Blowholes in Hawaii closely resemble volcanic geysers, shooting their frightening jets of water 20-50 feet up in the air.
Last updated: March 14, 2025
Dangerously Alluring Attractions in Hawaii
Hawaii’s blowholes…These underwater caves that eject trapped ocean water in dangerously beautiful geyser-like columns are remarkable natural phenomena. One of the many sources I used to compile our Kauai itinerary, described a local blowhole as one of the most dramatic sites in Hawaii.
The report intrigued me right away. I jotted down the name of the place on a piece of paper and made sure to admire the miraculous water show before leaving the island. And that was the start of my fascination with Hawaii’s blowholes.
The magic of these ocean geysers has never lost its appeal on me. I’ve seen some real geyser eruptions, including the world-famous Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park, over the years. Yet I still use any opportunity to admire oceanfront spectacles – which these Hawaii’s blowholes are – every time I’m back on the tropical islands in the middle of the Pacific.
TIP: Some of Hawaiian “shooting” stars are listed below. A word of advice before you go see these natural miracles. Find a rock to perch on and admire Hawaii’s blowholes from a distance. The views from here are the most dramatic, and you don’t put yourself in any danger.
5 BLOWHOLES IN HAWAII YOU WANT TO SEE
1. Spouting Horn, Kauai
Legend has it that a giant mo’o (lizard) rests on the southern coast of the island of Kauai. Trapped in an underwater lava tube while chasing a local boy, Liko, the mystical creature shows his temper every few minutes. When he does, a staggering jet of water flares up the small hole in the ceiling of the cave.
The lizard never calms down, continuously displaying his irritation and anger. Often, the creature gets even fiercer. During those times, he manifests his wrath in the columns of water that reach staggering 50 feet up in the air.
Locals call this place the Spouting Horn, and it’s one of Hawaii’s largest blowholes. When erupting, the Spouting Horn produces a hissing sound, just like a large lizard would make to project fear.
2. Nakalele Blowhole, Maui
The spectacular Nakalele Blowhole on Maui is the largest and most dangerous blowholes in Hawaii. A wild reputation follows the Nakalele Blowhole not only because of its size and the amount of the water it disperses. But mostly because the site is easily accessible.
The infamous Hawaii’s blowhole is located on the western shore of Maui, near Makaluapuna Point and The Dragon’s Teeth. You can catch a glimpse of the erupting underwater cave across the lava field, parked by the side of the road. For many, the sight is spectacular enough. They are on their way to the next destinations after the blowhole takes a quick recess.
Some Hawaii’s blowhole hunters, however, don’t quench their adventurous thirst until they approach the Nakalele Blowhole. Close to be on the same sea level with the erupting blowhole, yet far enough to leave Hawaii unscratched.
And there is the third group, the smallest and the most regretful one…
Like some other Hawaii’s blowholes, the Nakalele Blowhole swallowed several ignorant locals and visitors, those who forsook any warnings and got too close to the beautiful, yet dangerous ocean geyser.
3. Halona Blowhole, Oahu
Fatal accidents happened at the Halona Blowhole on the Hawaiian island of Oahu as well. Perched along the southern shore of the island, the blowhole is a quick stop. It sits much closer to the road than the Nakalele Blowhole and displays itself in its full power as soon as you pull over at the Halona Blowhole Overlook.
The blowhole is known for the shooting jets of water as tall as 35 feet. The time of the eruption varies depending on the ocean currents. Yet even when the ocean is calm, the Halona Blowhole never ceases to put up a show every 2-3 minutes or so.
All Hawaii’s blowholes share indisputable similarities. They can be deadly. So consider it when you contemplate whether it’s worth looking inside the Halona Blowhole or enjoying its beauty from the safe overlook.
4. Spitting Cave of Portlock, Oahu
West of the Halona Blowhole, sits another ocean geyser, known in this part of Hawaii as the Spitting Cave of Portlock. The site is similar to and different from all other Hawaii’s blowholes in many ways. To be completely honest, the differences exceed the similarities.
Tucked away behind residential buildings on Lumahai Street, the Spitting Cave is somewhat more difficult to find. Once you succeed at locating the site, don’t expect to see a shooting-water hole on the rocks above the ocean.
The Spitting Cave sits at the bottom of the steep cliff. Instead of bursting out into the air, the waves shoot into the cave. The trapped water bounces off the walls and the ceiling and ejects back into the ocean. The Spitting Cave performs almost the same act as other Hawaii’s blowholes do, but in reverse.
How to See: You can see the spitting nature of the cave while standing on the cliff to the left or right of the site.
Cliff Jumping: Some locals dare to jump into the churning waters near the Spitting Cave. They certainly do it at their own risk. The areas around Hawaii’s blowholes may look different, but they are still dangerous. Many of these jumping daredevils come back ashore unscratched or with minor bruises. Some, as small memorials on the rocks above the Spitting Cave testify, never make it back.
5. Honaunau Coast Blowholes, the Big Island of Hawaii
You can find not one, but several blowholes near Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park on the western (Kona) side of the Big Island of Hawaii. Nestled amid lava arches and natural bridges, these island wonders do what they do best, shoot colossal columns of water up in the air. The ocean geysers perform their tour de force often, in direct correspondence with the crashing waves.
How to See Blowholes in Hawaii
If there is one rule you can never break in Hawaii is to keep a safe distance from all blowholes. Whether you spot them along the oceanfront highway of Oahu or adorning the rocky shorelines of Maui or Kauai, never feel tempted to walk closer or, worse, look inside.
The majority of the blowholes in Hawaii have small openings on the outside with a network of underground lava tubes. Once sucked in, getting out is almost always impossible. Even a crowd of more precautious observers may be helpless in this case.
You can find horror stories of those who witnessed a person being swept inside the blowhole or the ocean and never seen again. So, always keep a safe distance while viewing Hawaii’s blowholes.
