Olivine Pools is a rugged West Maui stop with natural tide pools, barren lava, jagged rock, and dramatic ocean views.
Overview
If you are looking for unique things to do in Maui, Hawaii, Olivine Pools is one of those places that immediately stands out. Located along the rugged back-side of West Maui, this scenic stop combines barren lava, jagged lava rock, natural tide pools, and spectacular views of the open ocean.
Unlike Maui’s sandy beaches, Olivine Pools offers a much more rugged coastal experience. The pools are carved into the volcanic shoreline at the ocean’s edge, creating small pockets where seawater collects. When conditions are calm, they can look like natural hot tubs surrounded by sharp lava rock.
However, Olivine Pools is also one of those Maui attractions where Mother Nature gets the final say. Large waves, rogue waves, strong currents, and sudden changes in ocean conditions can make the shoreline dangerous. Even when the water inside a pool looks calm, a massive wave can wash over the rocks unexpectedly.
For that reason, I would consider Olivine Pools a sightseeing destination first and a water activity destination second. The scenery is a great place to appreciate Maui’s volcanic landscape, but entering the pools should never be considered safe simply because other people are doing it.
History
The Olivine Pools are a natural feature created by Maui’s volcanic landscape. The name comes from olivine, a mineral commonly found in volcanic rocks. Over time, waves and weather carved depressions into the lava along the coastline, creating the natural tide pools visitors come to see.
The surrounding landscape is a fascinating reminder of Maui’s volcanic origins. Instead of wide sandy beaches, this stretch of coastline features steep lava rock, jagged rock formations, barren lava, and exposed shoreline.
The area is also a good example of why natural attractions should be treated differently from developed parks. There are no lifeguards watching the pools, no controlled swimming environment, and no guarantee that a particular pool will be calm or swimmable.
The ocean conditions can change with the tide, weather, and swell. A low tide may expose more of the rocks and pools, while a high tide can bring the open ocean closer to the shoreline. Large or enormous waves can reach areas that appear protected at first glance.
Beth and Darrell in one of the calm pools
Olivine Pools Plan
When we visit Maui, Hawaii, we want to see as much of the island as possible, so we are always looking for scenic stops that can be added to a larger road trip or day of exploring.
Olivine Pools was one of the places we wanted to include because it offered something completely different from Maui’s sandy beaches and more developed attractions. We planned to combine the stop with other West Maui sights rather than make Olivine Pools the only destination of the day.
For us, that is the perfect way to experience this part of Maui. The drive along Kahekili Highway is part of the adventure, and there are plenty of scenic places to stop along the way.
If you are building a West Maui itinerary, Olivine Pools can be one of several stops along a stretch of remote area where the scenery becomes increasingly rugged.
Darrell diving into the pool (after checking the depth and safety)
Getting There
Location
Maui is one of the main islands in the Hawaiian Islands and is known for sandy beaches, volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, scenic drives, historic towns, Haleakalā, and outdoor adventures.
Olivine Pools are located along the rugged northwestern side of Maui on the back-side of West Maui. The area is associated with Kahekili Highway, the coastal road that travels around the northern portion of the island.
This section of Maui feels very different from the resort areas of Kāʻanapali, Kapalua, and Wailea. Instead of manicured resort landscapes, you will find barren lava, steep lava rock, jagged coastline, and the open ocean.
The road itself can be narrow and winding in places, so allow plenty of time and avoid treating the drive like a race from one attraction to another.
Best Time to Go
Maui can be visited throughout the year, but the best time to visit Olivine Pools depends much more on current weather and ocean conditions than on a particular month.
Calmer, drier weather can make a sightseeing stop more enjoyable, but even a beautiful day does not guarantee safe ocean conditions. Always check the forecast and current surf conditions before heading to the coastline.
The time of day matters, too. Starting earlier gives you more daylight for exploring this remote section of Maui and provides more flexibility if you decide to skip the pools because conditions are unsafe.
Tides can also change what the coastline looks like. At low tide, more rocks and natural tide pools may be visible. At high tide, waves can reach farther into the rocky shoreline.
Remember that a low tide does not automatically mean the pools are safe for swimming. A little bit of extra exposed rock does not eliminate the risk from the open ocean.
The small tide pools held so much marine life
Olivine Pools
Who Can Go?
Olivine Pools can be a great place for travelers who enjoy geology, photography, scenic drives, and exploring rugged natural landscapes.
However, this is not a typical beach or swimming hole.
