Information
Landmark: Spouting HornCity: Kauai
Country: USA Hawaii
Continent: North America
Spouting Horn, Kauai, USA Hawaii, North America
Overview
On Kauai’s southern shore near Poipu, Spouting Horn sends seawater roaring through a rocky lava tube, a famed blowhole that draws visitors from all over.One of the island’s top natural draws, this geological marvel sends seawater bursting skyward as waves thunder through a tight crack in the rock.The Spouting Horn bursts skyward with a roar, blending raw coastal beauty with local legends and sweeping ocean views for an experience you won’t forget.Highlights and must-see spots: 1.Here’s how it works: Spouting Horn formed when waves carved a tunnel through rock, forcing seawater to shoot skyward.The ocean slowly carved it out, wearing away old lava tubes-hollow tunnels left behind by ancient volcanic eruptions-until only their rugged shapes remained.Waves slam against the rocks, driving water through a narrow gap in the lava until it bursts skyward in a white plume.As it blasts from the blowhole, it lets out a sharp hiss-almost a whistle-that carries across the shore.Air rushes through the narrow tube with the water, creating the sound-a sharp hiss like steam escaping.The hiss rises and falls with the size of the waves and the strength of the ocean swell, sometimes sharp as steam from a kettle.When the blowhole erupts, it can blast water thirty feet into the air, a sudden white plume against the sky.When the ocean swells grow and waves crash hard, they drive water through the blowhole in towering, glittering sprays.In Hawaiian legend, Spouting Horn is tied to the story of Liko, a giant lizard vanquished by the demigod Kāne.People say Liko was killed, and the tide carried his body out to sea, vanishing into the gray morning mist.As his spirit slipped away, wind rushed through the blowhole with a sharp hiss-a sound the Hawaiian people said was the lizard’s spirit calling from the dark depths of the ocean.This gives the site deeper cultural meaning, blending its natural beauty with its role in Hawaiian history.Its name, “Spouting Horn,” comes from the roar and whistle of water shooting through the blowhole, like a sudden burst from a horn.For the most dramatic sprays, visit in the morning or early afternoon, when sunlight glints off the ocean and the calmer waves send water soaring.The blowhole puts on its best show at high tide, when big swells shove seawater through with a hiss and roar.Spouting Horn draws visitors all year, but you’ll want to check the forecast before you go.When the wind howls or a storm rolls in, the blowhole’s spray isn’t quite as fierce, yet it still puts on a show worth watching.From the parking lot, it’s just a short stroll to the viewing platform, where you can stand close enough to hear the rush of water burst through the rock.From the platform, visitors get a clear, safe view of the water blasting up through the blowhole, like a sudden breath of steam.Still, it’s best to keep your distance.Rocks around Spouting Horn get slick underfoot, and now and then a blast of water shoots out with surprising force, spraying cold mist into the air.Don’t get too close to the blowhole or scramble over the rocks-they’re slippery and dangerous.Beyond it, the coast opens up to sweeping Pacific views, where white spray drifts into the salt-heavy air.From this spot, you can soak in the beauty of Kauai’s southern shoreline-jagged cliffs, waves thundering against the rocks, and the endless blue stretching to the horizon.Just a short walk away, Spouting Horn Park offers the famous blowhole along with restrooms, picnic tables, and shady places to linger by the sea.The park’s a great place to pause, spread out a blanket for a picnic, and take in the breeze through the trees.Spouting Horn sits just a quick drive from Poipu Beach, one of Kauai’s busiest and most beloved beach parks.After watching the blowhole roar and spray, you can head over to Poipu Beach for a swim, some snorkeling, or simply to stretch out on the warm sand.Just a short drive away, the Allerton Garden welcomes you with shady paths, towering palms, and a burst of tropical blooms.If you’re heading to Spouting Horn, take a moment to browse the little craft stalls just outside the park-they’re a perfect way to pair the island’s wild beauty with the handmade colors and textures of its local art.Vendors here sell handmade jewelry, Hawaiian-print shirts, and little keepsakes-maybe a carved wooden turtle-to help you take home a bit of Kauai.In nearby Poipu, you’ll find souvenir shops and local stores brimming with Hawaiian gifts, from artisanal crafts to jars of tropical jam.Spouting Horn is easy to reach, and there’s a free parking lot right on site.During peak tourist hours, the parking lot often fills fast, so it’s best to come early or wait until later in the day to skip the crowds.The path to the blowhole and viewing platform is wheelchair-accessible, though you might feel a few bumps where the ground turns uneven.You can reach the main viewing platform by following a smooth, paved path, so it’s easy for visitors using wheelchairs or strollers.Kauai’s weather stays pleasant year-round, but summer-June through August-draws the biggest crowds as the island hums with peak tourist season.If you want to skip the crowds, aim for the shoulder seasons-spring from April to May or fall from September to November-when the air is warm, the breezes gentle, and the island feels quieter.Winter, from December to March, is just as tempting, with Spouting Horn offering its best show as humpback whales breach offshore.If you’re lucky, you might spot humpback whales leaping beyond the coast while the Spouting Horn sends seawater shooting high into the air with a deep, roaring hiss.It’s one of Kauai’s must-see sights, blending raw ocean power with a legend that lingers in the salt and mist.Just outside Poipu, it’s easy to reach and offers a safe spot to take in the view, making it a favorite stop for anyone touring the island’s sunny southern coast.Whether it’s the rare glow of molten lava or the pull of Hawaiian shores, you can’t help but feel its magic.
