Nakalele Blowhole Maui: Parking, Safety Tips & What to Know Before You Go
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Maui, the Nakalele Blowhole is one of the most dramatic natural sights on the island. This powerful ocean geyser shoots water high into the air—but it’s also one of the most dangerous spots on Maui, so knowing what to expect before you go is key.
In this post, I go over the specifics about how to get to the Nakalele Blowhole and more importantly, how to stay safe at the Nakalele Blowhole, as many people have lost their lives there.
Interested in more Maui hot spots? Here’s your guide to Black Rock Beach. Plus, check out the Best Stops on the Road to Hana, the Top Restaurants in Maui, and Things to do in Kihei Maui.
Nakalele Blowhole Quick Facts:
- Location: Northwest Maui
- Hike: ~0.5 miles round trip
- Time needed: 30–60 minutes
- Kid-friendly: Yes (view from above)
- Facilities: None
What Is the Nakalele Blowhole?
The Nakalele Blowhole is a hole in a lava shelf above an ocean cave. When the waves crash against it, pressurized water shoots out, going up as high as 50 feet in the air. It’s super cool to see, but can be very dangerous if you get too close. Because it goes so high up, you can see it from a distance and still enjoy the beauty and awe of this natural phenomenon without risking your safety.
Where is the Nakalele Blowhole?
The Nakalele Blowhole is located on Nakalele Point, about a 30-minute drive from Ka’anapali. We love to visit here in the morning before it gets too busy and then spend some time snorkeling nearby at Honolua Bay while we’re on this side of the island.
The highway to the Blowhole is pretty windy and gets very narrow at parts. You will take this road until you get to mile marker 38.5, where you will see a few different parking lots on the side of the road.
Parking at the Nakalele Blowhole Trailhead
Make sure you park in a designated area and not on the side of the narrow highway. There are a few different parking lots right on the side of the road. But they do fill up, so I recommend visiting early. Most people don’t spend a ton of time at the blowhole, so the turnover rate in these spots can be fairly quick if they are full when you arrive.
The Hike to the Blowhole
- Distance: ~0.4–1 mile round trip
- Time: ~15–30 minutes
- Terrain: rocky, uneven
From the parking lot, you’ll be able to see the blowhole and the short-but-steep path that takes you down to it. It’s about a quarter-mile on a rocky trail down to blowhole. Be careful and wear proper shoes to have better footing on your way down. We’ve done the hike in flip flops, but we are always sure to stay on dry land, far from the blowhole.
Is Nakalele Blowhole Dangerous?
When you visit the Nakalele Blowhole, you need to use extreme caution. There are no barriers or warning signs to keep you from getting too close. And unfortunately, many people have died here or been seriously injured. It is best to stay at least 100 feet from the blowhole at all times.
People have been sucked into the blowhole because they were standing too close. Rogue waves are possible, and the lava rock can get slippery. The forceful spray from the blowhole is strong enough to knock you off your feet causing you to land on sharp lava rock, and strong waves can crash onto the lava shelf and pull you out to sea. Monitor the conditions and always err on the side of caution when it comes to assessing the risk.
Can You Swim at the Blowhole?
No! It is way too rough, and you will get knocked into the rocks repeatedly. It is extremely dangerous, and you should NOW swim here.
Is the Nakalele Blowhole Hike Kid-Friendly?
It can be, as long as you keep the kids close to you and far away from the blowhole. You don’t need to get close to watch the blowhole rise up. The hike is pretty steep, but my young kids did fine going up and down without much assistance.
When to Visit
Arriving early or late in the day will be your best bet at getting parking here. As mentioned, we love starting off here before hitting up some excellent snorkeling spots. You can also check the tides and plan your visit during high tides for even more forceful eruptions. High surf means bigger waves and a bigger blowhole. But please stay even further back from the geyser for your safety.
Looking for More Ideas of What to do in Maui?
If you’re looking for more hikes and outdoor adventures, be sure to check out some of the Maui hiking tours and guided driving tours. We love that Maui has something for everybody–you can start the day hiking waterfalls, then find the perfect snorkeling spot and end the day on a sunset dinner cruise. The possibilities are endless.
I also share a complete Maui travel itinerary here, complete with visits to some of the best beaches for families. And I have tips on the best family hotels in Maui if you’re looking for somewhere to stay on the island.
Note: Affiliate links found in this blog post may earn me a small commission if used to book outings, at no extra cost to you.
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Jaime
Thanks for reading my post. My name is Jaime and I am a mom to three busy children. When we're not at the soccer and football fields, we try to get away as often as possible. I'm a teacher and my husband is a firefighter, so we mostly get away for long weekends or over the school breaks. I hope to inspire busy families to take time to recoup and relax while making memories on camping trips or cruise ships, or at the fancy resort pool--we love it all! Follow me on Instagram for real-time inspiration.
You May Also Like
Top Kid-Friendly Hikes in Kauai for Family Adventures
Places to Eat in Kauai That Everyone Will Love
