahoa, HI, US
Wind: 8 mph N
Humidity: 87%
Visibility: 0.1 mi
Pressure: 30.01 in rising
Sunrise: 6:26 am
Sunset: 6:30 pm
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Thu
Hi: 81°F
Low: 65°F
Scattered Showers
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Fri
Hi: 75°F
Low: 65°F
Showers
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Kapoho Tide Pools Photos (click to enlarge)
(top)
Kapoho Tide Pools Reviews and Comments
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Safety Tip
Whatever beach in Hawaii you visit, please have in mind that the ocean can
be very dangerous. Never turn your back against the waves and watch out for underwater
currents and always check the surf conditions. Pay attention to signs posted on
the beach. If you are not sure about the conditions, ask the lifeguards (if any
on the beach). Please
click here to
read more about ocean safety in Hawaii.
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