Backpacker Magazine – November 2009

Natural Wonders: Maui's Nakalele Blowhole

Get sprayed by an oceanic geyser. Erupting every few minutes under perfect conditions, this is a natural wonder you can't miss.

by: Jayme Otto

Tags:
• Nature
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• Phenomenon
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• Hawaii
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Sonoma Valley's Wine Country | Pacific Northwest's Salmon Run | Maui's Nakalele Blowhole

The Wonder
Blasting up to 100 feet in the air, the Nakalele blowhole erupts every few minutes under perfect conditions: high tide and strong winds. And Nakalele Point, on Maui's northwest side, rarely disappoints. Nakalele means "the leaning" in Hawaiian: The wind here is strong enough to make you lean into it, which is why the blowhole is so reliable.

The Way
From Kapalua, follow US 30 five miles north and look for a small gravel parking lot on the left, after mile marker 38. From here, it's a 30-minute hike to the blowhole. The Acid War Zone Trail (so named by area hikers who say the view looks like what a bad acid trip feels like) begins as a dirt road, giving way to ocean cliffs above lava rocks. The terrain becomes more Mars-like and the trail fades just before you arrive at the blowhole. Stay upwind and keep an eye out for rogue waves. Maintain a safe distance. Locals say "just don't sit on it"; we say stay back at least 20 feet. hawaiiweb.com/maui/sites_to_see

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