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Blowholes in Hawaii
In short
Here is presented a unique list of blowholes in Hawaii.
Map of the sites
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About the blowholes in Hawaii
What is a blowhole?
There are diverse natural landmarks which are called blowholes, such as holes – entrances in the caves – where a strong wind blows frequently. And then there are methane blowholes – eruptions of methane gas in the northern tundra. As the climate becomes warmer, the methane gas more and more frequently leaves the ground, creating impressive craters.
Wondermondo though lists as blowholes only a kind of “sea geysers” – intermittent natural water fountains that are powered by wave energy. In fact, the only natural landmarks in Hawaii which resemble geysers are such blowholes.
The best-known blowholes are located in popular tourist areas or places where live many people. One or another of these popular blowholes is announced to be the largest and tallest in the world without any proper knowledge whether this is true or not. Most likely, the world’s largest blowholes are not known to us and are located on remote islands. The maximum height of these natural fountains is seen only during severe storms. Ships try their best to be away from the cliffs in such weather.
Are there any more blowholes in Hawaii?
Here are listed 15 locations with blowholes in Hawaii Islands. Wondermondo is aware that this list should be much longer. The geology of Hawaii is suitable for these geological formations because there are lots of suitable materials – these volcanic islands have many recent lava flows that have reached the sea. There are reports about more blowholes in Hawaii Island, Molokai, and other islands.
Please, give a message if you know blowholes that need to be added to this list!
Other articles about blowholes
- Blowholes – more than 50 world’s most impressive (known) blowholes and the mechanism of their formation.
- Blowholes in Australia – list of 22 locations with blowholes in Australia.
List of blowholes in Hawaii
01
City of Arches at Honaunau Bay
40.8%
Western coast of Hawaii island
Along the sea shore here can be found impressive geological formations, including some fine blowholes.
02
Halona Blowhole
39.3%
O’ahu, south from Koko Crater
Height: Up to 9 – 10 m
Powerful, visually very impressive blowhole. At high tide and wind it gets up to 9 – 10 m high.
03
Keahole Point blowhole
38.8%
Westernmost part of Hawaii Island
Height: Several metres
One of the rather many blowholes in this area. At rough weather the fountain from the blowhole is several meters high. Belowed photography place.
04
Lanai lookout blowhole
34.8%
O’ahu
Small blowhole which creates a fountain at certain wind and wave directions.
35.5%06
Moku Aeae Blowhole
37.3%
to the north from Kaua’i, Moku Aeae island
Height: Up to 20 m
Expressive, fine blowhole which at the right weather conditions creates some 20 m high fountain.
07
Nakalele Blowhole
41.8%
Northern part of Maui
Height: Up to 30 m
Impressive blowhole which beats from a shallow pool close to the sea. One of the best-known and tallest blowholes in Hawaii.
08
Open Ceiling Cave (Pukalani)
41.3%
Northern coast of Kaua’i
This geological formation is not exactly a blowhole although it is possible that in the recent past it was a blowhole. Now, this is a collapsed sea cave – a circular sea basin that is connected to the sea with a large cave – a natural arch.
09
Pirate Cave
44.5%
Northern coast of Kaua’i
This enormous, 290 m long sea cave at high waves turns into a blowhole. The pressure of the air from the cave pushed back the waves, creating a fountain of mist and water.
10
Pools of Mokolea
39.8%
Kaua’i, Kilauea Point
This blowhole does not produce large splashes but it looks impressive due to a visual effect – in many images, it looks as if the ocean is falling into this hole.
11
South Point Blowhole
38.3%
Southern point of Hawaii Island
During the storms this blowhole creates giant jets of water. If the weather is calm some though dare to jump in it.
12
Spitting Caves in Oahu
41.3%
South-east of O’ahu
As the waves enter these caves, air pressure forces a near-horizontal fountain of mist and water out from the cave.
13
Spouting Horn in Kauai
42.8%
Southern coast of Kauai
Height: Up to 15 m and sometimes even 30 m
A hissing and roaring blowhole which creates up to 15 and even 30 m high jets of water.
14
Toilet Bowl in Oahu
38.8%
Eastern coast of O’ahu
Large hole in the rocks. With each wave, the level in this hole rises and then falls again through a cave. During storms here might rise fountains of water.
15
Blowhole in Waianapanapa State Park
30.8%
Maui, Wai’anapanapa State Park
For the most time this blowhole produces a hissing sound and fountains of mist but sometimes is produces violent, powerful fountains.
Recommended books
The Hikers Guide to the Hawaiian Islands
Written in the same accessible style and format as the highly successful The Hikers Guide to O‘ahu, this updated and the expanded volume includes the best day hikes and backpacks on the Big Island, Kaua‘i, Maui, and O‘ahu. Each island is represented by thirteen hikes, for a total of fifty-two in all. Together they offer residents and visitors the essential information to safely explore some of Hawai‘i’s most spectacular scenery.
Hawaii Off the Beaten Path®
A series for the individual with a unique taste in travel presents easy-to-use, state-by-state or province-by-province handbooks that describe the unusual, offbeat, and little-known places that most tourists miss, in guidebooks that come complete with maps, illustrations, and other special features.
