This tide pool is my secret. It's off the beaten path. A miracle of nature. We'll use a jungle/lava rock coastal trail. Each way takes 25-35 min.(1/2 mile). Only your group will participate. I'll teach you about the pool's ecosystem and the local environment. You'll also have time to explore/relax privately. You control how long we stay at the pool. – Elevation gain on the hike offers amazing coastal views. Sea turtles are a common sight in the ocean. – The pool is like an infinity pool overlooking the cliffs. The water is crystal clear. You'll be alone because this spot is so unknown. – In the pool: fish, hermit crabs, rock crabs, sea cucumbers, shrimp, snails (e.g., unique ones called "opihi"), spaghetti worms, pink coralline algae, seaweed, shells, cool rocks, etc.) – The pool fills when waves hit the cliffs, sending water into the air like a blowhole. – The pool is calm/safe with a deep (4-7 ft.) & shallow (1-4 ft.) area.

• Short sailing times mean more time spent playing at Crab Island
• Use the catamaran’s snorkeling equipment to dive deep into the water
• The boat’s bean bag chairs and cooler offer ultimate relaxation
• Bring your own food and drink or purchase from Crab Island vendors

What To Expect

Some info about me: My name is Josh; I'm 32; I moved to Big Island in 2018; I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill (philosophy); I live off-grid.

The hike is composed of jungle, boulder fields, lava fields, & lava hills. The lava is rough & jagged. Some parts of the hike are flat, others more rugged. 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. In terms of difficulty, some rate the hike as intermediate while others rate it in between intermediate & difficult. Some sections require light scrambling. I don't recommend this hike for anyone with a disability/children under 8. The exact lower age cutoff depends on the child/parent. There's no upper age cutoff or fitness requirement. Many people who are out of shape have succeeded.

The tide pool is formed from a basin of lava. The lava is rough & jagged. While the pool is often full, sometimes it's partially full. Almost always there's an area to submerge yourself. Rarely, the levels are too low or the conditions too rough for swimming (and there's still plenty to explore in the area then).

There are no ticks and very few bugs or mosquitoes.