Spouting Horn

If you are planning a trip to Hawaii, and Kauai specifically, there are certain sites you just must see. One of those sights is the Spouting Horn on the South Shore of the island.

Spouting Horn is located near Poipu Beach on the island of Kauai. Similar to a geyser and second only to Old Faithful in Yellowstone, Spouting Horn is a blowhole located on a lava shelf.

Waves rush beneath the lava shelf into tunnels in the lava, and while water is forced through one hole, reaching up to 50 feet in height, air is forced through a neighboring hole, creating an interesting groaning sound.

There used to be a larger blowhole called Kukuiula Seaplume in the same area. This was an incredible hole that would shoot water 200 feet in the air. Unfortunately, it was blasted out of existence in the 1920s by a nearby farmer whose sugar cane crop was being damaged by the salt water spray.

Ancient Hawaiian legends say that a great mo’o, or lizard used to guard the shores, eating anyone and everyone who attempted to swim or fish at this location. One day, a brave man named Liko came by, intending to go for a swim. The lizard jumped in after him, intent on having him for lunch. The lizard chased Liko under the lava shelf, trapping him.

Fortunately for Liko, he found a hole in the lava shelf and managed to climb through it and escape… the lizard however, remained trapped under the lava shelf for eternity. They say the groaning sounds you hear today are from the lizard, crying out in hunger and pain.

Regardless of legends, the fact remains that the Spouting Horn is a sight to see. If you visit around sunset, you’ll see spectacular rainbow effects in the spray. An exquisite photo opportunity, the Spouting Horn remains a free natural attraction.

While visiting the Spouting Horn, you’ll want to remain well back from the railing for safety. It is dangerous to venture out on the lava shelf, and those who have attempted it in the past have found themselves badly injured.

The site also offers public restrooms and the locals have stands set up to sell souvenirs, jewelry and handmade crafts. Colorful Hawaiian chickens seem to roam at will through the area, adding to the unique scenic quality of the park. Whales and dolphins are often seen offshore at this location, so you may do a bit of whale watching while you’re here.

The link below leads to visitor reviews of Spouting Horn

Underwater lava tube shoots incoming...
by Moonstreak
23 Jan 2010 at 5:46pm
TripAdvisor traveler rating: 5 of 5 stars

Underwater lava tube shoots incoming waves up in the air pretty high--locals say best when there are south swells. Open air market has cheapest prices we found of all the islands, especially Tahitian...

cool sight
by cflatt22, Valencia, Ca
26 Oct 2009 at 2:36am
TripAdvisor traveler rating: 5 of 5 stars

We were going to Lawai to go snorkel next to the beach house restaurant and noticed we were close to spouting horn so we continued on to see this wonder of mother nature. I could have stayed for hours...

  

Spouting Horn vendors for good local deals
by Nugie, Sacramento, California
18 Jul 2009 at 7:17pm
TripAdvisor traveler rating: 4 of 5 stars

The vendors here set up pretty early and there's some good choices for inexpensive gifts, lots of jewelry and local handmade crafts. And there's junk too. Great deals right now on handmade Bali...

Good quick shop
by forhym216, Harrisonburg, VA
27 Jun 2009 at 6:28pm
TripAdvisor traveler rating: 4 of 5 stars

Definitely make a quick stop at Spouting Horn. You will probably want to check out the famous Poipu Beach nearby, so go on down to spouting horn - it is pretty cool. Try to catch it at high tide -...