Ohe'o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools)
Tiered waterfall pools spilling to the ocean in Haleakala's Kipahulu district. Swimming is closed; Kuloa Point Trail overlooks them.
A staircase of waterfall-fed pools dropping through the Kipahulu district of Haleakala National Park all the way to the sea. Swimming in the pools is prohibited - flash flooding funnels down this gulch with almost no warning and a rockslide closed the pools outright - so treat this as a viewpoint, not a swim stop. The half-mile Kuloa Point Trail loops from the visitor center out over the pools and the ocean cliffs, and the four-mile round-trip Pipiwai Trail climbs past a bamboo forest to 400-foot Waimoku Falls. It is the far end of the Road to Hana, so budget the drive.
Pricing
$30 per vehicle for Haleakala National Park, valid three days and covering the summit district too (verify). America the Beautiful passes are accepted. No separate fee for Kipahulu.
Common Questions
- How much does Ohe'o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) cost?
- Ohe'o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) charges admission. $30 per vehicle for Haleakala National Park, valid three days and covering the summit district too (verify). America the Beautiful passes are accepted. No separate fee for Kipahulu.
- What ages is Ohe'o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) good for?
- Ohe'o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) is best for kids ages 5 to 18+.
- Is Ohe'o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) stroller friendly?
- No, Ohe'o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) is not considered stroller friendly.
- Can I bring my dog to Ohe'o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools)?
- No, dogs are not allowed at Ohe'o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools).
- How hard is Ohe'o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools)?
- The difficulty level is easy. Plan for about 2 hours.
- Is Ohe'o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) free?
- No, there is a cost to visit Ohe'o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools). $30 per vehicle for Haleakala National Park, valid three days and covering the summit district too (verify). America the Beautiful passes are accepted. No separate fee for Kipahulu.
- What should I bring to Ohe'o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools)?
- Closed-toe shoes for the trails, rain jacket, water, bug spray and sunscreen. No swimsuit needed - swimming in the pools is prohibited.
- How long does Ohe'o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) take?
- Most families spend about 2 hours at Ohe'o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools).
- When is the best time to visit Ohe'o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools)?
- Morning, before the Road to Hana traffic arrives. Skip it entirely after heavy rain - the gulch flash floods. Check the park's conditions page before committing to the drive.
- Is there parking at Ohe'o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools)?
- Kipahulu Visitor Center parking lot. Fills during peak times. No, Pipiwai Trail is out-and-back. You’ll hike the same path back to the trailhead parking lot, not a loop.