Pohoiki Warm Spring

What is the location of the hot springs in Pāhoa, Puna District?

The hot springs in Pāhoa, Puna District are located within Isaac Hale Beach Park on the Big Island of Hawaii. The precise geographic coordinates of the hot springs are 19° 27′ 32″ N latitude and 154° 50′ 34″ W longitude. These geothermal pools are situated approximately 40 miles south of Hilo and are accessible via Highway 130, followed by a 15-mile drive along Highway 137, also known as the Red Road. The thermal pools lie within walking distance of the park’s free parking area and are reached by short trails that pass through rocky forest terrain.

What is the access type and availability of the hot springs in Pāhoa?

The hot springs in Pāhoa are publicly accessible and do not require booking. Entry to the geothermal site is free of charge, and the area remains open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM. Visitors can use the free parking lot at Isaac Hale Beach Park, which serves as the main access point to the pools. The trails leading to the hot springs are not wheelchair accessible and involve walking through uneven, rocky paths under forest cover.

What are the temperature characteristics of the hot springs in Pāhoa?

The temperature of the hot springs in Pāhoa ranges from 100°F to 106°F. These geothermal pools are naturally heated as rainwater percolates through volcanic rock and magma, creating a warm, mineral-rich environment. The thermal water mixes with seawater, forming a natural thermal ocean pond with consistently warm conditions suitable for soaking.

What are the types and number of hot spring pools in Pāhoa?

The hot springs in Pāhoa consist of at least five distinct pools. These include two pools located near the parking lot, two more hidden within the surrounding forest, and one pool situated on the western side of the park. The pool types vary and include a shallow pond, a large warm pond, a collapsed lava tube pool, tide pools, and rocky pools. Each pool offers a different geothermal experience based on its formation and location within the park.

What is the depth of the hot spring pools in Pāhoa?

The depth of the hot spring pools in Pāhoa varies by location. Shallow pools throughout the area are knee-deep, while the collapsed lava tube pool reaches an approximate depth of 4 feet. Depth measurements for other pools are not specified but remain within shallow to moderately deep ranges, allowing for safe wading and soaking.

What is the water composition of the hot springs in Pāhoa?

The water composition of the hot springs in Pāhoa results from rainwater that is geothermally heated through volcanic rock and magma and then mixed with seawater. This process creates a natural thermal ocean pond that combines freshwater and saline elements. The interaction with volcanic substrates contributes to the mineral content and warmth of the pools.

What is the clothing policy at the hot springs in Pāhoa?

The clothing policy at the hot springs in Pāhoa requires visitors to wear bathing suits. Nudity is not allowed within the park or in the hot spring areas. This regulation applies to all public pools within Isaac Hale Beach Park to maintain a family-friendly environment.

What facilities are available near the hot springs in Pāhoa?

The facilities near the hot springs in Pāhoa include a parking lot, picnic tables, BBQ grills, restrooms, and showers. These amenities are located within Isaac Hale Beach Park and are accessible during the park’s opening hours from 9 AM to 6 PM. The infrastructure supports day visitors and provides convenience for those exploring the geothermal pools.

What is the accessibility of the hot springs in Pāhoa?

The hot springs in Pāhoa are not wheelchair accessible. Access to the pools requires walking along rocky forest trails that extend from the park’s parking area. The terrain includes uneven surfaces and natural obstacles, which may present challenges for individuals with mobility impairments.

What accommodations are available near the hot springs in Pāhoa?

Accommodations near the hot springs in Pāhoa include several lodging options within the Puna District and nearby towns. Local options include Pāhoa Village Hostel, Lava Tree Tropic Inn, Hawaiian Sanctuary Eco Retreat Center, and Kehena Beach Cottages. For those seeking urban amenities, additional accommodations are available in Hilo, located approximately 1 hour away by car.

What are the nearby attractions to the hot springs in Pāhoa?

Nearby attractions to the hot springs in Pāhoa include Kehena Black Sand Beach, Mackenzie State Recreation Park, Uncle Robert’s Awa Bar and Farmers Market, Star of the Sea Painted Church, and Lava Tree State Monument. The surrounding region also offers access to the town of Pāhoa and several black sand beaches in the Hilo area. These sites provide cultural, geological, and recreational extensions to a visit to the hot springs.

What is the distance of the hot springs in Pāhoa from major cities?

The hot springs in Pāhoa are located approximately 1 hour from the city of Hilo and about 2.5 hours from Kona. Hilo serves as the nearest major urban center and provides access to transportation, lodging, and additional tourist services for visitors traveling to the geothermal pools.

Where can more information be found about the hot springs in Pāhoa?

More information about the hot springs in Pāhoa can be found on the official visitor guide at https://www.lovebigisland.com/big-island-beaches/pohoiki-black-sand-beach/. The website provides additional details on directions, nearby attractions, and current conditions at Isaac Hale Beach Park.