Nakalele Blowhole
Rating
Price
Free
Duration
1-2 hours
Best Ages
Best for ages 5-17
About
Nakalele Blowhole is one of Maui's most dramatic natural features -- a hole in the volcanic rock coastline that shoots ocean water 50-100 feet into the air when waves force water through an underground channel. Located on the rugged northwest coast, it is free, uncrowded, and delivers a visceral natural spectacle.
The blowhole works like a natural pressure valve. Waves crash into a submerged sea cave, compressing air and water, which then shoots upward through the hole in the rock surface. The eruptions vary in size and frequency depending on wave conditions -- larger north and west swells produce the most dramatic blasts, sometimes reaching 100 feet.
On calm days, the eruptions may be smaller but still impressive.
The walk from the roadside parking to the blowhole viewpoint takes 15-20 minutes across an open lava field. The terrain is rough -- jagged volcanic rock with no maintained trail. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. The lava field has interesting formations and tide pools along the way.
SAFETY WARNING: The blowhole is genuinely dangerous up close. People have been killed by getting too near the opening and being sucked in or blown off the rocks by eruptions. Stay well back from the blowhole opening. Watch from a safe distance uphill. Do not approach the opening under any circumstances. This is not a theoretical danger -- it has happened.
The surrounding coast is dramatically beautiful. Jagged black lava rock meets turquoise water, and the rugged northwest Maui coastline stretches in both directions. A heart-shaped rock formation near the blowhole has become Instagram-famous. The Olivine Pools (natural tide pools in the lava rock) are nearby but require climbing on slippery rock and are dangerous in high surf.
The drive to Nakalele from Ka'anapali takes 30-40 minutes on Kahekili Highway, a narrow, winding road along the northwest coast. The drive is scenic but not for nervous drivers -- narrow shoulders, tight turns, and occasional one-lane sections. The road quality is paved but rough in sections.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
No
Nursing / Changing
Not Available
Kid Meals
Not Available
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Morning for best light. Higher surf means bigger blowhole blasts. The trail is exposed -- avoid midday heat. The drive from Ka'anapali takes 30-40 minutes on a winding road.
Wait Times
No waits. Roadside parking is available. The site is never crowded.
Nearby Food
No food at the blowhole. Julia's Banana Bread (Kahakuloa, 15 min) is a famous roadside stand. Return to Ka'anapali (30 min) for restaurants.
Why Kids Love It
When ocean waves force water through a hole in the volcanic rock, the Nakalele Blowhole erupts like a geyser -- shooting water 50-100 feet into the air with a dramatic whoosh. Kids gasp and cheer with every blast, and the spray creates rainbows on sunny mornings. The eruptions are unpredictable in timing and size, which keeps kids watching in anticipation.
The surrounding coastal landscape is dramatically beautiful -- jagged volcanic rock, turquoise water, and the rugged northwest Maui coastline stretching in both directions. A heart-shaped rock formation on the coast near the blowhole is Instagram-famous.
The short hike to the blowhole viewpoint crosses an open lava field with interesting rock formations and tide pools. The terrain is rough and requires sure footing, but the walk is short (15-20 minutes from the road).
Pro Tips from Parents
- STAY BACK from the blowhole -- people have been killed getting too close. Watch from a safe distance uphill.
- Higher surf = bigger eruptions. Check surf reports before visiting -- larger north/west swells produce the most dramatic blasts
- The trail is rough and crosses loose volcanic rock -- wear sturdy shoes, not sandals
- The heart-shaped rock formation is near the blowhole -- look for it on the coastal rocks
- The drive along Kahekili Highway to reach the blowhole is scenic but narrow and winding -- not for nervous drivers
What to Bring
- sturdy shoes
- water
- sunscreen
- camera
- wind jacket (breezy coast)
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
Completely free.
No fees, no parking charge.
Bring your own water and snacks.
Tips to Save
- Already free.
- One of Maui's best free attractions.
- The drive along the northwest coast to reach it is scenic itself.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- Open 24 hours
- Monday
- Open 24 hours
- Sunday
- Open 24 hours
- Tuesday
- Open 24 hours
- Saturday
- Open 24 hours
- Thursday
- Open 24 hours
- Wednesday
- Open 24 hours
