This short, rugged hike on the northern coastline of West Maui offers a a photo-ready main attraction, Nakalele Blowhole. The blowhole is a three foot diameter hole in a lava shelf above a subterranean ocean cave. As the waves go in and out, water pressure forces ocean spray up to fifty feet out of the blowhole. While Nakalele Blowhole is the main attraction, hiking beyond it along the coast to Nakalele Point offers a truly unique, ocean-sculpted garden of rock formations. Nakalele means “leaning” because of the nearly constant high winds. The lava bench directly around Nakalele Blowhole is extremely dangerous and should be avoided. Several people have died here and at other locations along this coast. Despite what you see on social media and other websites, getting close to the blowhole is extremely dangerous, impossible to predict, and may end your life in a violent underwater smashing and drowning.

Trailhead: On the north side of West Maui on Hwy. 30, find the boulder-backed dirt parking area halfway between mile markers 38 and 39. The trailhead has no water or restrooms, but does have a vendor selling snacks. If the parking lot is full, don’t try to park along the narrow highway.

Weather

Gear: Standard hiking gear. The trail is very rough and rocky with uncertain footing - don’t wear sandals. Wear sturdy shoes even if you’re just going to the blowhole. Bring plenty of water and sun protection.

Hike: Walk past the large boulders behind the parking area and find a well-worn and obvious trail that quickly passes a homemade sign warning visitors about the danger here. Hike and scramble down eroded rock channels toward the lava bench along the coast that features Nakalele Blowhole. Along the way you’ll find a picturesque heart-shaped rock. Stay uphill and away from the lava bench that houses the blowhole. As stated in the introduction to this page, several people have died here. At least one man got sucked into the blowhole itself, but the main danger here is actually rogue waves breaking over the lava cliffs next to the blowhole and pulling people into the deadly waters. Disregard others’ behavior and any foolish things you may have seen on social media. If you’re just visiting the blowhole, return the way you came.

To hike along the incredibly interesting coastline to Nakalele Point, hike above and past the lava bench containing the blowhole. You’re immediately transported to an alien landscape with wild and colorful eroded rock formations. There isn’t really a main “trail” here - this is more of a place to wander around and explore. There are multiple rock channels, small caves, wild features, and some other blowhole-like cracks. Wander at whim along the coast until you wrap around Nakalele Point. Just like the area around Nakalele Blowhole, treat this coastline with extreme caution and stay away from the edge. When you’re below an old lighthouse structure, this is the end of the interesting features. Return the way you came. It’s possible to hike up to an old road from here to return to Hwy. 30, but attempting this loop is highly inadvisable because you’re forced to walk along the narrow highway with no shoulder for more than a mile. This road gets a lot of distracted tourist traffic, so don’t risk walking it.