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Ahalanui Hot Pond at Pualaa County Park (Permanently Closed)

Big Island Guide Travel Guide

Ahalanui Hot Pond – CLOSED Since 2018

The Ahalanui Hot Pond was destroyed by lava during the 2018 Volcanic Eruption of Kilauea. This area was covered by the lava flow originating from Fissure 8 and is now permanently closed to the public. The hot pool and Pualaa County Park were both destroyed by an active flow of lava that changed the face of this small area of the Big Island. Black sand beaches, small off shore islands, and an ever evolving coastline was formed by the Kilauea Eruption and only time will tell what this area will become.

Ahalanui Hot Pond and Pualaa County Park Before the Eruption

Ahalanui Hot Pond was a thermal-heated, spring-fed swimming pool with man-made walkways, ladder entries and a cement barrier protecting it from the powerful ocean breaks. The ocean waves were beautiful to watch crashing over the barrier into the volcanically-heated pool. The pond had an egress along the cement barrier flushing the ocean water through the thermal waters regularly making for a natural rinsing of the thermal spring. Depending on the tide, the water temperature varied from warm to luke-warm.

Ahalanui Hot Pond’s water was brackish (half salt water and half spring water) and the bottom was a mix of sand and thermal mud, emanating a minor sulfur aroma. With easy access to the natural pool area and plenty of space for a picnic or family outing in the park near the water’s edge, this natural hot pond kept things simple and relaxed in this ocean-fed, man-made paradise. Pualaa County Park was a very popular spot and it was sad to see it destroyed by the volcanic activity.

Other Nearby Beach Parks

A nearby option for those looking to enjoy the ocean, Issac Hale Beach Park and Pohoiki Beach are only a half mile south and make for a great option for your day. This beach park is right at the southern edge of the lava and was within yards of being covered by the flow, thankfully it was spared.

Note about Big Island Hot Pools Water Quality
The hot ponds around the Big Island are very popular, and because of the heavy use and higher temperatures in all of these pools, you will see signs warning to avoid going into pools with open cuts. This is good advice, as it could make you susceptible to an infection as the warm water encourages bacterial growth. The cleanliness of most pools varies greatly so look around and use your own judgement of the current condition based on what you see when you arrive.

Ahalanui Hot Pond Info
Permanently Closed