Attractions: tidal pools
Activities: swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, picnic
In Kapoho, small tide pools dot the entire coastline. These pools are filled to the brim with sea creatures, making them an excellent place for exploration.
The Kapoho tide pools boast many different types of fish and a multicolored coral bed. In Kapoho you will find crystal clear water and calm surf conditions which are excellent for children and weaker swimmers.
Regardless of the ocean conditions, these tidal pools are protected from the surf.The calm conditions also allow easy entry into the water. However, make sure you bring sandals or water shoes for the short walk over lava rocks. You will also find lava shelves for sunbathing.
Many of the pools here are interconnected and allow you to snorkel from pool to pool. These tide pools are so close together, that when they are not interconnected, you can simply climb out of one and drop down into the next one. This is a nice trip even if you do not have snorkeling gear. The clear tidal pools and warm sun offer a true taste of paradise.
Tide pools are mini-ecosystems, water communities teeming with a fascinating amount of colorful sea life. We enjoy the snorkeling in these protected tide pools. The coral life is vibrant and you will routinely encounter large schools of fish and even a Moray Eel or two.
The pools are relatively shallow - from just a few feet deep to as much as ten feet deep - it is almost like swimming in a series of interconnected swimming pool! The calm, clear waters make it a perfect place for families, young kids, and everyone.
Directions: From Hilo, head South on Rte 11. At Keau, turn left onto Rte 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 Rte 132 until it ends at a four-way intersection. Do not go down the dirt road straight ahead. Turn right onto Rte 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.
Bring your big beach towel and lay out on the lava rocks to enjoy a little sun while you are at Kapoho. Take the time to explore all of the interconnected pools. You will find one larger pool that is adjacent the lava rock natural breakwater where the Puna Coast waves are pounding. If you keep your eyes open, you might even see some green sea turtles or moray eels!
 The calm tide pool waters |
 Tangs feeding at Kapoho |
 Fish and the Coral Reef |
 Corals at the Kapoho Tide Pools |
 Eel at Kapoho Tide Pools |
 Kapoho Tidal Pools Scene from Parking Area |
 Perfect Place for a Bar-B-Que! |
 Fish Dominate the Shallow Waters |
 Close-up of coral head |
 View of the Interconnected Tidal Pools |
Nearby Attractions - Hilo, Rainbow Falls State Park, Hilo Farmer’s Market, Queen Liliuokalani Gardens, Coconut Island, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Kapoho Tide Pools, Big Island Hawaii
