Blowholes in Hawaii


Halona Blowhole, Oahu

Blowholes are one of the most unique natural phenomena. They are created by ocean waves crashing into a tube or cave then rushing up through a hole in the rock. Typically they create a geyser-like spray that shoots high in the air. Some make noises and others just spill water out on the surrounding rocks without the fanfare and whoosh of the spray-type blowholes.

Nakalele Blowhole, Maui

Hawaii is one of the best places to see a blowhole. There is one on Maui, Kauai, and Oahu not that far from downtown Honolulu. With all the lava tubes and the continuous shoreline of the islands, blowholes are more likely to form.

Spouting Horn Blowhole, Kauai

The Big Island also has a blowhole but it will only blow during rare enormous swells. The South Point Blowhole is located next to a cliff where crazy locals jump when the water is calm. Even crazier locals jump into the ocean through the hole when conditions are right. We don’t think anyone should try this, but they should definitely visit South Point, the southernmost point in the US.

South Point Blowhole, Big Island

The Toilet Bowl used to be a popular spot, but it has since been closed to the public to eliminate injuries. It’s too bad because it was a fun place to actually get in a blowhole that was large enough that the water didn’t shoot up. It’s located at the end of a trail that begins at the parking lot for Hanauma Bay.

Toilet Bowl is in the small inlet on the right side of the picture

It goes without saying that visitors should stay back from the blowholes and from the ledges next to the ocean where sneaker waves can knock them down. People are killed every year doing something stupid or being careless next to blowholes. Heed all the warning signs and enjoy your visit to the blowholes!

Places on this map

Mountain State
Halona Blowhole HI
Nakalele Blowhole HI
Spouting Horn Blowhole Park HI
South Point Blowhole HI
Toilet Bowl at Hanauma Bay HI