Note: click image for larger view

The Nakalele Blowhole is located on Nakalele Point at the northernmost point on the western half of Maui, Hawaii.

The blowhole produces powerful geyser-like water spouts as the ocean waves crash upon the black lava and thrust water up and through the blowhole.  It is said that when the oceans waves are strong, the water spewed from the blowhole can reach as high as 100 feet in the air.

This ominous hand-made sign warns visitors to stay clear of the blowhole as it can evidently be dangerous when the waves are crashing and the powerful vacuum of the blowhole retreats.

Nakalele Point Blowhole Memoria

According to WikiPedia (via Hawaii Associated State Press), “on July 9, 2011, David Potts, a 44-year-old general contractor from San Anselmo, Northern California, was killed while standing dangerously close to the Nakalele blowhole.

While Mr. Potts was standing near the blowhole with his back to the surf, a large wave swept him into the mouth of the blowhole. A nearby witness states that Potts resurfaced for a moment, but disappeared as another large wave crashed over the blowhole. He was never seen again. Liability issues were raised, however, the county denied responsibility. His young son and girlfriend of 15 years were not nearby when it happened, and despite the efforts of others present, he was not found.”

The drive to Maui’s Nakalele Point has been compared to the road to Hana because of the beautiful winding roads.  The striking difference is that the land is arid and the crowds are significantly less.  We recommend it highly.

Julia’s Best Banana Bread

We drove from the Kapalua area all the way to a little village called Kahakuloa.  There we found Julia’s Best Banana Bread in a neon-green stand along the side of the road.

The last 2-miles of our journey were a little hair-raising as the road narrows to one-lane.  Several times, we found ourselves inching alone as we squeezed to make room for travelers from the opposing direction.

Just go slow, be careful, and you’ll be just fine.  Besides, it will give you something to talk about when you get back home.

Plan on roughly three hours to drive, gawk, and enjoy this route.

Nakalele Blowhole Route Map

View Driving to the Nakalele Blowhole in a larger map

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