They make kids wear life jackets when they are standing in 3 inches of water. Even if the water isn't up to their knees. I understand safety. Especially around water. But I cannot take my kid into the pool with me without a life jacket on based on age. My 4 year old can swim better than many of the 6yo+ kids in the pool. But she has to take a swim test, not the older kids. My kid can swim down through my legs, touch my feet and get a sinker toy in 5 feet of water but because she's not trained to tread for a minute she has to wear a life jacket..... if your lifeguards haven't noticed a child struggling in 30 seconds they need more training. The pool isn't that big. If a kid can swim from one side of the pool and back without needing any help, they should be able to swim WITH their parent without a jacket. Maybe it's their insurance policy that needs reviewed. It sucks. We chose this hotel because of the awesome pool, to swim with our kids. I love that they allow food into the pool area.. you can even eat your fries while you swim... read more

Hale Koa Pool - What's in this photo? A lie that a kid that age can be in the pool without a life jacket!!! False advertising - Swimming Pools Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Since they did their upgrades, it's fabulous. Large pool up to 4ft deep with plenty of seating and private cabanas you can book through the front desk. The adult infinity pool is 18+ and a bit on the small side with some seating up there as well. The pool bar is right next door for quick snacks, as well as Happy's. Two slides and a cool bridge connecting the two sides of the pool. read more

Hale Koa has two pools, the pool close to the beach and an adult only pool. The pools unfortunately are for guests only, not like before when anyone with ID could use it. The large pool close to the beach has a great kids pool area, pirate ship that releases water on top of the kids, two slides and lots of shallow pool area for kids to swim. They also have an infinity pool area on the upper deck for Adults only which is very nice. The pools are awesome and can get crowded so come early and grab a seat. The attendenant will verify your room number and give you a wrist band to wear in the pool area. They also have towels that you can either use at the pool or at the beach. The pool area is kept clean and organized so thank you Hale Koa. read more

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Kids favorite part of staying in hotels is definitely some pool time. The main pool at the Hale Koa Hotel is just lovely! I had no idea reservations were needed, I'm assuming because of Covid, social distance and restrictions. Fortunately I was still able to walk down, already in my swim suit and still secure a spot for the next time slot. There was a small hiccup with their records but a call to front desk fixed that right up. I had no idea how large the entire Hale Koa property was... lots of steps tracked that day lol! As if the pool area weren't enough to look at, there's the Waikiki beach just steps away. Lots of lounge chairs, tables, showers and shaded areas. The bar is very close by but no wait service *womp womp*. Super cool kiddie areas with a pirate ship theme. Two slides for all ages that can pass the swim test. Adult area with an infinity pool Everything felt very safe. After the pool area is emptied, staff gets right to disinfecting. They schedule the proper time to clear, clean and reset everything before the next group is allowed to enter. There were no crowds and there is plenty of space to allow for social distancing without masks while enjoying our water play. This pool experience has spoiled my daughter. Now there probably won't be another hotel pool experience on island that can compare. With that said, I definitely recommend if you're a guest! read more

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No respect for military members. Lifeguards are rude. Everyone here was weirdly racist. Even as soon as I was walking in by the receptionist desk, I could tell the lady at the front was judging me and my family, probably for being people of color. read more

Love the redesign of the pool area, far better than it was before. Can't. Wait to go back

GREAT family pool and it's finally opened!! Adult 'infinity' pool, nice family pool and the twin slides are open. The hot tub and kids splash pad remain closed. Towels are provided for registered guests and yes they have a procedure for checking if you are a guest. Colored wrist bands provided after you enter as the bathrooms and bar outside the pool area. You can see the ocean from the pool but don't have to worry about anything the bothers you that relates to the ocean. Lots of active lifeguards too. Kids have to take a 15 minute time out (get out of the pool) once an hour. read more

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Horrible lifeguards, no respect for kids or parents, the head life guard flat out made a 6 year old kid cry his eyes out refusing to speak to the parent about the swim test and even laughed at the mom . They targeted our family our friends . Even went from bad to worse when another life guard called out a 16 year old kid for sitting on the steps during down time . Telling him oh you think your big huh. Dan the manager tried to fix the issues but with no success . They have no respect for veterans , disabled veterans their families. The life guards are on an absolute power trip. Way to ruin a family vacation read more

