Acting like a tourist

Sometimes, even a local needs to visit places on the island where he/she has never been. I was one of them a day ago.

Lynn, a friend from Iowa, suggested going to the other side of the island to find a blowhole. I’ve seen many blowholes-here if not there (not Iowa). OK, I thought. It should be interesting. I think I know where it is. I think I’ve seen it before.

That night, we checked the map only to find out that I was wrong and it was right.

The drive takes about an hour from Kihei to mile marker 38 past Kapalua. Dirt parking was open to a handful of cars, and out we went, down a grassy knoll, along unforgiving cliffs with gorgeous olivine pools, over an an ancient craggy lava flow and to Mother Nature’s place of unleashed ejaculations.

That’s the best way to describe Nakalele Blowhole. I sat at a safe distance for nearly an hour, watching this spectacular display of energy. Lynn explored more of the plateau. With the right wave, the built-up energy sounded like a steam engine shooting a spray of saltwater at least 20 ft into the air. Mini rainbows appeared as the mist lingered between black shelves of lava.

I was immediately regenerated from the ocean’s spray and trade winds. I imagine this is what a spa would like to be.

This isn’t a hike for the entire family. Leave the toddlers home or carry them in a carrier. The trek is not long but it is rough, and there is no way to rescue anyone within an hour if one would to fall into the depths of the Pacific.

A word of advice, never turn your back to the ocean (even if you are on an idyllic sandy beach.) A clueless couple stood on the edge of the cliff behind the blowhole while we were there and almost got wiped away by a huge wave. I’m sure they’ll remember that for the rest of their lives.

Next time you are on Maui, visit this spectacular natural wonder. Remember to take your trash with you when you leave the area.