UPDATE: Make sure you have permission from the owners of the land if you go to this area. Check out this article.
Waioka Pond, also known as Venus Pools Maui, is a secret hike to the Venus Pool out in Hana on East Maui. This hike is located on private property, so make sure you get permission to go to the Venus Pool so that you can have legal access. After a quick 5 minute hike from the road, you'll find yourself at these natural pools right next to the ocean and many locals use this spot as an exciting place to cliff jump into the water. Once in the water, you can find yourself in a beautiful swimming hole. Be careful though, if a flash flood rolls through during a heavy rain, you can find yourself in a dangerous situation. This idyllic swimming hole can quickly encounter flash floods, making this pond unsafe.
DISCLAIMER: We do not condone or endorse trespassing or going on private property without permission. Make sure you get proper permission to hike on private property. Also, this post is for educational purposes only and we don't accept any responsibility or liability for any danger or fun you may or may not have from this hike. Hike and cliff jump at your own risk.
Rating: 5 Coconuts!! A must do!
Want to Make the Best of Your Time on Maui?
Difficulty:
2/10 if you don't jump
7/10 if you do jump
Duration: How Long Does it Take to Get to the Venus Pools Maui?
5 minute hike to Venus Pools from the road, plus however long you end up staying
Summary
One of the best local spots to cliff dive into the water, the Venus Pools is well worth the drive to get there. Whether you're jumping or watching the locals do their flips, it'll be a spot you'll never forget. The Venus Pools is a spot where the island's fresh water runs off and meets the ocean. Ever been in both fresh water and salt water at once?
Access: Where are the Venus Pools?
You'll park on one side of a bridge on the edge of the road. The parking spots are limited and since it's private property, you will need permission from the landowner to park on the property. Here, it looks like a small-town neighborhood, with houses lined up on the other side of the street. As you make your way across the field though (and watch out for grazing cattle), you'll be getting closer and closer to one of the more easily accessible and beautiful spots Maui has to offer.
Map
Description
Once you park next to the bridge, you'll follow the fence until you reach a small opening. Crawl through the fence gate, if you can call it that, and make your way along the path. You'll continue on through the line of trees until you reach and big hollowed-out boulder, which may have been used at some point for an oven. Keep right through the trees and as you follow the beaten path for two hundred or so feet, you'll end up at the Venus Pool on Maui.
The pools themselves are a mix of freshwater running down from the island into the open ocean on the other side. If you wanted, you swim out to sea after jumping from the approximately thirty-foot cliff, although if you get there on the wrong day, you could be swept out to sea.
Want to see another special Maui spot? Check out Maui's Nakalele Blowhole.
Warning #1
Flash Floods
This is always a concern when hiking around on Maui. Make sure the waters are not raging. It's always a good move to make sure that it's safe before jumping into any open water on the island. It can be very dangerous here and people have died.
Warning #2
Sharks
There have been sightings of certain sea creatures around this area, so be cautious.
What Else Should I Know?
Can I camp here? If not, where can I camp nearby?
You can't camp here unless you have permission from the land owner to do so.
You can, however, camp at Kipahulu, which is where the Seven Sacred Pools are, and you can also camp at Waianapanapa State Park, which is where the black sand beach (Pa'iloa Beach) is.
Is there a waterfall here?
Not normally. If the water is running enough that there's a waterfall, it's probably too dangerous to be here. A flash flood is real concern and you shouldn't be in the water here if the water is flowing with enough volume to make a waterfall. You're better off checking out these other awesome waterfalls instead.
How high is the cliff jump at the Venus Pools Maui?
The jump is around 35 feet, depending on the tide and water levels, and where you jump. The natural pool ranges from 5 feet to 50 feet plus deep so make sure you're jumping into a safe area of the water. If you don't know, scope it out or don't do it.
Are the Venus Pools dangerous?
They can be, just like Maui's other tidepools. Mother Nature is amazing and can leave you mesmerized, but always exercise caution when hiking anywhere.
Want to see one of Maui's most spectacular beaches? Check out the black sand beach that's nearby in Hana!
Pictures
Videos
Gear
Knife (or something to cut the paracord)
Clothes you can get wet
Disclaimer
Flash Floods
Treat the Hawaiian Lands with respect
Want to check out another awesome tide pool? Check out the Olivine Pools in West Maui.