Families should use common sense and exercise extra caution around the water’s edge. The terrain can be uneven, steep, slippery, and covered in sharp lava rock. Children should remain closely supervised, particularly anywhere near the ocean’s edge.
Even confident swimmers should not assume they can safely handle the conditions. Swimming ability does not protect someone from a rogue wave, strong currents, or a massive wave hitting the rocks.
If you are uncomfortable walking across uneven volcanic terrain, there is nothing wrong with enjoying the scenery without attempting to reach the pools.
What You'll See
One of the best things about Olivine Pools is the scenery surrounding the pools.
You may see:
- Natural tide pools carved into volcanic rock
- Barren lava
- Jagged lava rock
- Sharp lava rock
- Steep lava rock
- Dramatic West Maui coastline
- The open ocean
- Waves crashing against the shoreline
- Small fish and other marine life
- Rugged cliffs
- Coastal vegetation
- Incredible ocean views
The natural tide pools are the attraction’s most recognizable feature. When the ocean is calm, they can resemble small natural hot tubs tucked into the lava.
But remember that the pools are connected to the ocean. They are not isolated swimming pools. A huge wave or rogue wave can quickly change the situation.
The surrounding scenery is arguably one of the best reasons to visit. The contrast between the dark volcanic rock and deep blue Pacific Ocean makes this stretch of Maui particularly memorable.
All 5 of us in one of the large but calm pools
What to Bring & Wear
Because Olivine Pools is a rugged outdoor attraction, come prepared for a day of exploring rather than a quick trip to a developed beach.
Bring:
- Plenty of drinking water
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- A hat
- Sturdy shoes with good traction
- Comfortable clothing
- A small backpack
- Phone or camera
- Snacks
- A basic first-aid kit
- Extra water for a longer West Maui road trip
Sturdy shoes are especially important because the lava can be sharp, uneven, and slippery. I would not recommend relying on flimsy sandals for exploring the rocky shoreline.
If you are carrying a phone or camera, keep it secure. Saltwater, waves, and slippery rocks are not a good combination for expensive electronics.
Where to Go
Olivine Pools are located along the rugged West Maui coastline near Kahekili Highway.
Because access information and road conditions can change, do not rely solely on an old map, blog post, or travel guide for directions. If you are searching for the Olivine Pools trailhead, verify current conditions before you leave.
Depending on the route and current access situation, you may see vehicles parked along the side of the road or side of the highway near areas associated with the attraction. Do not assume that a parking area or parking lot shown in an older article is still available, legal, or appropriate for visitors.
Ample parking should never be assumed in this remote area. A steady stream of rental cars does not mean that parking is permitted everywhere.
Pay attention to signs, road markings, current restrictions, and posted warnings. Never block traffic or park somewhere that creates a hazard for other drivers.
The drive along Kahekili Highway is an attraction in itself. You will pass rugged coastline, volcanic rock, ocean viewpoints, and other places worth stopping to appreciate.
Olivine Pools can be combined with other West Maui stops, including the Nakalele Blowhole and Kahakuloa, but remember that the farther you travel along this side of the island, the more remote and rugged the landscape can become.
Darrell on top of the lava rocks around a pool
How Long Does it Take?
For a sightseeing-focused stop, plan roughly 30 minutes to an hour.
If you are combining Olivine Pools with a West Maui road trip, give yourself considerably more time. The drive along Kahekili Highway can take longer than expected because of winding roads, slower traffic, scenic viewpoints, and the temptation to stop and take photographs.
I would rather give yourself a little bit of extra time than rush through this part of Maui.
If ocean conditions are questionable when you arrive, you may spend only a few minutes looking at the coastline before continuing. That is perfectly fine. There is no reason to take a risk simply because Olivine Pools was on your itinerary.
Cost
There is no traditional admission ticket for Olivine Pools like you would find at a developed Maui attraction.
Tips for Olivine Pools
- Check the weather before leaving. Check current ocean and surf conditions.
- Do not enter the pools when there are large waves or rough conditions.
- Watch carefully for rogue waves. Do not assume a calm-looking pool is safe.
- Never turn your back on the ocean. Keep an eye on the water's edge.
- Remember that conditions can change quickly.
- Wear sturdy shoes with good traction.
- Bring plenty of drinking water.
- Keep children very close to you near the shoreline.
- Do not climb exposed rocks just for a photograph.
- Respect wildlife and never touch or disturb marine animals. Leave small fish and other tide-pool creatures alone.
- Stay on appropriate routes. Respect posted signs and property boundaries.
- Do not assume a parking area is legal simply because other cars are there.