Short Hike To Secret Jungle Tide Pool (Private)

Highlights

• I'll teach in a hands-on way while giving you time to explore/relax privately.
• The hike is off the beaten path. Elevation gain offers amazing coastal views.
• The tide pool is like an infinity pool overlooking cliffs. A miracle of nature.
• In the pool: fish, rock/hermit crabs, sea cucumbers, shrimp, pink algae, etc.
• The pool is calm/safe with a deep (4-7 ft.) and shallow (1-4 ft.) area..

Description

***There are discounts for groups of 5 or more.

***I only recently published this experience on GetYourGuide. You can read more reviews on my Tripadvisor page: https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g60583-d24018946-Short_Private_Hike_To_Secret_Jungle_Tide_Pool-Hilo_Island_of_Hawaii_Hawaii.html

- On the hike, sea turtles are a common sight in the ocean.
- At the pool, you'll be close to the wild ocean yet protected. The water is crystal clear. You'll be alone because this spot is so unknown. You control how long we stay there.
- The pool fills when waves hit the cliffs, sending water into the air like a blowhole.
- The pool is full of interesting snails (e.g., limpets), seaweed & rocks. The area is fascinating.

Some info about me: My name is Josh; I'm 32; I moved to Big Island in 2018; I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill (philosophy); I live off-grid.

The hike is composed of jungle, ‘a‘ā lava fields/hills, & boulder fields. The jungle is lush but easy to traverse. ‘A‘ā lava is jagged. By "fields", I mean a collection of loose, sometimes unstable rocks. Some parts of the hike are flat, others more rugged. A few sections require you to ascend/descend a small hill of solid lava rock. There's always a place to put your feet/hands & the lava is stable. In terms of difficulty, it's intermediate, or a level below scrambling (certainly not climbing). Generally speaking, I don't recommend this experience for anyone with a disability or children under 8. The exact lower age cutoff depends on the child/parent. There is no upper age cutoff or fitness requirement. Many people who are out of shape have succeeded.

The tide pool is formed from a basin of ‘a‘ā lava. While the pool is often full, sometimes it's 25-50% full. Almost always there's an area to submerge yourself. Rarely, the levels are too low or the conditions too rough for swimming (and there's still much to be explored in the area then).