Parking & Directions.

Nakalele Blowhole sits on Maui's far northwest tip along Highway 30 — free to visit, no tickets, no gate. Here's exactly where to pull off and the smart way to drive it.

Where to park

Two dirt pull-offs on Hwy 30 (Honoapiʻilani Hwy) serve the blowhole, between mile markers 38 and 39. The main boulder-backed pull-off near MM 38.5 is the direct route down; the pull-off near MM 38 by the old light beacon starts the longer Acid War Zone loop. Arrive before 10 a.m. on busy days — the lots are small and shoulder parking is tight.

The drive

From Lahaina or Kāʻanapali, head north on Hwy 30 past Kapalua — about 45 minutes from Lahaina, and one of Maui's great scenic drives: cliffside ocean views nearly the whole way. From Kahului, most drivers should still go the long way around through Lahaina rather than the back road. The MM 38 pull-off sits by the old Coast Guard light beacon (the "Nakalele lighthouse").

About the back road

The Kahekili Hwy (340) continuing past the blowhole toward Wailuku is a narrow, cliff-hugging single lane with blind hairpins. Locals drive it; most rental agreements frown on it. Unless you're confident and unhurried, come and go via Lahaina.

Know before you go

No facilities — no restrooms, no water, no shade. Don't leave valuables visible in the car. Cell signal is patchy along this coast, so download offline maps. Entry and parking are free — no tickets, no reservations, no parking fee. Any website selling "Nakalele Point tickets" or paid parking reservations is an unaffiliated third party you don't need. Pair your visit with high tide for the biggest eruptions.

Once you're parked, the trail guide covers the hike down — 15 to 25 minutes over lava rock — and where to find the heart-shaped rock on the way.

Free Island Guide

The full guide + five-day itinerary & trip planner — free PDF.