Olivine Pools

On our second full day on Maui we decided we were up for an adventure.  We drove north past Kapalua, past the blow hole, past civilization to the Olivine Pools.  We'd read in the guide book that there were great shimmering blue tide pools there.  After many a "are we there yet" from the peanut gallery we arrived.  (In actuality we were only in the car for like 30 minutes or so!)


 Unfortunately, we didn't take a picture of our starting point.  What started as a simple hike became a sheer cliff descent in our flip flops.  More than once Matt and I looked at each other and our eyes spoke the words, "What in the heck are we doing, and why are we dragging our children along to do it??"  There was many a whine and complaint as we struggled to get down to the pools.  It took quite awhile to gingerly make our way down the face of the lava field.  I kept reminding the kids that sometimes things that are really worth doing in life are difficult.


Once there we spent over two hours exploring the tide pools.  We found sea urchins, sea cucumbers, sea slugs, crabs, and even a moray eel.  The kids tried to net some fish--no luck.  We had a fun time exploring (even though Emma reminds me the rocks were hot and pointy), until it was time to hike back up the cliff.  There was then more weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth.  I think a "time out" or two may have even been involved on the ascent.  Said "time out" child shall remain nameless.  However, the Olivine Pools will be an adventure we won't forget!

Partial look down the cliff to the ocean below

Emma on the "hot and pointy" lava rocks.

The Hunt

Crab Hole

Moray eel-it started to squirt blood in our bucket.  Eewww!

Josh examining his catch.

Josh-Sea Slug Hunter

Beautiful scenery at the pools!

Sea Urchin-Are they poisonous?