Nakalele Blowhole
Witness nature's power at Nakalele Blowhole, where ocean waves erupt through lava tubes, creating a spectacular geyser-like spray on Maui's rugged coa...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Nakalele Blowhole
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness nature's power at Nakalele Blowhole, where ocean waves erupt through lava tubes, creating a spectacular geyser-like spray on Maui's rugged coast.
"The blowhole is pretty amazing to see. The hike down is tricky. There’s a lot of gravel so make sure you pay attention to where you’re stepping."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Loose rocks and gravel make the hike down tricky. Avoid slippers!
⚠️ Heed the Warning Signs
The blowhole is powerful and dangerous. Stay a safe distance away.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Nakalele Blowhole
Northwestern coast of Maui
Witness the ocean's raw power as waves surge through a lava tube, erupting water high into the air like a natural geyser.
The Scenic Kahekili Highway Drive
Northwestern Maui
Experience breathtaking coastal views and rugged landscapes on this dramatic, winding road leading to the blowhole.
Heart-Shaped Rock
Near the blowhole
A unique natural formation offering a quirky photo opportunity amidst the dramatic coastal scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Drive is Part of the Adventure
Safety First at the Blowhole
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Loose rocks and gravel make the hike down tricky. Avoid slippers!
⚠️ Heed the Warning Signs
The blowhole is powerful and dangerous. Stay a safe distance away.
🗺️ Map to Acid Warzone Trail
A more scenic and awesome trail to the blowhole than the direct hiking trail.
🚗 Drive Carefully
Highway 340 is narrow with sheer cliffs. Drive slowly and be aware of blind spots.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Loose rocks and gravel make the hike down tricky. Avoid slippers!
⚠️ Heed the Warning Signs
The blowhole is powerful and dangerous. Stay a safe distance away.
🗺️ Map to Acid Warzone Trail
A more scenic and awesome trail to the blowhole than the direct hiking trail.
🚗 Drive Carefully
Highway 340 is narrow with sheer cliffs. Drive slowly and be aware of blind spots.
🅿️ Parking Fees
Scan-pay parking is common in the area; you may only need to pay once.
📸 Capture the Moment
The blowhole's spray is impressive, but timing is key for the best shots.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the raw power and dramatic spray of Nakalele Blowhole, calling it a spectacular natural attraction. The scenic drive to reach it is also highly praised, though the hike down requires caution due to loose rocks. Some find the parking fees a minor annoyance, but the overall experience is widely considered worth the effort.
"The blowhole is pretty amazing to see. The hike down is tricky. There’s a lot of gravel so make sure you pay attention to where you’re stepping. I am an avid hiker, but was watching the view, slipped and twisted my ankle.
The views are beautiful. The waves crashing is incredible to hear. it is worth to hike down to check out the blowhole up close and personal.
But as the sign says, stay away from it.
There is plenty of parking, but you do have to pay for it, however, they have the same paid parking throughout this drive so you only pay once."
Agnes Kerchner
"It is well worth the drive to come here. Not only is this view worth it, but the drive to this amazing location is as beautiful with gorgeous views from the side of the cliffs overlooking the ocean. You can climb down closer to get a better view. The climb down and up the hill is steep and I would recommend wearing proper shoes as the rocks are loose and would be easier than slippers. I would recommend this spot for travelers who want to enjoy the nature as the drive here and the views itself is amazing."
ngawang sherpa
"The Nakalele Blowhole views are amazing. I would recommend taking highway 30 to and from for a relaxing ride with several viewing points to stop along the way. We took highway 340 there and the warning on the map was no joke.
“This road is desolate but ruggedly picturesque. It also has very narrow sections with sheer cliffs and no guard rails. Drive at your own risk”.
It took 1.5 hours to go about 14 miles. Of course I didn’t read the map until we got back to the hotel."
John Sharp
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most scenic route is via Highway 340 (Kahekili Highway) on Maui's northwestern coast. Be prepared for a narrow, winding road with sheer cliffs. Some recommend mapping to the 'Acid Warzone Trailhead' for a more scenic approach. +1
The drive on Highway 340 is challenging due to its narrowness and lack of guardrails. It's ruggedly picturesque but requires cautious driving.
Instead of mapping directly to the Nakalele Blowhole trail, consider mapping to the Acid Warzone Trailhead. This offers a more scenic and enjoyable hike to the blowhole.
