but in 1993 the water came roaring down
one of the larger waterfalls
following the path you pass nice examples of the native Pu Hala tree. The fruits are edible
there are dozens of baders in and around the pool
at the seafront you are treated with a spectacular view
time to head back
a daredevil takes the jump
the Ohe o Gulch at Kipahulu
At
Ohe o Gulch the waters from the slopes of the Haleakala rainforest flow via a series of pools into the ocean. Sometimes
feebly, sometimes with thundering power.
Located near
Kipahulu the gulch is part of the
Haleakala National Park and is
very popular with tourists and locals alike to take a refreshing dip in the pools.
The gulch is also known as The
Seven Sacred Pools.
A trail to the pools starts at the Kipahulu Visitor Center and leads you past
Pu Hala trees and
a replica of an traditional hut, before you reach the seafront where you are rewarded with a spectacular view of massive
ocean waves breaking on black basaltic rocks.
After heavy rainfall the gulch often turns treacherous with falsehoods
and slippery rocks. After several accidents the pools were closed but reopened in January 2023.
Between
1992 and 2003 we visited this very scenic gulch several times.
an aerial view of the Kipahulu area with the gulch to the left of the parking lot
In 2003 there was a simple hut, but this item has later been upgraded to an open thatched roof house
a first view of the mouth of the gulch. In 2003 the stream was not more than a trickle
that will not work ladies
in 2003 we take a helicopter ride to view the falls higher up the slope that feed the gulch