Human beings are not only the creatures that likes warm springs.
In Japan, wild monkeys enjoy the hot water, whose sight is very popular among tourists.
In Hawaii, you can soak in springs with tropical fish and even with marine turtles (with any luck).
Caution
In June 2018, this place was lost in a lava flow from the eruption of Kilauea volcano.
Cape Kumukahi
In the east side of the Big Island, some warm springs are gushing due to the volcanic activities.
Today I will visit a warm spring in a gated community, so that only the residents and guests can enter the approach path.
Actually, there is a back road.
Set the aim at Cape Kumukahi Lighthouse, the easternmost point of the Hawaiian islands, and turn right in front of it and break through the rough road.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM - Cape Kumukahi Light (2016)
CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
All most all rental car companies prohibit driving on dirt roads.
However, I believe it upside down to comply with the rule and fail to enjoy the great outdoors.
Pay additional fees, rent a SUV, and go into the rough dirt road with full attention.
This is the connecting point of Champagne Pond to the Pacific Ocean.
Bubbling cove
The cove surrounded by a residential area has clear and crystal water.
Be careful because some ponds are in private properties.
The water temp is tepid, around 88 degrees F at the highest.
You will find the greatest characteristic in the sound; the name of Champagne comes from the sound of bursting bubbles that the hot spring gushing with gas creates.
Here is ideal for snorkeling, and you will see a variety of tropical fish and even a marine turtles (with a little bit of luck).
At the unique warm spring in the world, you can enjoy soaking with marine creatures.
Summary
Champagne Pond, Kapoho, Hawaii, U.S.
My rating
Type: Undeveloped
Rule: Clothing required
Chemical use: No
Water temp: Up to 88 degrees F
Related Hot Springs
If you like to avoid entering the dirt road, it is physically possible to park your car at Kapoho Tide Pool’s parking lot and to walk to Champagne Pond (not recommended).
In the tide pool, too, hot water is gushing due to the geothermal heat in this area.