Highway 340 is known for its narrow sections and sheer cliffs with no guardrails. Drive at your own risk and be extremely cautious.
The drive can be slow due to the road conditions. It took one visitor 1.5 hours to cover about 14 miles on Highway 340.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no entrance fees for Nakalele Blowhole itself. However, parking in the area often requires a fee via scan-pay systems.
Yes, there is parking available, often right off the highway. Be mindful of slowing down and pulling over safely, as parking spots can be near a curved road with limited visibility.
Parking fees are typically collected via scan-pay systems, similar to other popular spots along this scenic drive.
Nakalele Blowhole is a natural attraction and is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and visibility.
Visiting at night is not recommended due to the treacherous terrain and the powerful nature of the blowhole. Daylight hours are best for safety and viewing.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike down is moderate, over uneven, rocky, and gravelly terrain. It's about 1.25 miles round-trip. Sturdy shoes are essential, and be mindful of loose rocks.
Yes, it can be dangerous. The blowhole is powerful, and the terrain is slippery and uneven. Signs warn visitors to stay away from the water's edge.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip, like hiking boots or athletic shoes. Avoid flip-flops or sandals.
You can climb down closer for a better view, but it's crucial to stay a safe distance from the blowhole itself due to its powerful spray.
Besides the blowhole itself, look for the heart-shaped rock for a unique photo opportunity. The surrounding coastal cliffs also offer stunning panoramic views.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light and fewer crowds, making for better photography conditions.
Use a faster shutter speed to freeze the water spray. Be prepared for mist, so protect your camera gear.
Yes, the heart-shaped rock near the blowhole is a popular and unique spot for photos.
Experiment with shutter speed to capture the water's motion. A polarizing filter can help manage glare from the ocean.
Try shooting from slightly above the blowhole to capture its full spray, or from the side to include the dramatic coastline in your shot.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Many travelers find the drive itself to be a highlight, with numerous pull-offs offering stunning photo opportunities. 📸 Photography Buffs
Don't miss the chance to photograph the unique heart-shaped rock nearby for a different perspective. The surrounding rugged coastline and ocean vistas offer ample material for landscape photography. Visiting during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) will provide the best light and fewer crowds, allowing for more creative freedom. Remember to protect your gear from the sea spray. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Kahekili Highway
When driving, extreme caution is paramount. Slow down, be aware of blind spots, and pull over safely. The road's condition means progress can be slow, with one visitor noting it took 1.5 hours to cover just 14 miles.
Key Takeaways for the Drive:
* Prioritize safety: Drive slowly and be hyper-aware of your surroundings.
* Consider alternative mapping: The Acid Warzone Trailhead offers a scenic approach.
* Embrace the views: The coastal scenery is a major highlight of the journey.
Safety and Respect at Nakalele Blowhole
It's crucial to respect the ocean's power and heed all posted warnings. While the allure of getting closer for a better view or photo is strong, the risk of being caught by a rogue wave or slipping on wet rocks is very real.
For families, close supervision of children is non-negotiable to prevent accidents. Essential Safety Guidelines:
* Always heed warning signs.
* Wear appropriate footwear (sturdy, closed-toe shoes).
* Maintain a safe distance from the blowhole and water's edge.
* Supervise children closely.
* Be aware of slippery surfaces and loose rocks.
Capturing the Spectacle: Photography at Nakalele Blowhole
To freeze this powerful action, using a faster shutter speed on your camera is recommended. Be prepared for mist, as the blowhole's spray can reach surprisingly far, so protecting your camera gear is advisable. Beyond the main event, the rugged coastal landscape provides a stunning backdrop. Consider incorporating the dramatic cliffs and the vast Pacific Ocean into your shots. A unique feature near the blowhole is the heart-shaped rock, which offers a charming and memorable photo opportunity distinct from the raw power of the spray.
Visiting during early morning or late afternoon can offer softer lighting conditions and fewer crowds, enhancing your photographic experience. Experiment with different angles, from slightly above to capture the full eruption, or from the side to include the surrounding scenery. Photography Tips:
* Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the water spray.
* Protect your camera from mist and sea spray.
* Look for the heart-shaped rock for unique shots.
* Visit during golden hours for optimal lighting.
* Experiment with angles to showcase the scale and power.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit