MAUI VACATION: MAUI BLOW HOLE HIKE ON THE NAKALELE BLOWHOLE TRAIL VIDEO TOUR
On our Maui vacation, we hike to the Nakalele Blowhole in Maui, Hawaii. We took the longer of the two options to get to this blowhole.
If you're less mobile or traveling with little ones, the closer area at the 38.5mm would probably be your best choice. This area is also overlooking the blowhole so those who prefer can view it from a distance without having to hike.
I'm going to describe Nakalele Point as it unfolds on a 1.25 mile hike (round-trip) from the other parking area (38mm.) As long as you're able to hike though somewhat rough terrain, taking this route is actually better for seeing all the places listed below.
What is a blowhole?
A blowhole is hole in the ground that connects to an underground, partially submerged ocean cave. The cave and opening are shaped in such a way that when the ocean rises or waves crash into it, a jet of water and air is violently forced out through the hole.
Warning -- begin safety lecture: You'll undoubtedly see people walk up to the blowhole and look in, or position loved ones very close while they try and snap that perfect picture. If you come from a place where they would put a barrier around dangers, then they would definitely have one around this. In Maui it has been customary to allow the careless free control over their destiny. If you get too close to this you can be sucked in, drown and/or be bashed to bits by the ocean (or likely some combination.) It has happened. Stay back, because this blowhole can sometimes be unpredictably violent and powerful in between more modest displays. End lecture
Between the 38mm parking area and the light beacon is a maze of dirt bike and ATV trails. These trails were laid without a destination in mind, so just pick any trail that suits your mood and meander out toward the light beacon.
Light Beacon & Tidepools
Light-what? Think of it as a lighthouse, only smaller and stripped of all charm and artistic value. (I can just see that slogan now on the travel brochures!) But what this beacon lacks in ambiance it makes up for in views. Stand on the concrete slab adjacent and you'll also get a good view of the tidepools below. What you'll also see is an old rickety ladder, precariously positioned on the cliff-edge, beckoning with the promise to deliver adventure. (At least that's the way it looks to me...) As tempting as it may look, going down to this tidepool area (let alone on an old precariously positioned rickety ladder of questionable functionality), well...lets just say it is certainly not advisable.
As you continue on, the trail goes downhill for a short bit, and this is the likely going to be the strongest test of your sure-footedness. If you're with a group (and especially kids who can't resist the temptation to release kenetic energy) being at the back of the line here is key strategy for remaining upright throughout your descent. Once at the bottom you'll begin to get some previews of the Acid War Zone and some more dramatic views of ocean and coast, along with another very nice tidepool, this one fed in part by a small blowhole of its own. (Don't confuse this with the main attraction!)
Acid War Zone
The fantastic name of Acid War Zone has been coined for an area between the light beacon and the Nakalele Blowhole. It is a sight that is definitely impressive and worth checking out when you find yourself out here for the blowhole. As the name aptly describes, it is a barren landscape where boulders have been severely pock-marked, sculpted, perched precariously, and otherwise dramatically eroded by countless years of salt water spray.
The prime attraction of the Nakalele Point is, of course, the blowhole. A blowhole's effect is much like that of a geyser: a hole in the ground with a jet of water shooting periodically into the air. (See sidebar for technical description & safety.) This blowhole is large enough to accommodate a manhole cover and is powerful enough to easily blast it high in the air -- especially during high surf and tides. (tide forecast) Some jets can approach 50+ feet and if you're close enough you can feel the ground tremble beneath your feet as water is blasted skywards. Now, I know no one likes safety lectures -- but I have never once been here without seeing several people do incredibly stupid things. I figure it is because they don't know the safety info in the sidebar and/or figure some governmental authority is looking out for their safety (just for the record, they're not.)
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The famous blowhole in in Nakalele Point in Maui, Hawaii January 2016
Waiting for the 'money shot' from the famous blow hole in Nakalele Point! I climbed all the way down the cliff next to the hole to film it ( you're not meant to!) it took a while, but I got the shot in the end! Great fun ???? enjoy!!!!
PBS Hawaii - HIKI NŌ | HIKI NŌ Can Do Festival 2015 | Full Program
Premiere Airdate: September 3, 2015
This special presentation of all stories nominated for the 2015 HIKI NŌ Awards represents the best of the best from the 2014-2015 school year. The 34 nominees include middle and high schools from Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island and Kauai. The award categories include: Best Personal Profile, Best News Writing, Best Home- Base School, Best Cinematography and Best Overall Story. This presentation was screened for live audiences at theaters on Maui, Hawaii Island (Hilo and Kona), Kauai and Oahu. The winners will be announced by PBS Hawaii President and CEO Leslie Wilcox and Bank of Hawaii Foundation President Donna Tanoue in a livestream presentation on Thursday, September 24 at 3:00 pm on PBSHawaii.org.