This tide pool is my secret. It's off the beaten path. A miracle of nature. It's located in Pahoa (30 min. south of Hilo). We'll use a jungle & lava rock coastal trail. Each way takes 20-30 min. and is half a mile. You control how long we stay at the pool (typically 1 - 1.5 hours).
- There's elevation gain on the hike, offering amazing views of the coast.
- The pool is like an infinity pool overlooking the cliffs. You'll feel close to the wild ocean while being protected.
- The conditions are unusually calm. There's a deep (4-7 ft.) & shallow (1-4 ft.) area.
- The pool fills when waves hit the cliffs, sending water into the air like a blowhole upwards of 50 ft.
- You can explore the exotic ecosystem, e.g., crabs, fish, shells, rocks, other creatures. The views from the lava rock border are chef's kiss.
- The crystal clear water is mineralized by the lava rock.
- You'll be alone at the pool because it's unknown.
- Your experience will be customized. Only your group will participate.
Posted By : Qianye_Z
This is a real wild exploration experience that you can meet the true environment of Big Island. The trial is not able to find on a map but local people may know. Climbing up and down on lava rocks is challenging and exciting. Josh is a very experienced tour guide and excellent hiker can always bring you to the secret pool safely.
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Posted On : 2024-04-26 13:52:26 
Posted By : Lorenzo_C
This experience was absolutely amazing! Josh is a super chill guy and knew the area extremely well so we all felt very safe in his hands! The hike was moderate, you just want to make sure you take one step at a time and you are golden! The views were spectacular and well worth the trek!! Thank you Josh for showing us this!
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Posted On : 2024-04-12 01:06:37
Posted By : tanyabH3010LH
Amazing romantic getaway - do not miss this one out. But do pay attention to the instructions for you will need both good hiking shoes and sturdy water ones :)
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Posted On : 2024-04-02 21:12:04 
Posted By : Devon_B
There are some mixed reviews so hopefully this helps…My family and I are in pretty good physical shape, I did have my two children, 5/7 with us.
Josh is nice enough, he is quiet and not your “tour guide” type personality which is why I think people were uncomfortable with the location.
We followed him in our car to a remote location, parked on the side of the road and got out to start walking through plants/woods towards the water.
At first sight the views are gorgeous BUT what is not explained by (I learned on a real tour the next day) the volcanic rock is A HA. Sharp, unstable, high peaks and ridges that with one wrong move or loss of balance you (or your children) could easily break your neck or take a life changing fall.
We only hiked about 50ft through this rock and refused to go any further because we saw our kids lives flashing in front of us…don't get me wrong, they were climbing like champs but it was WAY too close to 20-30 ft cliff falls that could kill someone. Not to mention I doubt this tour is properly insured incase of death
This excursion is ideal for young adventure seeking adults 20/30/40 who are well aware they are putting their lives in danger NOT FAMILIES!!
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Posted On : 2024-03-31 11:21:38
Posted By : Andrea B
Family with teens - Would very much recommend this tour. It’s different than any tour we have ever done. Josh was an awesome guide, he was knowledgeable about the area and did great with our 3 teens. I would take the hiking boot/shoes recommendation into consideration especially if you already own a pair. We wore sneakers and it was definitely doable, however sturdy shoes with good traction and adequate coverage would make it potentially easier at times.
Very cool, kids loved it and did awesome with the hike.
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Posted On : 2024-03-26 02:07:34
Posted By : Aussiebitz
There is no doubt that the tide pool is a gorgeous spot. Josh is a nice guy but is not running a professional business. He basically takes you on walk and charges $100 per person. You DO have to have sturdy shoes for this hike. You absolutely MUST have water shoes to navigate the water in the tide pool. Josh takes you on this private lane, when we left there were three notes on our card asking us to respect the private road and their homeowners. Also if you do cut your hand or toe, Josh does not carry anything on him as far as first aid. Glad I saw the spot and I wish Josh good luck in the future. The walking tour business is unfortunately not one of his strengths.
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Posted On : 2024-03-15 19:33:35
Posted By : Regina_D
The pools themselves are glorious and magical. Also potentially dangerous. I’m sure there are times of year when that cliffside walk is more treacherous. Wear good hiking shoes and bring water shoes for the pools. Respect and appreciate the fact that the hike requires walking across private property. That privilege can be revoked at any time. Be good.
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Posted On : 2024-03-08 20:27:38
Posted By : Lydia_H
Absolutely incredible. Crystal Clear water, exciting “fireworks” display of crashing waves. And the weather Gods shined down on us. Thanks Josh.
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Posted On : 2024-03-08 14:16:53
Posted By : DAVE_M
The hike was a short jaunt, first through a forest of walking palms, then out onto the rugged coast. **Wear hiking boots or water shoes - the lava is sharp and unstable - definitely not tevas/sandals!! I’ve seen other reviews saying there was climbing involved. Hey, I’m 61 and no gym rat, and it was fine. Don’t get intimidated and miss out!
The spot is a secluded tidal pool where the waves will crash all around you. (If you are thinking that this will be like “The Blue Lagoon”, it’s not. This is a full-on exposed tidal pool, 3 to 6 feet deep - no shade.)
Josh was our guide - nice guy, and truly loves the place - just a chill dude taking like-minded folks to a nice spot he found. We were there for a little over an hour just watching the waves crash against the lava walls. On the way out, he took us by the 2014 lava flow.
Take water and snacks/food, eco-friendly sunscreen, hat, and waterproof camera or case for your phone.
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Posted On : 2024-03-03 17:35:06
Posted By : Coastal56428841795
Josh was great and very helpful. He waited for us as we were a little slow climbing over a few of the rocky areas. Hike is definitely moderate with a few places to scramble up and over. The tital pool was amazing and very secluded. Waves were crashing hard at the south end. Josh let us swim around and check the area out for about 1.5 hours. Hike is about 1/2 mile one way. It's the real Hawaii! Wish we would have brought a small lunch so we could have stayed longer. Would definitely recommend and do again.
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Posted On : 2024-01-07 01:20:14
