Nakalele Blowhole Trail

Nakalele Blowhole Trail is the short out-and-back from a roadside dirt pull-off near mile marker 38.5 to an upper coastal viewing area. It covers about 0.4 miles round trip and takes roughly half an hour with time to look. It’s a good quick stop if you’re steady on rough ground, but this isn’t a built path and the blowhole may be quiet when you arrive. The longer coastal walk from mile marker 38 toward the small lighthouse and the pockmarked rock field is a separate outing; its extra distance and exposed shoreline aren’t part of this route.

From the boulder-backed lot between mile markers 38 and 39, the worn track crosses open ground and descends through eroded lava channels. The short distance hides the work: the rock is uneven, loose and sharp, with a few rough steps that call for sure footing. The mapped route ends on dry, higher ground before the wave-washed shelf. Turn around there and return the same way; the way back climbs. Don’t follow informal spurs toward the shelf or along the coast.

The opening sits in a lava shelf above a partly submerged sea cave. Waves push air and water through the opening, sometimes sending spray high above the rocks, but the plume varies with the surf and isn’t guaranteed. From the upper viewing area, the dark lava and blue water make a strong frame around it. Don’t move closer for a photo or wait on the exposed shelf for a bigger burst.

This is a commonly visited but informal walk; research did not establish an official trail designation or land manager. Check posted access and parking terms before setting out. The roadside dirt parking area is limited, and available visitor information reports no public water or restrooms. The serious hazard is the shoreline: rogue waves can wash over the lava shelf and pull people into the ocean. Stay uphill on dry rock throughout your visit.