The 5 Best Hot Springs in Hawaii – Mapped
Hawaii’s hot springs are truly unique as they are heated by volcanic lava. As fresh water is deposited into the mountains, it flows over the underground magma, is heated, and eventually percolates up into a few hot springs that are available for soaking. Generally, the temperature of the hot springs here are warm rather than very hot. And, a few of the hot springs are very unique tidal pools that you can even snorkel in. Check out the below Hawaii hot springs map and list we put together with all the best spots.
Hawaii Hot Springs Map
The 5 Best Hot Springs in Hawaii
Here’s our list of the 4 best hot springs in Hawaii.
1. Pohoiki Warm Springs
Pohoiki Warm Springs, Photo Courtesy of @kevintheexplorer
The Pohoiki warm springs are located on the Isaac Hale Beach in Puna, on the Big Island of Hawaii. These hot springs were actually recently created after the 2018 volcanic eruption. The eruption created a new black sand beach as well as several hot spring pools nestled in the sand. The lava continues to flow underground here, heating the water that flows into these hot spring pools. There are about five hot springs located on the beach.
*important safety information: Hawaii’s department of health has warned visitors that they should not enter these pools if they have open wounds, as the waters may cause bacterial infections. Visitors may enter these hot springs at their own risk.
2. Pools of Oheo / The Seven Sacred Pools
The pools of Oheo, also known as The Seven Sacred Pools, are a series of seven pools, formed of igneous rock, that fill with river water as it cascades down the mountain. The igneous rock of these pools retain the sun’s heat and keep the waters warm. Although this is not a traditional hot spring as the water is being heated by the sun, we still thought it should be on this list as a unique soaking experience in Hawaii.
3. Ahalanui Warm Pond / Millionaires Pond (Closed)
Ahalanui Warm Pond, also known as Millionaires Pond, is found in the Ahalanui park that includes picnic areas and bathroom/shower facilities. The temperature of this hot spring ranges from 93 to 95 degrees year round. The water is salty as it mixes with the ocean water and you may even find some ocean fish in the pond (consider bringing a snorkel!) It’s truly an oasis with flora surrounding the waters as well as paths for walking. This hot spring is very popular with locals and gets quite crowded on weekends. We recommend visiting on weekday mornings to avoid the crowds.
*Update: Sadly the Ahalanui Hot Spring was destroyed by lava during the 2018 volcanic eruption and is now closed to the public.
4. The Kapoho Tide Pools (Closed)
The Kapoho Tide Pools, also known as the Wai‘ōpae Tide pools Marine Life Conservation District, are located about 1.5 miles north of the Ahalanui Warm Pond. So why can this tide pool snorkeling spot be considered a hot spring? Well, the pools are actually heated up by lava heated water that seeps into them. This creates a truly one of a kind hot spring experience as you explore the wildlife in the tide pools.
*Update: Sadly the Kapoho Tide Pools were destroyed by lava during the 2018 volcanic eruption and are now closed to the public.
5. Sacred Source Hot Springs Resort
Sacred Source Springs is an off-grid volcanic hot spring retreat center on the Big Island of Hawaii.
*Update: the Sacred Source Hot Spring resort is currently closed