Kapoho Tide Pools Snorkeling Guide, Big Island Of Hawaii

UPDATED FEB 2020. This post was originally a guide on how to snorkel at the Kapoho Tide Pools on the Big Island, but, in 2018 mother nature decided to make some changes. Mt Kilauea’s powerful eruption sent lava flowing on the island. The volcano blanketed the tide pools in lava, changing the landscape that was previously a magnificent snorkeling area. I will leave the post up as a testament to the power of mother nature, the resilience of the residents who live in the dynamic environment, and a tribute to what was there before the lava flow.

CLOSED – Kapoho Tide Pools Snorkeling Guide, Big Island Of Hawaii

Read above intro – these tide pools are now closed.

Disclaimer

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FAQ for the Kapoho Tide Pools

Where is it located?

Big Island, approx 2 hours drive from Kona or 45 minutes drive from Hilo.

Is there a cost to enter?

Donation based.

What is the skill level required?

Beginner – remember to swim to your limits.

What should you bring with you?

• Water bottle
• Sunscreen
• Underwater camera (I always use a GoPro and this floaty selfie stick)
• Snorkel gear
• Towel
• Snacks or lunch

Other guides to help you plan a trip to the Big Island

• How To Plan A Day Trip To Volcanoes National Park On The Big Island Of Hawaii

• Pololu Valley Lookout And Hike To Black Sand Beach – Big Island, Hawaii

• Big Island Itinerary – Here’s The Things You Don’t Want To Miss

Where to park

The Kapoho Tide Pools are named this after the community in which they are located, though the official name is the Wai’Opae Tide Pools Marine Conservation District.

You will see cars lined up on the grass before the Wai’Opae sign and this is where you park your car.

Once you’re ready for the tide pools, you just follow the arrows on the road to walk to the swimming area.

Entering the water

Getting into the pools can be a little tricky as there is no sand, just volcanic rock.

If you have water shoes I would definitely recommend bringing them as walking over the rock to get to the water can be a little harsh on the feet as well as a little slippery.

I recommend just bringing what you need for the snorkel and leave the rest in the trunk of your car. All you really need to leave on the rocks while you swim is a towel and maybe some flip flops.

You can go to a beach with an area to lounge on afterward.

Once you are in, it is easy to swim from pool to pool as you explore.

Since it is a little tide pool maze, you can swim as far as you are comfortable remembering that extra caution is required out where the waves are breaking.

What to expect at the Kapoho Tide Pools

The Kapoho Tide Pools, or Wai’Opae Tide Pools, is a huge maze of different size pools created from volcanic rock.

Because of this, there are different size pools and protected areas as well as deeper pools and areas that are more open to the currents.

This makes it a good place to snorkel for everyone from beginner to advanced because you can simply stick to the areas that match your swimming skill level.

It’s a protected sanctuary so expect to see a lot of sea life.

I loved that the area is somewhat of a fish nursery and as I was swimming around I was able to see baby versions of the bigger fish that I frequently snorkel with.

The closer pools are protected by the walls of the reef so the babies are a little safer here swimming around the volcanic rock.

As you move further out, you will swim with bigger fish as well as other sea creatures like turtles and eels.

While you are swimming, you will glide over some of the natural jacuzzi vents which where you can feel the warmth of the volcanic heating system.

It was a little chilly when we went and I may have hovered over these for a moment or two so I could warm up!

Make a donation to the community

The community plays a huge role in us being able to enjoy this area as you walk through the private Kapoho Vacationland community in order to access the tide pools.

There is a cash box for a donation right after the Wai Opae sign – remember to bring some cash and make a donation.

Since you will be parking in and walking through a residential area, remember to be respectful of the people who live in the area. Don’t block driveways, make a lot of noise, or leave trash around – just the basics of common courtesy.