What a great time! The lifeguards are awesome. The pool has two slides. You may not go down the slides unless you are 48 inches tall OR you have passed the swim test. My daughter is only 5, and not tall enough, so she had to do the test. She had to jump into the water (without mommy there to "catch" her), then turn in a circle with her head above water, then tread water for one minute, then swim (dog paddle) for 25 yards. She passed! After that, she was given a card and placed on a list (in case we lost the card) and she could go down the slide on her own. She was so proud of herself. The lifeguards also do a good job by keeping everyone safe, but with a friendly and helpful attitude. There is also an adults-only infinity pool directly above the main pool, so adults can keep an eye on their kids but not get splashed by rambunctious ones. So highly recommended! read more

Hale Koa Pool - Pool slides in the background... - Swimming Pools Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This is the first time brining my daughter from Alaska we Traveled thousands of miles and to come find out she can't be in the pool when adults are in the kids pool is just a heartless and pathetic rule. Every hour only kids have to get out! All kids 17 and under have to leave the pool. When there is already 2 designated pools for adults this make no sense. This isn't kid friendly at all. The have two different posting about the why they do this but both don't hold water. 1: Their Website says they 15 min break is for kids to reunite with family, my daughter like most kids rather play. It also says reapplying sunscreen, most sun screen last 2 hours before reapplying and I monitor my kids medical assessments. It also says to for the kids to take a comfort break, my kid wants to play not comfort. Lastly it says it is time for the kids to do their swim test to no wear a life vest, yet they yell at all the kids wanting to practice for it. 2: Their posted policy says Supervision Policy: *Children 12 and under, direct supervision by a parent or guardian 18 years or older required at all times. * Non-swimmers must wear a USC approved PFD and have a PARENT or GUARDIAN 18 years or older. Their policy goes against a parents rights, a parent's ability to monitor their kids and violates age discrimination laws. The life guards here are over zealous, rude, whistleblowers and incompetent people at making decisions based on facts over a ridiculous policy. They must be a union and have no compassion for families, parents or kids. Each one takes pride in yelling at kids to get out of the hot tub, the pool and to yell at parents with their kids not in a life vest. I will not bring my family here again and suggest you do the same, unless you can't parent your kids in which this hotel will do for you. read more

Hale Koa Pool - FAQ from hale koa - Swimming Pools Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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The pool is for hotel guests ONLY!! We saw both regular guests and military guests not staying at the hotel trying to sneak in and use the pool. The lifeguards check the guest list daily and each guest will be given a colored wrist band to enter and exit. The main pool is nice but very limited shade from the brutal Hawaiian sun. We did like the adult pool with its quietness and the spa was so relaxing. The staff was great...Thanks Hale Koa! read more

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Fabulous pools ever at a resort. Something for every age group. Well supervised and best beach towels, showers, and lounges in pool area.

I had a great time both times visiting! Right now because of the Covid they are allowing hour and a half gas for people to enjoy the pool for me this was OK and better than nothing so I will say that however I do think work out to where you get to have an hour and a half and enjoy the pool the slides were open and it was super fun I had a great time with my daughter the pool is definitely the big plus about the holly cola however there are plenty of pools and other resorts they still did not make the resort the best to me. read more

So ... I get it, it's COVID times, but there are ways to make this better. The Hale Koa looks great, but they've closed down the baby pool and the jacuzzi. They have an infinity pool which is neat, but they close it down before the sun sets. At night, the pool looks really cool lit up and they could probably afford to have 1 or 2 lifeguards there up until 8 or 9 o'clock to hang out and watch people, but the pool closes at 5PM. You don't have to wear masks in the water or if you're walking to the water. But if you sit down you have to wear a mask. (I get it, it's not Hale Koa rules) The pool is only available to people staying at the Hale Koa. You can register for the pool in one 1 1/2 hour time block per day. The slide is neat, but I think it's closed down at certain points. Alcohol is not allowed in the pool area (I don't know why) and I don't think you're supposed to bring outside food there. You can't stay past your time, the lifeguards ask people to leave if they don't have the correct wristband. Again, it'd be super nice to be able to see the sun set from the Infinity pool in the evenings if they kept the pool open a bit longer (even if it's only weekends). Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk. read more

So cool there is an adult only pool and kids water play ground as well two slides (1 covered - 1 uncovered). But the main pool is so long - always a lot of room for all. Plenty of chairs and towels also cabanas for rent. read more

Don't rent the cabana for the day. It's not worth it. Just go at 8 am and register for a spot during the day. Every block they make everyone get out of the water. They say they'll open up after 20 min, but it's more like 30. They do sanitize the chairs (it's a decent sanitation), just wipe down your handles because they only wipe down the part you sit on. If anything, enjoy the beach right outside. You'll have a better time. Good luck. read more