From pristine beaches and enchanting sea caves to lava rock shorelines and mesmerizing blowholes, you’ll find countless natural wonders on and around Hawaii’s 750 miles of stunning coastline. Blowholes are formed when a joint between a sea cave and the land surface above the cave becomes enlarged. When the roof of the sea cave collapses due to erosion, a blowhole is made. When the ocean’s waves enter the mouth of the underwater cave, the water is funneled up towards the blowhole, erupting into the air. Luckily for us, the Hawaiian Islands are home to several incredible blowholes - all worthy of a visit this summer.
Before we talk about our favorite natural phenomenon in Hawaii, we should warn you about the dangers of blowholes. The surging waters found near these stunning blowholes are wildly dangerous; you should always keep your distance and stick to the official viewing area if there is one. Without further ado, here are seven mesmerizing blowholes across Hawaii that are sure to make your summer epic.
1. Halona Blowhole
Located on Oahu’s southeastern shore, the Halona Blowhole is perhaps the most popular rock formation of its kind found in Hawaii. During periods of high tide and strong winds, rolling waves crash into the shore and shoot sea spray into the air through a cave, acting as a sort of geyser.
2. Nakalele Blowhole
Nakalele Point Blowhole is a stunning display of water shooting nearly 100 feet in the air. Due to its geyser-like attributes and unpredictable conditions based on the tides, standing too close to the blowhole could be deadly.
3. Honuapo Blowhole
Located on the coastline below Hawaii Island’s Highway 11 in the Ka’u District, this is one of the lesser-known blowholes found in Hawaii. The secluded bay is a local hangout, and home to tide pools, some of the best fishing in Hawaii, and a blowhole.
4. Spouting Horn Blowhole
Perhaps the most spectacular blowhole in Hawaii, Spouting Horn can shoot as high as 50 feet in the air and is surrounded by a striking landscape. From the photographer: "With every wave, water shoots upward when it is forced through an opening and creates a hissing sound. The spray can shoot as high as 50 feet in the air." A fence installed around the blowhole was designed to block access, and it is best to view the blowhole from the lookout instead. This is one of those dangerous places in Hawaii you'll never forget.
5. Spitting Cave
Located on Oahu’s southeastern shore is this picturesque Spitting Cave, found below a high cliff where waves crash underneath and shoot into the cave, ejecting the water like a reverse blowhole.
6. Honaunau Coast Blowholes
7. Waianapanapa State Park Blowhole
Located on Maui’s Road to Hana is this amazing state park where you will find an absolutely stunning black sand beach, hikes, sea caves, freshwater pools, sea arches — and of course, a mesmerizing blowhole.
Have you witnessed any of these gorgeous blowholes in Hawaii? What about these 15 secret spots along the Hawaiian coast?
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