Visit the Kapoho Tide Pools on the Big Island of Hawaii

Whether living in Hawaii or just vacationing on the Big Island of Hawaii, the Kapoho tide pools near Pahoa is a destination that you will want to put on your agenda. The beauty and nature of the area are a big attraction, with people coming from all around to sunbath, snorkel, swim and picnic. Over the years it has turned into a nice place for a family outing, they now have a parking lot and sometimes even a security guard. Now you can be more at ease while relaxing out on the lava, knowing that your belongs are safe.

The tide pools at Kapoho are a large collection of tide pools and spring fed pools that stretch almost a mile down the coast and go out at least 200 yards into the ocean. There are many tide pools throughout Hawaii but these are unique in the fact that many of them in this stretch are volcanically heated. Nothing like having a spa of your own for the day! Many people bring their beach equipment, umbrella and sunscreen, setting up camp of the afternoon to just kick back enjoying the ponds. The warm, brackish water is usually calm, relaxing, and rarely crowded. An excellent place for kids and not very strong swimmers. Make sure if you visit this park to wear reef shoes or something to protect your feet as the lava can be extremely sharp, something to be very cautious of as it can cut you to the bone in a second.

There are a wide variety of fish that are also attracted to the now protected area so snorkeling is easy and rewarding. Snorkelers will find tons of multicolored coral and many of the fish who feed off it in this vast network of tide pools at the end of Kapoho-Kai Road. This is a great place to get a close up view of Hawaii's interesting marine life and reef fish. The pools are situated so that you can snorkel in a chain of pools or get out and go to another one nearby, of course the closer you get out near the ocean the more sea life will be in the pools to observe. Seeing the beauty of the fish swimming in the wild is an awesome and breathtaking experience.

Although the Kapoho tide pools has the official name of "Wai'opae Tide Pools Marine Life Conservation District" you will never hear anyone call it by that name. Ask the locals where the Kapoho tide pools are and they will know what you are talking about and be able to give you directions to it.

Here are the directions to get there in case you can't find anyone to ask:

From Hilo, head South on Rt. 11. At Keaau, turn left onto Rt. 130 (Pahoa Rd). Follow the signs for Kalapana. Once you pass the town of Pahoa, look for signs for Kapoho. You will take a left towards Kapoho on Rte 132 after passing Lava Tree State Park. Follow Rt 132 until it ends at a four-way intersection. Do not go down the dirt road straight ahead. Turn right onto Rt 137 (paved road) and follow it until you reach Kapoho Kai Rd. Turn left on Kapoho Kai Rd into the Vacationland subdivision. Continue down the road and turn right on Ho'ola'i Rd. This road curves left and takes you to the Kapoho Coast. Park on the side of the road when you reach the large open area to the right. You should see the ocean and tidal pools here. Parking is limited but it does have its own parking lot.

So, whether you just want to get out for the day and experience a little of Hawaii's beauty and nature, or are vacationing in the land of tropical paradise, you will surely enjoy the day if you spend it at the Kapoho tide pools. No matter what your choice of activity, swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing or just going out to enjoy having a picnic ,it will be an unique experience that will stay with you forever.

Thanks go out to www.letsgo-hawaii.com/kapoho/ for the great directions to get to the tide pools!