ʻOheʻo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools)

The basics

On the eastern edge of Haleakalā National Park, the pools are easily reachable from Hana, about 12 miles (19 kilometers) to the north. Visiting requires paying the national park entrance fee at the Kipahulu Visitor Center, which grants access to all park facilities, plus Haleakala National Park on Maui and Volcanoes and Pu’uhonua O Honaunau national parks on the Big Island. Maui jungle adventure and sightseeing tours sometimes pass Ohe'o as they drive along the Hana Highway—but few stop for a dip.

Things to know before you go

• The Kipahulu Visitor Center has parking, public restrooms, picnic areas, and a water station.

• There is no food or gas available within the national park.

• Cliff-jumping into the pools is unsafe and expressly forbidden.

• Standard and annual entrance passes are available to purchase from the Kipahulu and Summit district entrance stations.

How to get there

To reach Ohe'o Gulch, take the Road to Hana (Highway 360) to the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park. After paying a fee at the park entrance, a short walk leads to the gulch area and natural pools. Note that cars are not allowed beyond designated areas in the national park.

When to get there

The pools are very popular and can get crowded during the day, especially during the summer. It’s best to avoid the crowds by arriving early in the morning, once the visitor center opens. On select days throughout the year, entrance passes are not required to enter the park: These include Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the first day of National Park Week, Veterans Day, and National Public Lands Day.

Things to do in Haleakalā National Park

Home to Ohe'o Gulch, Haleakalā National Park is also known as the “house of the sun.” Once you’ve paid the entrance fee to visit the Ohe'o pools, you’re free to explore the rest of the park. Many visitors book a reservation and arrive early to watch the sunrise, which can be seen from four viewing locations: Red Hill Summit, Kalahaku Overlook, Leleiwi Overlook, and the Haleakalā Visitor Center. Near the gulch, the popular Pīpīwai Trail leads past a massive banyan tree to the 400-foot (122-meter) Waimoku Falls.

Ways to explore

ʻOheʻo Gulch is located in the remote Kipahulu section of Haleakalā National Park, about a 30-minute drive past Hana. Entry requires a National Park pass, and swimming is often restricted due to safety conditions. A short trail leads to pool viewpoints, while facilities at the site include restrooms, a ranger station, and limited parking. Check conditions and restrictions before visiting, especially after heavy rain.

Travelers can visit on their own or as part of a Road to Hana tour; many tours include guided stops at the pools, nearby waterfalls, and the Pipiwai Trail.

Accessibility

Viewpoints over the pool are wheelchair accessible, but the full trail down to the pools is more rugged and not wheelchair-friendly.

Age limits

None, but use caution with small children.

What to pack

Water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and rain gear—the weather in the Kipahulu region can turn humid and rainy. With limited cell service, it’s useful to have offline maps or downloaded tour audio.

What to wear

Closed-toe shoes with good traction and lightweight, breathable layers. A rain jacket is recommended.

Not allowed

Swimming, diving, and jumping due to flash flood risks; pets, drones, glass containers

Amenities

Restrooms, picnic tables, a ranger station, trail signage, water refill station

Address

ʻOheʻo Gulch is about 12 miles (19 kilometers) past Hana on Hana Highway (Highway 31), within the Kipahulu District of Haleakalā National Park.

Driving

The site is a popular stop on the Road to Hana. Follow Hana Highway east, then continue on Highway 31. Parking is available near the visitor center, which also serves as the trailhead.

Public transportation

There is no direct public transit to the site. Most visitors arrive via rental car or on a guided Road to Hana tour, which often includes transportation and stops at nearby attractions.

Best times to visit

Arrive in the morning to experience fewer crowds and cooler weather (ideal for hiking and photography).

Best days to visit

Weekdays, especially midweek, are usually quieter than weekends.

Best months to visit

The drier period from April through October reduces trail saturation, although the area can remain muddy year-round.