This may be a first experience for you, but if it is it certainly won’t be your last. Ahalanui Park pool is actually a thermal heated spring fed swimming area that is partially natural and partially man made. Although Ahalanui Park is located right along the ocean the experience here is not an ocean experience at all. In fact the ocean fronting the pool here is very rough and potentially dangerous and you should avoid getting in. The naturally thermally heated pool is another story. You will definitely want to get in here and enjoy the approximately 90 degree water. It is so comforting that you won’t want to get out.
The Hot Thermal Pools at Ahalanui Park
The Ahalanui pool is made with stone and was designed to make use of the thermally heated waters that work their way up from the underground springs in this area. It is fairly shallow throughout the entire pool probably not going above head high and there is no current so it is a pleasant place to swim and exercise. There is even a lifeguard at this pool but that is mostly because the shallow depths are over head-high for children and they will often panic by being in the deeper waters. In quizzing the lifeguard in the area we learned that there had never been any serious accidents here but having that lifeguard around really makes this a spot that we can certainly recommend to all.
Ocean Coastline at Ahalanui Park
Getting into the pools here requires almost no effort and there are nice ramped steps that lead down into the pool so access is simple. We met some people there on a weekend who explained to us that they come one weekend day a week and usually will stay in and around the pool for hours and we could see why. One interesting bit of information that was passed on to us by the lifeguard was that the water which entered the pool from the ocean side of the structure swept through the pool with regularity (at least on high tide twice a day) and served to keep the whole pool clean. Indeed the water in the pool did look crystal clear and clean. Because of the higher temperatures in the pool however we did see a sign that mentioned that if you had any open sores or cuts on your skin you might be marginally at risk for a staph infection because the higher temp waters were more friendly to those bacteria.
Facilities at Ahalanui Park
If there was any criticism we had of the Ahalanui Park it would be that for being such a sterling location it just did not have adequate facilities. The parking lot was completely full when we were there and we were able to grab the last available space. There was an outdoor shower which was great but the restrooms were strictly portable toilets which did not make an ideal area from which to shower off and then change. All else was spectacular however and it was certainly a great place to spend the afternoon.
Ocean Caution
Be advised that all beaches and ocean locations in Hawaii can be dangerous including this one. Be completely aware of the ocean conditions prior to entering any Hawaiian waters and it is advised that you enter the water at this location only after you consult with a lifeguard on duty. Also, all shorelines and beaches in Hawaii, including this one, can be frequented by sharks, jellyfish and other sea creatures which can provide potential harm to people entering the water.