Think of blowholes as cousins to geysers. When ocean waves hit, they push water through underground lava tubes and boom – it spurts out of the ground through these cool openings called blowholes.
Ever witnessed the spectacular Old Faithful at Yellowstone National Park? Imagine this: a massive burst of water shooting up like thunder, reaching heights of 180 feet, which is like a 20-story building!
Now, Hawaii puts its own twist on Yellowstone’s famous geysers with something equally mesmerizing – Hawaii blowholes!
Here’s the trick: the bigger the waves, the more powerful the blowhole eruption. And the result? A stunning, dramatic water spray that reaches even greater heights!
So, when’s the perfect time to catch this watery show? Drumroll, please – high tide, stormy or windy weather! That’s when you get those massive wave swells and high surf warnings, making the blowhole performance top-notch.
Just imagine standing near the Nakalele Blowhole on Maui during high tide – water soaring into the air like a natural masterpiece!
Now, if you’re planning to chase Hawaii’s blowholes, here are the top five: Halona Blowhole in Oahu, Nakalele Blowhole and Wai’anapanapa State Park Blowhole in Maui, Spouting Horn Blowhole in Kauai, and Keahole Point Blowhole in the Big Island.
Get ready for a thrilling, splashy adventure exploring the best Hawaii blowholes!
Best Hawaii Blowholes
1. Halona Blowhole, Oahu
The most famous of all the blowholes in Hawaii, Halona Blowhole is just a few minutes from Waikiki and Honolulu, on the southeast coast of Oahu, between Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve and Sandy Beach.
Water spray eruptions can reach up to 30 feet high, especially during high tide and high wind conditions.
Expect stunning views from the Halona Blowhole lookout, and we spotted majestic humpback whales on our last winter visit!
The nearby beautiful Halona Cove (visible from the Halona Blowhole lookout) was the site of many Hollywood movie shootings, including “From Here to Eternity” and the “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.”
Watching the Halona Blowhole erupt is one of the best free things to do on the windward side of Oahu!
Halona Blowhole is located near Hanauma Bay and is a stop on most island tours. Here are three highly popular, 5-star rated island tours that stop at Halona Blowhole:
2. Nakalele Blowhole, Maui
The Nakalele Blowhole can shoot water up an impressive 100+ feet when conditions are ideal, making for a remarkable sight!
While you get amazing views from the hilltop lookout, braver souls can take the rocky and often slippery trail for a closer view, but make sure you keep a safe distance.
Don’t forget to turn around to take a snap of the beautiful, heart-shaped, natural hole formation, a popular Instagram photo opportunity! The Nakalele Point Lighthouse is a few minutes walk away.
The Nakalele Blowhole is on the northern coast of Maui, a few miles north from Kapalua, around the 38-mile marker on Highway 340.
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3. Spouting Horn Blowhole, Kauai
If you’re headed from Poipu to Waimea Canyon State Park and Koke’e State Park, two of the best state parks on Kauai, make sure to stop at the Spouting Horn Blowhole, part of the Spouting Horn Beach Park, a convenient stop with lots of parking and restrooms.
The Spouting Horn blowhole ejects water and air to heights of up to 50 feet when the conditions are appropriate and is a stunning sight to behold!
The Pacific Ocean views from this location are phenomenal, and you may spot humpback whales breaching the ocean waters in winter.
Sunsets here are amazing as well, so stay back for a colorful sunset if you have the time!
Visiting the Spouting Horn Blowhole is one of the best things to do in Kauai!
4. Keahole Point Blowhole, Big Island
The Keahole Point Blowhole on the Big Island of Hawaii is best viewed for eruptions during high tide in the wintertime when the wave swells are the most ferocious.
Not only that, we spotted multiple humpback whales in winter, with their live blowholes and breaches providing a dramatic background to this geological wonder!
In summer, the wave action is usually not strong enough to eject water from the blowhole.
Keahole Point Blowhole is in Kailua-Kona, just a few minutes from Kona airport.
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5. Wai’anapanapa State Park Blowhole, Maui
One of the best stops on the magnificent road to Hana, Wai’anapanapa State Park is a must-visit destination in Maui, where you can visit the stunning black sand beach, Pa’iloa Beach, enjoy magnificent views from lookouts, explore sea caves and hike a few trails!
And of course, a beautiful blowhole to be admired from a safe distance!
Be a bit cautious with this blowhole. We noticed every once in a while, a larger wave would result in a violent, much bigger plume of water, often drenching the nearby unsuspecting viewers.
Note, due to its popularity, you need reservations to enter the state park.
Conclusion
Hawaii’s mesmerizing blowholes offer a unique spectacle, reminiscent of the awe-inspiring Old Faithful at Yellowstone National Park. These natural wonders, akin to geysers, unleash powerful water eruptions through captivating openings called blowholes. The key to witnessing their spectacular performances lies in timing – during high tide, stormy, or windy conditions when massive wave swells create top-notch displays.
As we explored the top five Hawaii blowholes, from the iconic Halona Blowhole in Oahu to the impressive Nakalele Blowhole in Maui, the Spouting Horn Blowhole in Kauai, the Keahole Point Blowhole in the Big Island, and the captivating Wai’anapanapa State Park Blowhole in Maui, each location showcased its unique charm and natural beauty. Whether marveling at water jets reaching up to 30 feet high at Halona or capturing the heart-shaped formation near Nakalele, these experiences promise a thrilling and splashy adventure for all. Just remember to stay safe, keep a respectful distance, and be prepared for the unexpected, as nature’s wonders unfold in Hawaii’s enchanting blowhole sites.
I’m Justin Taylor, your go-to guide at “Go Hawaii US.” I’ve been soaking in the colors and stories of Hawaii for a while now, and I want you to join me on this fantastic journey. At Go Hawaii US, we’re all about making your Hawaiian adventure unforgettable. It’s not just a guide; it’s like turning information into a real, vibrant experience. Come along, and let’s explore the wonders of Hawaii together!
