I would really like to swim next to a waterfall in either Maui or Kauai. I know that Inter-Island helicopter includes that in one of their flights but we decided to go with Jack Harter. Suggestions??? Would prefer to go somewhere not too far off the beaten path as two daughters (5,8) will be with me. (Don't suggest the hotel pool!) We are definately considering the Wailua River kayak/hike option. How is that waterfall? We will be heading to Maui in 4 days!!!

Blue Pool Maui...if your taking the road to Hana...actually...the entire road to Hana is what you want.
Inter-islands pool wasnt that spectacular...dont feel cheated. Aloha!

Yes, if you take the road to Hana...stop at Ching's Pond and Blue Pool for a refreshing dip.

aloha!

Keep in mind that the Blue Pool is a significant side trip from the road to Hana. We (wife, and children, 6, 6 and 9 years, and I) were there in late November. The last part of the road is unpaved dirt and it is quite rough and quite hilly. The closest parking (paid) is at a house maybe 1/4-1/3 mile from the "entrance" to the pool area (and after a house with a sign that professes it's the last available parking). The signs posted by the adjoining neighbors are not neighborly. Once you reach the end of the road you cross by foot over large rocks and boulders with the ocean on your right and a stream on your left. Keep going. You then traverse rocks and boulders for 30+ yards, sometimes on all 4s, before you reach the Blue Pool. The water was unexpectedly warm, and great for swimming in. Clear, though not blue. The surroundings, waterfalls and ocean, priceless. My 3rd trip on the Road. The Pool is one of the best "family-accessible" side trips. Just don't try to reach it in heels-or a dainty car.

On Kauai, try Kipu Falls. 20 foot waterfall, deep clear pool, rope swing...can't beat it. It's a short drive from Lihue and a very short hike - the Ultimate Kauai Guidebook has directions.

Please exercise EXTREME caution when pool-hopping on Maui, or using the Kipu Falls rope swing...especially at this time of year (our rainy season).

We lost a visitor at Kipu Falls Thanksgiving weekend when she mis-judged the water's depth and cracked her head on a rock. Divers found her body the next day.

Last year on Maui, a visiting family of 4 was pool-hopping, when the father and one of the children were swept away and over the falls by a flash-flood. Their bodies were recovered off-shore about a week later.

Another caveat -- this time of year, the rains send assorted debris tumbling over those lovely waterfalls without warning. Watch for large rocks, branches, logs, etc.

I swam in a waterfall pool on the BI, and boy, was it cold. The guide said it was about 62F. Make sure you take a tee shirt or something else to help a little with warmth when you get into the pool. The other people in our group also took an underwater camera, which was nice for taking pictures above the water, but with less worry than a regular camera.