Snorkeling the Kapoho Tide Pools should be on the top of your list of things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii. Just east of Volcanoes National Park, take another day on this part of the island to explore these fascinating tide pools, which offer some of the most interesting Big Island snorkeling and make for great family travels.
The lava rocks form a maze of dozens and dozens of ocean-blue, crystal clear tide pools that lead out to the crashing waves of the ocean. It’s a spectacular setting that makes for a perfect day of Big Island snorkeling, exploring and sunbathing.
One of The Best Snorkeling Locations
What makes the Kapoho Tide Pools one of the best snorkeling locations on the Big Island of Hawaii is they are easy and safe for beginners and children and interesting and different for experts and enthusiasts. The Kapoho Tide Pools offer the following:
Calm, crystal clear water that makes spotting fish and coral enjoyable for hours
Shallow pools that can be swam or stood in for exploration by everyone
Virgin reef growing from the lava rocks offering a glimpse of life springing forth
Unusual lava formations that look like elephant’s skin or soft-serve ice cream
Microscopic views of coral and reefs forming
Spectacular Location on the Big Island of Hawaii
Apart from the fascinating Big Island snorkeling, other benefits to the Kapoho Tide Pools are:
Easy access and parking on public roads, no 4-wheel drive car necessary
Ten minutes from the quaint town of Pahoa for lunch and shopping
Beautiful setting for sunbathing, picnicking and relaxing
Great for family travels as the tide pools are calm and crystal clear, allowing for hours of exploration, even without snorkeling
Near Volcanoes National Park, making the Kapoho part of the Big Island of Hawaii a great place to rent a housefor a couple of nights
Off the beaten path, don’t miss the refreshing and fascinating Kapoho Tide Pools for some of the most interesting Big Island snorkeling Hawaii has to offer. After a day or two of exploring Volcanoes National Park, the tide pools are one of the best snorkeling locations and a great place to relax, unwind and explore the Big Island of Hawaii further.
How to Find the Kapoho Tide Pools: Located on the southeastern coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, near the town of Pahoa. After leaving Pahoa Village, drive east on Hwy 132 toward the coast. Turn south at the junction for Hwy 137. Continue south on Hwy 137 to Kapoho-Kai Road, turn left just before Mile Marker 9. Continue through the entrance to the Waiopae neighborhood winding around to your right until the road seemingly dead-ends, turn left and look for the signs and parking lot. A donation of $3 is requested to park.