Hālona Blowhole + Beach

The Hālona Blowhole was formed thousands of years ago as the remnant of a former lava tube filled with seawater where lava once flowed. Located just alongside the winding coastal road that travels across southeast O'ahu, the small parking lot comes up quickly on the ocean side. When situated properly these lava tubes launch water vertically into the air, and this one can get up to 30 feet tall. From the lookout you can see Molokai, Maui, and Lanai sitting far across the Ka'iwi Channel on clear days. Fishermen brave the rocky cliffs along this particular coastline because of the steep dropoff that lies just offshore. They try to catch big game ulua from shore, something that is only possible in certain spots on O'ahu.

The nearby cove and beach is really unique and beautiful. Best on days with flat conditions, a walk down a steep embankment takes you to the rocky beach alcove made famous by the iconic kiss scene in "From Here to Eternity," the 1953 classic film. This beach is awesome, but it can get seriously dangerous on the wrong days. Sandy's Beach is just farther east around the bend, and Haunama Bay is only a few minutes away heading west.

This area is a good spot for watching humpback whales from October to March.