Halona Blowhole is a rock formation and marine geyser situated on Oahu’s rugged southeastern coastline. Located approximately 10 miles east of bustling Waikiki, Halona Blowhole is a popular destination for visitors on account of its remarkable natural beauty, proximity to several notable hiking trails, and frequently views of humpback whales and green sea turtles during the winter months. Local tour companies offer transportation to and from Halona Blowhole, while many famous movies have filmed here as well.
Halona Blowhole History and Background
Halona Blowhole came into existence many millennia ago when Oahu was still home to significant volcanic activity. Nearby Koko Crater was then an active tuff-cone volcano, and it’s believed that as lava from Koko Crater ran off its vents and out into the ocean, it created a series of lava tubes underneath the surface of the water. These underwater lava tubes are the rock formations responsible for Halona Blowhole’s geyser-like ability to spray water at times approximately 30-some feet in the air.
In recent decades, Halona Blowhole has become a popular tourist destination. Numerous famous movie productions have filmed here, including Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and From Here to Eternity, whose iconic love scene was shot on the beach here.
What’s Halona Blowhole Lookout
Seeing Halona Blowhole in person is a rite of passage for many Oahu visitors, as this fabulous natural sight is a perennial favorite spot for guests seeking to snag stunning photographs of the majestic Hawaiian coastline. Halona Blowhole as a rock formation is a striking visual in its own right; when the tide is high and ocean waves come crashing in so that the surf goes rushing through those rocks and straight up into the air as if from a geyser—well, that makes for a breathtaking experience.
Halona means “lookout” in Hawaiian, and its name lives up to the hype, as the views on display from Halona Blowhole are magnificent, too. From here you can see mile after mile of beautiful beachfront terrain, and on the clearest of clear days you can often even spy a glimpse of the islands of Molokai and Lanai off in the distance.
Halona Blowhole is famous as one of Oahu’s best places to see humpback whales and green sea turtles in the wild. The best time to observe either of these animals in action here is during late fall and throughout the winter months—typically from October to March or April, depending on local conditions.
While anyone can visit Halona Blowhole on their own terms—staying however long they want or combining a visit here with whatever other fabulous Oahu attractions they so desire—many visitors choose to experience Halona Blowhole as part of a guided tour operated by a trusted local tour company. One popular offering is the Makapu’u Lighthouse and Halona Blowhole Tour, which consists of a two-hour self-guided hike bracketed by roundtrip transportation from Waikiki.
Tips for Visiting the Halona Blowhole
*Directly below Halona Blowhole you’ll find Halona Beach Cove, one of the windward coast’s great hidden treasures. In fact, because this beach cannot be seen by drivers traveling along the road above, it is occasionally referred to as Oahu Secret Beach; be advised as you plan your excursion, though, that multiple beaches across the island share this nickname. Halona Beach Cove is a picturesque spot best enjoyed during the summer months.
*If you’re going to venture down below Halona Blowhole and explore the rugged beauty of this marvelous stretch of coastline, it’s crucial to note that things get pretty steep and rocky as you wind down to the shore. You will definitely want to wear good shoes to protect your feet and, of course, tread carefully.
*Likewise, don’t be fooled by the natural splendor of the attraction: the waters near Halona Blowhole are known to be some of the choppiest along this stretch of the windward coast. Expect big waves and strong currents, especially during the fall and winter months. Swimming is not allowed.
*One fabulous way to enjoy all Halona Blowhole and its surrounding area has to offer is by taking a scenic drive. Hawaii Route 72, or Kalanianaole Highway, runs from the heart of Waikiki up along Oahu’s southeastern edge past such famous landmarks as Koko Crater and Hanauma Bay on its way to Halona Blowhole. Along this route you’ll have fabulous views of the ocean, and you’ll encounter lookout points here and there where you can pull off the road and enjoy the experience all that much more. Cruise a bit beyond Halona Blowhole and you’ll even pass Makapu’u Lighthouse and Sea Life Park in no time at all.
*Some of Oahu’s most popular beaches are located near Halona Blowhole. These include Sandy Beach, Wawamalu Beach Park, and Kaloko Beach, just to name a few. Though Halona Blowhole steals a lot of the headlines, a visit to this beloved natural wonder can represent simply the beginning of an unforgettable day if you plan ahead.