Yvette Brown Discover more about Halona Blowhole to plan a memorable trip.
One of Hawaii’s natural wonders, the Halona Blowhole has formed thousands of years ago when molten lava tubes were produced by volcanic eruptions. Although O’ahu no longer has any active volcanoes, the blowhole is still a must-see scenic location.
Here are some details about Halona Blowhole.
About Halona Blowhole
On the southeast coast of Oahu, close to Hanauma Bay, the Halona Blowhole is a well-liked tourist destination. Soaring sea cliffs and beautiful scenery can be found there. The lookout point, which is directly on the highway and has a parking lot, offers a clear view of the blowhole.
A lava tube with openings on both sides, the blowhole is submerged. With each wave, ocean water enters the tube. As the tube narrows and the pressure inside rises, the water sometimes shoots up as high as 30 feet (9 meters) into the air above the lava terrace.
The best time to observe this natural phenomenon is when the surf is up. A blowhole shoots water into the air higher the waves are. To get closer to the blowhole, some people make the hike down there. However, this is a bad idea. Steep, slick, and jagged sea cliffs are present.
Some people have perished while attempting to sit on the blowhole or hold portions of their bodies into the water stream because the area surrounding the blowhole is dangerous. Therefore, it is best to remain in the observation area and take in the scenery from a secure distance.
Halona means “peering place” in the views are lovely, and the language is Hawaiian. The neighboring islands of Molokai, Maui, and Lanai can be seen on a clear day in the distance.
Between November and March, humpback whales can be seen offshore. Additionally, the area is frequently visited by sea turtles. From the lookout point, it is simple to see them because the azure blue water is so transparent.
How to Get to Halona Beach?
Driving Directions from Waikiki
- Head south on the H-1 Kalaniana’ole Highway.
- The H-1 remains the Kalaniana’ole Highway, which travels along the coast, but it will turn into Highway 72.
- Follow this coastal freeway through the homes, past Hawaii Kai, and around Koko Crater.
- The one-lane road winds around the cliff for a few miles after passing Hanauma Bay until you arrive at the Halona Blowhole Lookout parking area.
- Once you see the sign for Halona Blowhole, turn right into the parking area.
- On the right side of the parking lot, down a rocky, downward path, is where you’ll find Eternity Beach.
Oahu Bus
Take the Waikiki-bound number 22 or 23 Oahu Bus to reach Diamond Head from Kuhio Avenue. It should only take 45 to an hour to get there, depending on traffic.
On weekdays, these buses run hourly, and on weekends, they run every half-hour.
Beware of the Sometimes Violent Waters
When the Ka’iwi Channel is turbulent during the winter, strong currents and large waves send waters rushing into the molten lava tubes below the lookout, sending geysers as high as 30 feet through the blowhole. The blowhole overlooks some of the most violent waters in Hawaii.
Geysers rise higher in relation to wave height. Just before the eruptions, visitors can actually feel and hear the waters below rumbling.
Visitors may also witness whales breaching or spouting at the surface while the animals are in season (late December through early April).
You Can Visit the Iconic Halona Beach Cove
One of O’ahu’s most recognizable beaches, Halona Beach Cove, is located right beneath the picturesque outlook. The “Peering Place” is mostly visited in the summer months when the ocean is calm, and if you plan on walking down to the beachwear protective footwear for the steep, rocky descent.
From Here to Eternity
This is the beach made famous by the iconic love scene between Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr, who shared their epic kiss and rolled around in the surf and sand in the 1953 classic “From Now to Eternity.”
Recent moviegoers may be more familiar with the site as “Whitecap Bay,” from the fourth installment of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie series, dubbed “On Stranger Tides.”
The Drive There is Among the Most Scenic on the Island
The Kalaniana‘ole Highway, which travels past Hanauma Bay and Koko Head Crater and along the coastline, is just a 20-minute drive from Waikiki. Getting there is half the fun.
Once you pass Hanauma Bay, get your camera ready. Don’t expect to be let down. The world-famous bodyboarding beach Sandy Beach is only a mile past the blowhole.
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