Halona Blowhole

The basics

The Halona Blowhole is a popular attraction and included in many sightseeing tours, especially circle-island tours, and tours covering the east and north shores of Oahu. Combine it with nearby attractions, such as a hike to Diamond Head or Koko Head Crater, or visit independently on a hop-on hop-off trolley tour. A platform at the lookout gives you a safe way to see the blowhole, while a path leads down to Halona Beach Cove.

Things to know before you go

• There’s no admission fee to access the Halona Blowhole.

• Don’t venture past the viewing platform; it can be extremely dangerous to stand right by the blowhole.

• The waters beneath the lookout are turbulent with strong currents and are therefore too dangerous for swimming.

• Wear sturdy shoes if visiting Halona Beach Cove, as the path to the beach is steep and rocky.

How to get there

Halona Blowhole is located on the southeastern tip of Oahu, between Halona Beach Cove, and Sandy Beach Park, around 14 miles (22 kilometers) from Honolulu. You can reach it by car via routes H1 and 72, and there’s a dedicated parking lot. The Waikiki Trolley Blue Line also stops here, along with many sightseeing tours.

When to get there

You can visit the Halona Blowhole year-round. To see it at its most active, plan your visit for when the tide and surf is up—you can check these online. Visit on a clear day to see the nearby islands of Molokai and Lanai. During whale season (December to April), look out for humpback whales in the water.

What to see nearby

There are plenty of other attractions around the southeastern coast of Oahu. Hanauma Bay State Park is one of the area’s most popular attractions, and is home to a wide sandy beach and a nature reserve. Also nearby are Koko Crater, Koko Crater Botanical Garden, and the Makapu’u Lighthouse, Lookout, and Beach.

Ways to explore

The Halona Blowhole is a popular attraction that’s included on many sightseeing tours, especially half- and full-day circle-island tours, and tours from Honolulu to Oahu’s North Shore. Combine it with a hike to Diamond Head or Koko Head Crater, or visit independently on a hop-on, hop-off trolley tour. A platform at the lookout gives you a safe way to see the blowhole, while a path leads down to Halona Beach Cove. Don’t venture past the viewing platform—it can be extremely dangerous to stand right by the blowhole.

Accessibility

The site is not wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen, bottled water, snacks

What to wear

Sturdy shoes, a sun hat

Not allowed

For your own safety, don’t climb over the viewing platform.

Address

The Halona Blowhole is on the southeastern tip of Oahu, between Halona Beach Cove and Sandy Beach Park, around 14 miles (22 kilometers) from Honolulu. It’s easy to drive there or to see it on a tour of the island.

Driving

You can reach the blowhole via routes H1 and 72, and there’s a dedicated parking lot, but it can fill up during busy times.

Public transportation

The best way to go is taking the Blue Line of the Waikiki Trolley straight to the blowhole—it’s stop #6. If you use public transportation, the trip takes around 2.5 hours with multiple changes.

Best times to visit

To see the blowhole at its most active, plan to go when the surf is up—you can check tide tables online.

Best days to visit

Any day is good to visit, though weekends can get crowded. Try to come on a clear day for the best views.

Best months to visit

The Halona Blowhole is a year-round sight. During whale season (December to April), look out for humpback whales in the water.

Special events

There are no special events at the blowhole, but Oahu can be fun to visit in March, during the annual Honolulu Festival, which celebrates the cultures of Hawaii.