Pools of Mokolea

Starting at Kahili / Quarry Beach, the hike doesn't really follow an official trail, so much as it passes an area used by local fishermen before entering a geologically-interesting landscape on Mokolea Point. While a road accesses the area, portions of that road are private before reaching Mokolea Point, so visitors will have to park and head to Kahili Beach, and cross the mouth of Kilauea Stream to climb up to reach the endpoint of that road. From there, it's easy to trace the way out toward the point. The path eventually leaves flat land and begins crossing uneven and sometimes wet boulders and lava rock. Take it slow here. Some old rusting machinery pieces come into view, almost embedded into the rock after decades of saltwater washing over them. These were discarded here by a nearby sugar company. Once reaching the lava shelf, there is no trail. However a large, violently loud trench just around the point makes a natural turnaround point to the hike. Out at Mokolea Point you'll find tide pools filled with crabs and fish, blowholes, small pools fed through tubes in the shelf that rise and drop with each incoming wave, views of Kilauea Lighthouse, and several pools large enough to jump into. Few others seem to head this direction or follow the route to the furthest part of the point, so visitors will likely see few others here. As should be obvious, crossing Kilauea Stream and accessing the Mokolea Point area are all heavily dependent upon tidal conditions. For safety, this is a hike that should only be done at low tide. Strong surf during Winter months (October-April) may make attempting to reach the point during these months hazardous altogether. There are no amenities of any kind at the parking area, beach or along the trail. There is also very little shade along the hike.