Local Pools Not Just For Kids

By Vanessa Wolf

The Kihei Aquatic Center. Photo courtesy Maui County.

As the warm temperatures continue, adults and particularly senior citizens may be looking for creative ways to cool down.

This summer, kupuna have their own private time in the heated Wailuku pool.

Although grandchildren 3 and under are welcome, in general the pool is exclusively the domain of seniors on Monday and Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

The exclusive hours are a summer experiment to see if there’s interest.

At the Lahaina pool, “mornings are quiet” with an aerobics class that begins at 9:30 a.m. every day but Thursday and Sunday.

“It’s pretty much a social hour, and the average age is 60 plus,” explained the lifeguard. There is also lap swim all day.

However, he cautioned those seeking peace and quiet against attending on Monday mornings, as 120 kindergartners and first graders regularly descend for the “Monday Summer Pals” program.

The Upcountry pool in Pukalani opens at 9:30 a.m. and has lap swimming all day.

The Kahului pool offers early lap swim some mornings from 6:30 to 8 a.m. and an occasional afternoon aerobics class.

The Kihei and Kahului Kokua pools also offer daily lap swims.

Most of the pools average 80 degree water and leave specifics as to hours, events, and temperature on a daily voice mail message which is updated each morning by 10 a.m.

The Wailuku pool, however, not only offers the only unique senior swim opportunity, but is heated and thus, warmer, with an average of 86 degrees.

Local resident (and sharer of the kupuna-only Wailuku tip) Emily Bott explains, “The heated Wailuku pool is 3-1/2 feet at the deep end, and perfect for ‘exercising.’”

Bott also cautions that it’s best to call ahead before heading over because, “Twice I’ve gotten there only to find the pool closed and a ‘Puke in the Pool’ sign on the gate.”

Call ahead to check on times, temperatures, classes and puke levels at the following numbers.

Wailuku – 270-7411
Lahaina – 661-7611
Upcountry – 572-1479
Kahului – 270-7410
Kihei – 874-8137
Kahului Kokua – 270-6155

Have an idea for a fun or thought-provoking story or topic? Get in touch: we want to hear from you. -Vanessa (@mauinow.com)