Halona Blowhole and Cove, Oahu, Hawii

One of the most beautiful drives in Hawaii is along Kalaniana‘ole Highway, just east of Waikiki. A few minutes outside the city is one of the most famous and visited natural wonders on the islands, the Halona Blowhole. Halona means "lookout" in Hawaiian and there is a great spot overlooking the blowhole just off the highway. Parking can get crowded, so you may have to wait for a spot.

The Hawaiian Islands were formed by volcanic eruptions tens of millions of years ago. When the lava cooled some amazing formations resulted. Here, at Halona, an air tube was created.

Looking east towards Sandy Beach from Halona Blowhole Lookout

When water rushes in at high tide or with large waves you can hear the movement of the water through the gap; it makes the sound when you blow over a Coke bottle, multiplied by a million. Then the water comes spouting out through the blowhole. The sight of water streaming thirty feet into the air is quite exciting but the show only really happens during high tide on certain days. Still, we went as the tide was just coming in and saw several big geysers. 

You can also climb down to Halona Cove. There are no stairs, so be careful climbing down the rocks. You might recognize the cove from the famous scene in From Here to Eternity when Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr roll around on the beach. The cove is also featured in the movie 50 First Dates.

Halona Cove as seen from the lookout above

Because it is a cove, the water can be calmer than the nearby dangerous Sandy Beach, but it still has its hazards, especially when the water is choppy. There's no lifeguard on duty, so mind your wits.

A lot of people climb down to the cove to get a closer look at the Halona Blowhole. The walk is short and easy over rocks, but again, exercise caution. Waves can whip up here. And when you get to the blowhole, keep your distance. Several people have died after being swept away or sucked into the blowhole. Very dangerous!

***
If you enjoyed this post, you might enjoy my new collection of short  stories. "That Bird and other (very) short stories" is available on  Amazon for just $2.99.