Nakalele Blowhole: My Favorite Roadside Stop in Maui!!
Have you heard of the “blowhole in Maui” and want to see it for yourself? Are you finding yourself googling the Nakalele Blowhole because you want to prepare- or because you’re planning on going and want directions? That’s why I’m here! When I visited Maui, I was surprised at the lack of signage and that you really needed to know exactly where you were going beforehand, or at least earlier in the day. My goal is to make it easy and safe for you to see cool places. Let me tell you everything you need to know about the Nakalele Blowhole.
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Is the Nakalele Blowhole Worth the Visit?
For us, 100% it was worth it. Absolutely stunning, very powerful, and such unique landscape. Wasn’t too crazy busy either. While I wouldn’t drive all the way there JUST for this, if yu’re planning to visit anything else in West Maui, you should stop by the blowhole. I mean, just look at it!
What Time of the Day to visit the blowhole?
Hawaii is a year-round destination. Any time of year or day is great to visit the Nakalele Blowhole, but it will be the most impressive at high tide. Below is an example of the tide schedule, but check it on google when you visit. We visited in mid-afternoon, when tide is higher. The blowhole was HUGE during our visit. So so impressive.
Always be careful around the ocean. Mother nature is relentless.
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Where is the nakalele blowhole on maui?
The blowhole is located on West Maui. Maui is separated by a smaller west portion and a large east portion, where central Maui is the most populated and where the airport is located. I included multiple other fun spots in my google map below as well as a broad photo of where the Nakalele Blowhole is located.
There are two ways to drive to the blowhole. it is imperative to know which way you are going.
As you can tell in the photo below, both directions take about the same amount of time, but the right side is way shorter. The left side through Lahaina is a wide road, paved road, and has many nice hotels and shops along the way. The other direction- the way we went, was a terribly SKINNY and sketchy road, I will include photos below. It was fun, and beautiful, but we were in a camper van which created a car jam up at one point. We definitely didn’t come back that way. I wouldn’t recommend people go this direction, really. Apparently it is more for the locals to use. DEFINITELY DO NOT GET STUCK HERE at night- way too sketchy.
road to west maui
Hiking to Nakalele Blowhole
Parking Options
There are two parking options to hike to Nakalele Blowhole- we will go over each. The northern option leads to a longer hike, and also has views of the lighthouse. The southern option is closer to the blowhole itself. Either works. We wanted to be closer, so we parked in the southern lot, near the food truck!
Hiking Options
There are two hiking options to get to the blowhole. The southern option is shorter, and the northern option is longer. Just depends on what you’re looking for- a quick visit or some extra exercise. Let’s go over the two!
Nakalele Blowhole Hike
We did check out the northern option and saw the lighthouse from the distance, but we decided to do the shorter hike instead. There were other people there, which made it easier to follow the trail, but it is pretty obvious. I didn’t need a map when I wasthere, but I think looking at the photos ahead of time and having a pin on your map will help you find it and start it. When you start hiking the shorter trail you’ll see a sign that says WARNING, the blowhole is NOT a waterpark. Take it seriously. People have been seriously hurt standing too close to the blowhole.
Nakalele Blowhole- What to Bring
I know this makes me really silly, but I have so much fun planning adventure outfits. It helps me expres my personality. It fuels my creativity. I think it’s so much fun matching or complimenting my outfits to the scenery. Also, it feels good to wear fun, comfortable, and functional gear. It takes time to build this up, so keep this in mind. It took me years. I just like to share!
I try to keep my hikes simple and I don’t bring too much. For this hike, we wore adventure sandals, and I took a fanny pack with my camera gear and some water- always stay hydrated.
top: paragon crop top
shorts: senita knockout shorts (use DANIELLEOUTDOORS_ for 15% off)
shoes: teva hurricane
Nakalele Blowhole- The Destination
I hope this blog post was short, simple, and helps you visit smoothly and safely. Please, go not go too close to the blowhole. Enjoy from a distance. My goal in writing this post is to help others enjoy the outdoors the way I gave, because I believe the outfoors is for all. Happy adventuring!
