The first time I saw a photo of the heart in the rock at Nakalele Blowhole – it blew me away. I thought maybe it was fake. A spot like this couldn’t actually exist in real life! The photo was posted on Facebook and the comments were interesting – some people said it was in Hana some people said it was on the Kahakuloa side. On a whim one day we were on the west side and I decided to investigate.

 

 

We drove out past Lahaina, Kapalua – a gorgeous drive on a windy road along the ocean. The photo above is of Honolua Bay – it’s on the way. There are several scenic lookouts where you can stop and take pictures along the way too. We stopped at mile marker 38.5 (on Honoapi’ilani Highway) and parked in a gravel parking lot area along the road. Score! We found it!

 

 

(NOTE: Some online resources will tell you to park at the 38 mile marker, this is still quite a ways from the blowhole. There is a lookout but it’s better and faster to drive to 38.5 and walk from there. If a car isn’t blocking it, you will see the above sign)

 

 

A candy vendor was set up and there were a few cars already there. The trail is about one mile – round-trip. It’s accessible year-round but it’s important to check the weather report for ocean and wind conditions beforehand as it could be unsafe and several people have lost their lives down at this blowhole. Be careful and use common sense and you’ll be fine.

 

 

As you walk down toward the ocean the trail isn’t very well-defined. You’ll see a hill to your right, from which there is a spectacular view of the coast.

 

 

At the base of the hill will be a sign that says “WARNING. Stay clear of blowhole. You can be sucked in and killed. It’s NOT a waterpark.” – subtle. lol BUT, a very important message. I hope you watch the video I produced so that you get the safety information from the head of Hawaii Ocean Safety himself, Jim Howe. He’s a wealth of knowledge and really knows what he’s talking about.

 

 

After you pass the sign, you will walk down a rocky slope that looks like a drainage area where the water flows when it rains hard (obviously if it’s raining hard, you should abort this hike).

 

 

I would classify this hike as intermediate – simply based on the older couples and families with children that I observed on the way. They seemed to struggle a bit. It’s do-able in slippers (flips flops) but I would recommend walking shoes.

 

 

 

A young, healthy person will find it to be quite easy and not dangerous. When you get down to the scenic point – look to your LEFT and you will see the blowhole.

 

 

Look to your RIGHT and you will see the heart shape in the rock. It’s about a foot long and about 3 feet up from the ground. Careful of ocean conditions – the area is known for rogue waves that could pull you in. As we say in Hawaii, “never turn your back on the ocean!”

 

 

Another danger to be aware of is at the blowhole itself.  On a windy day with high surf, the blowhole literally explodes. The power of the water that comes through that hole is extremely dangerous. If you stay on the mauka (land) side of the blowhole you might get sprayed when the blowhole goes off and probably won’t be in any danger.

 

 

This should go without saying but NEVER try to stand over a blowhole! It is never recommended to walk along or beside a blowhole either. The area around the blowhole will be very slippery with seaweed growth (like an ice-skating rink). You could have a bad fall and / or get sucked into the blowhole. It’s a very serious situation.

 

Recent rescues, injuries and fatalities at Nākālele blowhole include the following:

 

On October 2, 2013 a 30-year-old visitor from Redding, California was fatally injured after falling off a 30-foot cliff at Nākālele Point on Maui.

 

On July 9, 2011 a visitor fell into the Nākālele blowhole after being knocked over by a wave. In that incident, a search was called off after unsuccessful attempts to locate the 44-year-old California man.

 

On April 3, 2012 a 41-year-old woman from Prior Lake, Minnesota suffered critical injuries when a wave knocked her off the rocks. Officials say the patient suffered multiple lacerations and a femur fracture in the incident.

 

On November 26, 2012 a 55-year-old woman from Vancouver, Washington suffered injuries and required rescue from a steep portion of the trail. No medical transport was required.

 

On June 11, 2013 a 27-year-old man from northwest Calgary in Alberta, Canada was airlifted to safety after being swept into the ocean. The man sustained a few lacerations to his legs and feet and did not require medical transport.

 

See the video below for photos & video of the blowhole and heart but most of all for important safety information.

 

 

The take-away? Wear the right shoes for the trail, don’t be stupid and above all ENJOY the view!

 

 

More “heart” photos

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life’s Swell… www.HawaiiVideoGuides.com Coming soon!! #lifesswell #malikadudley

 

Here is the full video of safety information for ocean hazards in Hawaii: