Seven Sacred Pools

The Seven Sacred Pools is a short trail in the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park on the Island of Maui in Hawaii. The hike features an overlook into Pipiwai gulch as it flows into the Pacific Ocean with several cascading waterfalls and pools as it leads downstream.

Seven Sacred Pools (‘Ohe’o Gulch) Hiking Trail Guide

No trip to Maui is complete without visiting Haleakala National Park. Rising 10,023 feet above the ocean, the dormant volcano rises above sea and composes the bulk of the land mass on Maui. The national park sits atop the summit and extends down a narrow sliver of the mountain to the eastern flank. There are two distinct districts within the park: the Kipahulu and Summit district. The summit district encompasses all activities near the top of Haleakala. The Kipahulu district lies on Maui’s more remote eastern side of the mountain. This district features usually rough coastal areas and lush tropical slopes with waterfalls and is where this hike is located.

The Seven Sacred Pools hike lies at the bottom of a deep canyon known as the Ohe’o Gulch. Carved out by thousands of years from the Pipiwai stream and persistent floods, the bottom of the gulch features several pools formed by a set of cascading waterfalls. Over time the strength of the water formed a set of seven pools at the bottom of each waterfall. Despite the interesting name, the Seven Sacred Pools term was actually coined by what was then called the Hotel Hana Maui. The actual name is Pools of ‘Ohe’o but the Seven Sacred pools name was given as a marketing plot for tourists (1).

As for the hike, the Seven Sacred Pools trail is a relatively easy lollipop type of trail. The trail begins at the Kipihulu Visitor Center and leads down an incline of about one hundred feet to a black sand beach. At the beach the Pipiwai stream enters the ocean and from here the cascades of the Pipiwai stream and Ohe’o gulch can be seen. Some visitors leave the main trail and scramble up the gulch towards the pools. It’s not uncommon to see people swimming in the pools. However, heavy rain is a common occurrence in the higher elevations. Although it may not be raining at the coast, rain in the higher elevations can cause the stream to flood. People have died here from flash floods. The National Park Service discourages people from swimming in these pools (2).

HALEAKALA HISTORY

In Hawaiian, Haleakala means, house of sun, which references the Hawaiian deity, Maui. . According to Hawaiian culture, Maui wrestled with the sun at the top of this volcano. The legend starts after Maui’s mother complained that there wasn’t enough light during the day to complete all her tasks. Maui took to the top of Haleakala and captured the sun with a hook and fishing line and secured him to a tree. The sun begged to be released but Maui would only do so if the sun promised to move more slowly across the sky and provide more daylight.

Legends aside, it’s the views from the summit of Haleakala that attract so many people. The pristine air is often clear, and to be honest, sunsets can be just as beautiful as sunrises from this location. However, sunsets are more often obscured by cloudy afternoons in the tropics. From the top of the mountain there will be 360-degree views. To the east, the mountains of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Hualalai on The Big Island will be visible. From sea level, Mauna Loa is also actually the tallest mountain in the world. To the west will lie the islands of Kaho’olawe, Lanai, and Molokai’i. To the east white fluffy clouds will line the horizon as the Pacific Ocean stretches out as far as the eye can see.  As the sun rises it quickly paints the neighboring mountains and red volcanic craters of Haleakala in beautiful saturated colors. All while, the nearly eleven foot thousand mountain casts its shadow below (3).

On A Personal Note:

For the most part, the Pipiwai stream is generally pretty gentle. As was the case when my wife and I visited these falls. The flow of the stream was very mild. If you’re unfamiliar with signs to look for in regards to a possible flash flood, it’s advised to stay away from the stream. Because of the ease of access, this is one of the most popular destinations in the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park. Keep in mind: There is no food or gas available in the park. Emergency services are also about an hour away. Plan accordingly.

Looking for another hike nearby?  I highly suggest the Pipiwai trail which leads in the opposite direction up the mountain from this trail. This hike winds approximately four miles through tropical rainforest along the ridge that follows Ohe’o gulch from what the Pipiwai stream flows through. The landscape along the hike resembles something out of a Jurassic Park movie. Included along this trail is a bamboo forest, a waterfall viewpoint of Makahiku falls, and the towering Waimoku falls.

Sources:
1. N.a. “Pools of ‘Ohe’o (aka Seven Sacred Pools.” Maui Guidebook. Maui Guidebook.com, LLC. Pools of ‘Ohe’o (aka Seven Sacred Pools) | Maui Guidebook Accessed 24 August 2021.
2. N.a. “Kipahulu District.” National Park Service. U.S. Department Of The Interior. https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/kipahulu.htm. 24 May 2021.  Accessed 10 July 2021.
3. N.a. ” Short Hike To Makahiku Falls.” National Park Service. U.S. Department Of The Interior. https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/short-hike-to-makahiku-falls.htm. 18 December 2020. Accessed 10 July 2021.