Halona Blowhole Lookout

Halona Blowhole Lookout is a roadside scenic stop at 8483 Kalanianaole Highway in Hawaii Kai, on the southeast coast of Oahu, Hawaii, just east of Hanauma Bay. The lookout sits on a rocky bluff above the Pacific, and its main feature is a lava tube that opens near the water's edge. When waves surge into the submerged tube, seawater is forced up through an opening in the rock, producing a spray that can reach many feet into the air. The effect is strongest on a rising tide with a strong southeast swell. A short path leads down from the parking area to railed viewpoints above the blowhole, and nearby is a small beach cove often called Cockroach Cove, visible below the lookout and known from film scenes. Visitors also see sweeping coastal views along the dark volcanic cliffs, and from December through April humpback whales can often be spotted offshore. The best photo angle is from the main railed overlook, looking down at the blowhole and across the water toward Molokai on a clear day. A visit is short, typically twenty to thirty minutes, and it pairs well with Hanauma Bay and the Makapuu Point trail farther along the highway. Early morning has the lightest crowds, while tour buses and rental cars arrive through the day and fill the small parking lot. There is no admission charge, and the lookout is open during daylight hours. Visitors should stay behind railings and avoid the wet lava rocks, as large waves can be dangerous. Access is by car or rideshare along Kalanianaole Highway, which is Highway 72.