Discover the best hot springs in Hawaii!
Even though Hawaii has a lot of volcanic activity, this did not lead to the formation of any traditional hot springs. Instead, Hawaii has a few warm springs that may not be very hot but will bring you all the relaxation and benefits of the warm water.
While many are drawn to the islands that make up Hawaii for their beaches, volcanoes, and stunning natural scenery, there is even more to see when you branch out and try something different, like a hot spring.
Many hot springs are formed when the water bubbles up through a crack in the earth’s core after being heated by magma under the ground. However, things are slightly different in Hawaii.
Due to their tropical location, the islands of Hawaii get a lot of rainfall, which collects to form pools at the foot of the mountains. As the water flows down, it is heated by volcanic lava under the surface. By the time the water reaches the pool, it will have cooled significantly to form a warm spring rather than a hot spring. These warm springs are concentrated along the Puna coast.
Unfortunately, as of 2018, only three hot springs and warm tidal pools are left in Hawaii due to the eruption of the Kilauea Volcano.
In this guide, we are going to give you the full rundown on all three warm springs in Hawaii and explain what happened to the previous hot springs.
3 Hot Springs in Hawaii
Although your options are limited, both of these warm spring options are beautiful locations with incredible forest and sea views, so we highly recommend giving them a visit.
However, only one of these pools, Pohoiki, is an actual warm spring filled with heated natural mineral water, but we will get into that in detail.
As both these pools are primitive hot springs, they have no amenities built around them, and therefore you use them at your own risk.
Here are the three Hawaii hot springs:
Pohoiki Warm Springs
Standing out as the only true hot springs left on the big island, Pohoiki Warm Springs are a must-visit when you come to Hawaii.
Located in Isaac Hale Park, the Pohoiki Warm Springs originally consisted of just one small pool hidden in the jungle. This pool formed when rainwater collected on top of a collapsed lava tube.
This is by far the most beautiful of all the pools in this area, especially when enjoyed peacefully with just a few people. We recommend getting there as early as possible before this stunning pool fills up. Since the volcanic eruption in 2018, the temperature of this pool has risen to a very warm 106 F. Soaking in a pool this warm for long can cause you to overheat, so we recommend bringing along plenty of water to rehydrate after your soak.
The rest of the hot springs were newly formed along the new coastline and beach caused by the lava flow. They are larger, but their temperatures are less consistent as they change with the tide.
When you are visiting Pohoiki Hot Springs, you will have a clear view of the newly formed black sand beach that surrounds them. It is so unique and aesthetically breathtaking that these hot springs feel otherworldly.
These pools are easy to access and don’t require any hiking; you can access them through the parking lot.
It is worth noting that this is a very popular spot since it is the only proper hot spring on the Big Island, so getting there early is an excellent way to avoid crowds. We also urge you to avoid entering the warm water if you have any broken skin or open wounds as this can lead to bacterial infections.
Pools of Oheo
Also known as the Seven Sacred Pools, the Pools of Oheo are made up of seven pools located in the Haleakala National Park, south of Hana in East Maui.
Formed from igneous rock, the seven-tiered pools are fed by a gorgeous waterfall. Combine this spectacle with the forest landscape on one side and the sea views on the other; this spot is genuinely breathtaking.
Unlike traditional hot springs, these pools are not heated by geothermal activity, and the water isn’t rich in minerals like a natural mineral hot spring. Instead, the pools are naturally heated by the sun’s heat stored in the igneous rock, which means the temperature will vary depending on the weather.
This spot can be found along the Pipiwai Trail, which is well worth an explore.
You will need to pay a small fee to access the pools, but this fee allows you to use the whole national park for three days. The Kipahulu campground is available for overnight stays on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Queen’s Bath
If you want a combination of warm water and sea views, then the Queen’s Bath Tidal Pool in Kauai is definitely worth a visit.
This tidal pool was formed over a sinkhole and is filled up by the sea when the tide comes in. The pool is made from igneous rock, which absorbs the sun’s heat and creates a warm salt water pool. Temperatures may vary depending on the weather and the tide. The pool is teaming with life from tropical fish to sea urchins and other critters, so keep an eye out for them.
Kauai is known for its natural, untouched beauty, and this means that the majority of the island is not reachable by car. This means that you will have to undertake a long hike to reach the warm tidal pool. This is particularly different during the summer, so we suggest coming prepared with plenty of water.
Please note that the Queen’s Bath can become dangerous during the rainy season and when the ocean is particularly rough. For this reason, the heated pool may be closed without notice for the safety of visitors. Many people have also been washed out to sea due to ‘sneaker waves’, so you enter this pool at your own risk.
Full List of Hawaii Hot Springs
As we mentioned, there are only three warm springs left in Hawaii that are actually classified as warm springs.
Until 2018, there were four natural warm springs and tide pools in Hawaii, but most of them were destroyed by a natural disaster, which we will get into later.
Here is a list of the all the Hawaii hot springs:
| Hot Spring | Location in Hawaii | Developed or Primitive |
| Pohoiki Warm Springs | Isaac Hale Beach Park, Puna | Primitive |
| Pools of Oheo | Hana | Primitive |
| Queen’s Bath | Princeville | Primitive |
What Happened to the Hawaii Hot Springs?
Just five years ago, we would have been able to give you a slightly longer list of hot springs, including Ahalanui Warm Pond and the Kapoho Tide Pools, but unfortunately, they don’t exist anymore. But how did this happen?
To answer this question, we have to go back to 2018.
Starting in May 2018 and continuing until August, the Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island erupted along the Lower East Rift, causing a feet-thick lava flow to run down the mountain across the Puna District and along the coast. This natural disaster took out 700 homes and eliminated the residential area of the Puna District. It also caused significant damage to Isaac Hale State Park.
Due to this eruption, the Ahalanui Warm Pond, also known as Millionaires Pond, and the Kapoho Tide Pools were destroyed by the lava flow covering the Lower Puna coast of the Big Island. In fact, the Pohoiki Warm Springs barely missed being completely wiped out. Instead, the lava created new pools to extend this area significantly.
Along with extending the Pohoiki Warm Springs, this eruption also formed a unique new black sand beach that you can view while soaking in the pools.
Hawaii is a state that has so much to offer to visitors, and these gorgeous warm springs are yet another one of those attractions. However, if you do visit Hawaii, please be sure to treat the wildlife and local people with respect and leave it just as you found it.