Guide
Magazine
Itinerary

Nakalele Blowhole,

Suitable for:
Active traveller, nature lovers
Insider tip or tourist spot?
Well known, but not overcrowded
TouriSpot
Insider Tip
Time needed:
0.75 hours
Optimal arrival time:
Does not matter
Cost:
Free
Suitable for:
Active traveller, nature lovers
Insider tip or tourist spot?
Well known, but not overcrowded
TouriSpot
Insider Tip
Time needed:
0.75 hours
Optimal arrival time:
Does not matter
Cost:
Free

Nakalele Blowhole, - Beschreibung

Around the West Maui Mountains and along the Kahekili Highway (30), there are always good views and some worthwhile stops, such as the town of Lahaina. If you have the time, you should plan a half or full-day trip here. Between short hikes or snorkelling tours, you can take relaxing breaks at the beautiful beaches and resorts.
For many who travel on the Kahekili Highway, the destination of their tour is the Nakalele Blowhole. A hole in a lava bank very close to the sea, through which water shoots explosively into the air.

Good to know
- The Nakalele Blowhole gives the impression of a geyser. Strictly speaking, however, it is not. It is salty seawater that is thrown up through the rock formations.

- The fountain can grow up to 20 meters high. Or, at low tide, it can be rather tiny. The hole has a diameter of three feet (almost one meter).

- Caution. Of course, this is not a place for swimming. But even beyond that, you should be super careful, always keep a good distance from the lava banks, never stand between the blowhole and the ocean, and generally always have the ocean in view. As some signs also clearly state, "You can be killed!". The warning is not there for no reason. People have already had fatal accidents because the waves down here can become surprisingly dangerous and sweep you away.

Directions
Well-paved, with stopping bays and parking lots for the short stops, it goes in a clockwise direction, for example starting from Maalea, along Highway 30. The further north you go, the more the coastal road winds. Driving with foresight is recommended here. The parking lot to the blowhole is located between mile markers 38 and 39, directly at the roadside after a left turn.
If you can't find a free parking space here, you should definitely not stand anywhere along the narrow road. Rather continue to explore the coast - on the way back you will certainly have more luck.

After visiting the Nakalele Blowhole (or the Ohai Loop Trail), you have to decide whether to turn around or go north around the island.
Highway 30 now becomes Highway 340, and it's a tough one. The road is often single lane and very narrow, hardly visible and in generally bad shape. The way back, counterclockwise, is more recommended.

Hike and equipment
You have a good view of the blowhole already from the top. From the parking lot (at MamaLei's food truck) you can walk a few meters towards the sea and get your bearings first. But the short hike down is really recommended. Only here do you feel the power of the surf. The path is rocky and partly very steep, so it is no fun with slops. For the way to the "Geysir" and back, you should plan 30 minutes.
If you are looking for the heart shaped rock, you will unfortunately be disappointed. Since 2020, this rock formation, a popular photo motif that could be easily seen from the Nakalele Blowhole, has been destroyed. The wave erosion has broken the heart.

By the way: Even if the blowhole is not that exciting because of the low tide, it's still worth a trip here. A few miles away, for example, there's another good, just over a mile-long loop trail along this great coast: the Ohai Loop Trail. The trail is well-developed, diverse, offers fantastic views and the possibility to watch birds (and with a lot of luck even humpback whales).

What we say

Tommy
The Blowhole is a true natural spectacle and should not be missed during a visit to Maui. Here you can experience nature in its originality and power.
Our checklist & tips:
  • Free parking available
  • Bumpy road down
  • Sturdy shoes are a must

Wie gefiel dir Nakalele Blowhole,?

You have been there before? Did you like it?

Thank you

  • Hidden
  • Thank you for your review.

  • Dieses Feld dient zur Validierung und sollte nicht verändert werden.

Map and contact data

Milemarker 38.5 (Hwy 30) / Poelua Bay, Wailuku, HI 96793, United States
Longitude: -156.590351
Latitude: 21.024543

Your questions answered by us

You still have questions?

We answer them for you!

Other interesting sights

Kapalua Beach

Voted Best Beach in America - Kapalua Beach White sandy beach, coconut palms, crystal clear water and ideal be...

Hoʻokipa Beach Park

Surf paradise at the North Shore in Maui A true surfer's paradise, Ho'okipa Beach Park is known among water sports enthusiasts as...

Pipiwai Trail

The area of Kipahulu on the Road to Hana in Haleakala National Park offers extremely many attractions: Waterfalls, ds...

Molokini Crater

Located between the south coast of Maui and the island of Kaho'olawe rises a very small, unusually shaped island a...

Kula Botanical Gardens

Somewhat hidden in the higher region of Kula, is this privately owned garden. It is a true oasis...

Maui Ocean Center (The Aquarium of Hawaii)

If you are interested in Hawaii's underwater world and want to learn more about the local fish and other marine life,...
Oahu
Maui
Big Island
Kauai
Molokai
lanai
All Hawaii Islands
Overview of all islands & background info