Arahoho Blowhole
Witness nature's raw power at Arahoho Blowhole, where ocean waves create a spectacular spray through a natural rock formation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Maximum blowhole spray
Arahoho Blowhole
Best Time
Maximum blowhole spray
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness nature's raw power at Arahoho Blowhole, where ocean waves create a spectacular spray through a natural rock formation.
"This is one of the coolest things you will see on your entire trip! "
🎯 High Tide for Best Show
Aim for high tide to see the blowhole at its most powerful and impressive. :ocean:
🚗 Parking is Limited
The parking lot is small, so be patient or visit during off-peak hours. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Arahoho Blowhole
Northeastern Coast
Witness nature's raw power as waves surge through a narrow hole, blasting water and air with incredible force.
Black Sand Beach
Adjacent to Blowhole
Stunning black sand contrasts with the turquoise ocean, creating a unique and picturesque coastal scene.
Coastal Park Views
Around the Blowhole
Enjoy scenic ocean vistas and observe fascinating sea creatures on the rocks below.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Blowhole
Respect the Warnings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 High Tide for Best Show
Aim for high tide to see the blowhole at its most powerful and impressive. :ocean:
🚗 Parking is Limited
The parking lot is small, so be patient or visit during off-peak hours. :car:
⚠️ Heed All Warnings
Never cross fences or ignore signs; the blowhole's force is dangerous. +1 :warning:
🌊 Explore the Black Beach
The unique black sand beach offers beautiful views and photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 High Tide for Best Show
Aim for high tide to see the blowhole at its most powerful and impressive. :ocean:
🚗 Parking is Limited
The parking lot is small, so be patient or visit during off-peak hours. :car:
⚠️ Heed All Warnings
Never cross fences or ignore signs; the blowhole's force is dangerous. +1 :warning:
🌊 Explore the Black Beach
The unique black sand beach offers beautiful views and photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Short Walk, Big Reward
Minimal walking required to access the blowhole, making it an easy stop. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently amazed by the raw power and unique phenomenon of the Arahoho Blowhole, often calling it a must-see despite its small size. The dramatic spray and the striking black sand beach are major highlights. Some find the parking challenging and emphasize the importance of respecting safety warnings due to the blowhole's force.
"Beautiful location
Looks like you need to come at high tide to get that blow hole to really pop so you can see the high powered mist.
There is nice park and walk after the blowhole. The parking 🅿️ is tight. The black beach ⛱️ is truly amazing to look at. It makes the water black too. It's free parking no need to pay for anything"
corenzo wilkerson
"You may think it’s just a hole in the ground and you may even be tempted to skip Arahoho Blowhole on your trip around Tahiti, but TRUST ME when I say this: this is one of the coolest things you will see on your entire trip!! This is equal to any of the waterfalls, beaches, and other places on the islands of French Polynesia! I have never seen anything like it - waves slam into the rocks down at sea level, and this narrow hole channels the pressure all the way up to where you are standing! It’s like a tube that blasts air out and it is POWERFUL! It shoots wind close to hurricane force, and if you got too close, you would definitely blow over from the force! It is loud too, so be prepared!!!
I 100% recommend stopping here along your drive - it is free and entirely worth a few minutes of your time. There is almost no walking required, and there is also a nice park attached to the Blowhole area where you can have a nice view of the ocean as well as the sea creatures on the rocks below! One unique phenomenon that you might spot when you visit is these little fish things that hop all across the rocks near the bottom entrance of the blowhole. It is weird, and I have never seen anything like it before. Maybe you know why they are? 🤔"
Michael
"Cool thing to see! Doesn’t take a ton of time. Limited parking available but the entrance to the three waterfalls is across the street so you can see both attractions."
Courtney Wertz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Arahoho Blowhole is located on the northeastern coast of Oahu, Hawaii. It's easily accessible by car along the scenic coastal highway. There's a small parking lot nearby, but it can fill up quickly.
Yes, visiting Arahoho Blowhole is completely free! There's no admission fee, and parking is also free, though limited.
Many visitors drive the scenic route around the island, stopping at various points of interest. Arahoho Blowhole is a popular stop along the northeastern coast.
Public transport options to this specific location can be limited and time-consuming. Renting a car is generally the most convenient way to explore Oahu's coastal attractions like the blowhole.
Just across the street and down a bit, you can find the entrance to three beautiful waterfalls, making it a great spot to combine attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit Arahoho Blowhole. It's a natural attraction that is free for everyone to enjoy.
As a natural outdoor attraction, Arahoho Blowhole doesn't have set opening or closing hours. It's accessible whenever you can safely visit, though daylight hours are recommended.
The park area surrounding Arahoho Blowhole is also free to access. Enjoy the coastal views and the unique black sand beach without any cost.
While accessible, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the phenomenon. High tide is crucial for seeing the blowhole in action.
The main restriction is to respect the warning signs and fences. Do not attempt to climb over barriers or approach the blowhole too closely due to its powerful spray. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's a thrilling natural spectacle where waves force water and air through a hole in the rocks, creating a powerful spray. The sound is also quite impressive!
Most visitors spend about 15-30 minutes here, depending on how long they wait for the perfect spray and how much they explore the surrounding area.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the terrain can be a bit uneven. Bring a light jacket or poncho if you want to stay dry, as you might get misted.
While children can observe from a safe distance, direct interaction with the blowhole is extremely dangerous. Always supervise children closely and adhere to warning signs. +1
Swimming directly at the blowhole is not advised due to the powerful currents and unpredictable spray. The nearby black sand beach offers a safer place to enjoy the ocean.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic spray of the blowhole itself, the striking black sand beach, and the panoramic ocean views from the coastal park.
Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the water spray. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the ocean colors and reduce glare.
Yes, with patience and good timing, you can capture impressive shots of the water erupting from the blowhole. Be prepared for mist!
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) offers beautiful lighting. Midday can be harsh but still provides dramatic contrast with the black sand.
A tripod can be helpful for stabilizing shots, especially in lower light or if you want to experiment with longer exposures of the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The nearby black sand beach and the coastal park offer safer areas for children to explore and enjoy the ocean views. Pack snacks and drinks, as amenities are limited. Combining this visit with the nearby waterfalls provides a full day of natural exploration suitable for families.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The black sand beach offers a unique foreground element, and the surrounding coastline provides opportunities for wider landscape shots. Consider visiting during the golden hours for the best light. Remember to protect your gear from the sea mist by using a lens hood or a protective filter.
🚗 Road Trippers
Parking is limited, so be prepared for a short wait or visit during less busy times. It's an ideal spot to break up a longer drive and experience a unique geological feature without a significant detour. Combine it with the nearby waterfalls for a more comprehensive experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Phenomenon of the Arahoho Blowhole
Visitors are often mesmerized by the raw energy on display. The best time to witness this phenomenon is during high tide when the ocean swells are largest, maximizing the pressure within the blowhole. It's a dynamic display that changes with the rhythm of the sea, making each visit potentially unique.
It's crucial to remember that this natural power is also dangerous. The spray can be strong enough to knock you off your feet, and the rocks can be slippery. Always maintain a safe distance and heed all warning signs posted in the area.
Exploring the Surrounding Coastal Area
There's also a pleasant coastal park that wraps around the road tunnel. This park provides excellent vantage points for observing the ocean and the blowhole from a safe distance. It's a great spot to relax, take in the scenery, and perhaps spot some of the local marine life clinging to the rocks below.
For those interested in further exploration, the entrance to three beautiful waterfalls is located just across the street and a short distance down. This makes Arahoho Blowhole an ideal stop on a day trip, allowing you to experience multiple natural wonders in close proximity.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit