Outbound Collective logo

Explore the Nakalele Blowhole

Wailuku, Hawaii

3.8/5
based on 4 reviews

Details

Distance

0.3 miles

Elevation Gain

-300 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Brian Fulda

The Nakalele Blowhole is a natural oceanic blowhole that shoots water spouts up to 100 feet in the air. The area surrounding it was formed by cooled lava and has fascinating geological features.

Getting to the Nakalele Blowhole is not too difficult. Use the Google Maps location on here to drive to the spot listed. There will be a dirt parking lot.

Warning: If you are coming from Kahului, do not take the Kahekili Highway (Hwy 340) unless you are prepared for hairpin turns, one lane roads, and a dangerous drive. It is much easier and safer to take Honoapiilani Highway (Hwy 30) through Lahaina. Google Maps may try to route you up Hwy 340. It is a gorgeous drive, but only take it if you feel like you can handle it. Despite Hwy 30 being much longer geographically, it actually only takes a short amount longer than 340.

Once you arrive at the parking lot, there will be a few dirt trails leading towards the ocean to begin the hike. Follow any one of them and it will bring you on the main trail. There are a number of ways to get down to Nakalele, so take any which way you choose. It is recommended you wear some kind of decent footwear (non-open toe) as the terrain was formed from dried lava and is quite rugged.

You should be able to see the blowhole from near the top of the hike so you won't have an issue of finding it. Once you're down there, take in the sights of the heart-shaped rock (pictured above) and the Nakalele Blowhole. As a sign on the trail warns, though, do not get too close to the blowhole. It is indeed very strong and quite dangerous, and could kill you if you're not careful. The surf here is usually quite powerful. It is recommended that you try to go at high tide as the blowhole will shoot the highest at this point. For an added bonus, try going at sunrise, when the blowhole gets illuminated by the rising sun in the east. Expect to take about 15 minutes or so to get down to the blowhole and back.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Chillin
Photography
Hiking
Beach
Scenic

Explore the Nakalele Blowhole Reviews

Recommend going when tide is higher or windy. Went mid day and blow hole did not produce very many geysers and were small. But still absolutely worth going any time because still gorgeous views , easy And short hike, and has its own tide pools.

The blowhole was ok, but the surrounding terrain is really great. Worth exploring the area if you have time.

The power of the sea is on full display here and the views of Maui’s rugged northern coast are quite spectacular. We must have had good timing when we visited the blowhole as we witnessed some impressive blasts…very hypnotizing. There are two parking areas for the blowhole and each has a different route. Route 1 has a parking area located at mile marker 38, which is the location listed in the posted Adventure. From the parking area, head towards the light beacon near the coastline. It is visible from the parking area. From the light beacon you will basically meaner along the coastline for approximately 500-600 yards until you reach the blowhole. You may see some ladders that lead down the cliff; these are not part of the route. The area between the light beacon and the Nakalele Blowhole has been dubbed the ‘Acid War Zone’ due to the barren landscape and unique erosion of the rocks. Route 2 has a parking area near mile 38.5 and also has a shorter, more direct hike to the blowhole. You will be able to see the blowhole from the top of the trail. Also, neither of these routes have marked trails, just beaten paths that lead to the destination. I will reiterate the warnings posted in the Adventure. Wear appropriate footwear. You are walking on volcanic rock. If you fall it will be like falling on glass. Second. People have been killed here. Use common sense when viewing the blowhole. Don’t be the next Darwin Award recipient. Third. I also advise against taking Highway 340 (Kahekili Highway) to the east of the blowhole. We did so naively and it was not that fun of an experience, albeit gorgeous. At about 4 miles east of the blowhole, the highway becomes a one-lane highway for about 10 miles with shear cliffs, no guardrails, hairpin turns, and pull-outs few and far between. We were fortunate and didn’t have any vehicles approaching from the opposite direction during our trek. Plus, if you have a rental vehicle, I believe this section of highway will void your agreement.

My family really enjoyed spending time here. The blow hole is fun and there are a ton of crabs and hermit crabs around the area. The rock formations are neat as well.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Snorkel Kapalua Bay

Paddle Board (SUP) Napili Bay, Maui

Hike the Waihe'e Ridge Trail

Kaanapali Beach

Hike through Iao Valley to Kūkaemoku (The Needle)

Exploring the Road to Hana