Nakalele Blowhole, Maui

Highway 30, West Maui

The drive from Kapalua, around Nakalele Point and on to Wailuku is extraordinary. Nakalele Blowhole is the result of the ocean wearing away the shore below the lava shelf. With each wave, water is forced through a hole in the lava shelf resulting in the "eruption" of water similar to a geyser.

The "blowing" of the water varies dramatically depending on tide levels and wave action. High tide and strong surf result in the best effects. The blowhole can be seen from the road when the wave action is right or you can hike down to the area - just don't get too close!

Directions:

Follow Highway 30 (Honoapi'ilani Highway) north from Kapalua. The Acid War Zone trail is near Mile Marker #38 where a gravel parking lot is located. A dirt, jeep road begins the trail which takes approximately 30 minutes to hike. The second trail to the blowhole is located ½ mile past Mile Marker #38 and is marked by a dirt pullout along the side of the road. From this area you can usually see the blowhole without doing the hike.

Useful Information:

The blowhole, point and light beacon can easily be seen from the trailhead without taking the hike.

Use extreme caution when walking these trails as they are rocky and descend steeply toward the ocean. Wear sturdy shoes, a hat and use sunscreen. Always bring drinking water, do not hike alone, and tell others about your hiking itenerary.

Be extremely careful around the blowhole as the waves and resulting eruptions are unpredictable and are deadly dangerous.

Never sit on, touch or get close to the blowhole or erupting water.

Monitor the ocean conditions conditions continuously as rouge waves may endanger you as the trail nears the water.