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About the activity
This tide pool is my secret. It's off the beaten path.
We use a jungle/lava rock coastal trail. Each way is 30-40 min. (1/2 mile).
I'll teach you about the pool's ecosystem and the local environment.
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Free cancellationCancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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Private tourAvoid crowds with an exclusive experience.
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Live guidingEnglish
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Duration2.5 hours
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Includes
- Guidance to the tide pool and time in the pool.
- Teaching about the pool's ecosystem and the local environment.
- Recommendations for what else to do on Big Island.
- Transportation
Highlights
- In addition to my teaching, you will have time to explore/relax privately.
- Elevation gain on the hike offers amazing coastal views.
- The tide pool is like an infinity pool overlooking cliffs. A miracle of nature.
- In the pool: fish, hermit/rock crabs, sea cucumbers, shrimp, snails, shells etc.
- The pool is calm/safe with a deep (4-7 ft.) and shallow (1-4 ft.) area.
Description
- On the hike, sea turtles are a common sight in the ocean in the distance.
- Waves strike the cliffs and shoot water in the air like a blowhole. A once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity. (The height of the splash depends on the conditions.)
- The tide pool's water is crystal clear. You'll be alone because this spot is so unknown. You control how long we stay there.
- The pool has unique snails called "opihi", spaghetti worms, pink algae, seaweed, and cool rocks.
- 10 minutes of the hike take place in the jungle while 20-30 minutes take place on the coast.
My name is Josh. I'm 33 years old. I've been hosting this experience for 3 years. I have a wide range of knowledge about Hawaii, with an emphasis on fruit trees and tide pool biology (especially echinoderms). I've lived off-grid in the jungles of Big Island since 2018. I'm very good at adapting to the energy of the group, knowing when to give you space and when to be more hands-on and informational. When I'm not doing tours, I spend my time making music and reading. I was a philosophy major in college, so I'm very interested in new ideas, which I love sharing with my groups.
The hike is comprised of jungle, boulder fields, and jagged lava fields/hills. Parts of the hike are rugged with uneven/loose rocks. Some sections require scrambling. 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. I don't recommend this hike for anyone with a disability/children under 7. The exact lower age cutoff depends on the child/parent. There's no upper age cutoff or fitness requirement, although this experience is most ideal for adventurous people who enjoy physical activity.
While the tide pool is often fully accessible, sometimes only certain parts are accessible. Almost always there's an area to submerge yourself. Rarely, the levels are too low or the conditions too rough for swimming.
There are no ticks and very few bugs or mosquitoes.
- Wear hiking shoes, hiking sandals, or athletic shoes for the hike. Hiking shoes are most ideal. If you do wear sandals, closed-toe are most ideal.
- Wear water shoes at the tide pool. Closed-toe shoes with durable soles are most ideal.
- Wear a bathing suit and bring a towel. There are no bathrooms at the tide pool.
- Many people bring a snorkeling mask or goggles.
- Apply "reef safe" sunscreen before the hike to minimize its contact with the tide pool water. Bug spray is unnecessary because there are no ticks and very few bugs or mosquitoes.
- Some people bring a first aid kit because I don't provide one.
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Prices & Booking
Person
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Adults18-69 years
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Seniors70-99 years
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Youth14-17 years
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Children7-13 years
Date
| February 2025 | ||||||
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