She is such a ubiquitous orb, ” the moon in her chariot of pearl”; wanton and weightless, luminous and lovely, she has the power to move oceans, melt hearts, stir dreams still mere seeds of desire.
Jim and I were depending on the moon to make our day a success.
Jim and I were depending on the moon to make our day a success.
Moon over Maui's volcano.
We left Makalua-puna Point by mid-day heading north on Highway 30, anxious to explore more of Maui’s rugged coastline. We were hooked on her aged beauty ever since taking Maui's Highway to Hana a week earlier.
We’d set our sights on seeing Nakalele Blowhole at the northern most tip of the island where the incessant pounding of the surf has worn away the shore below the lava shelf. When the lava shelf is battered by high tides, the surf below is forced through a hole in the igneous rock and blows sky high from the pressure. If the moon did her part and delivered the high tide as scheduled, we’d get the chance to see a fountain of tremendous power and beauty seal the deal on a day of unparalleled sightseeing.
From the off road parking lot at mile marker 38 we began the half mile hike to Nakalele Blowhole, not yet privy to the surreal landscape we’d trek to reach our destination. And then suddenly, as if having landed on the moon, we stepped into a barren, lunar-looking landscape devoid of all plant life.
We’d set our sights on seeing Nakalele Blowhole at the northern most tip of the island where the incessant pounding of the surf has worn away the shore below the lava shelf. When the lava shelf is battered by high tides, the surf below is forced through a hole in the igneous rock and blows sky high from the pressure. If the moon did her part and delivered the high tide as scheduled, we’d get the chance to see a fountain of tremendous power and beauty seal the deal on a day of unparalleled sightseeing.
From the off road parking lot at mile marker 38 we began the half mile hike to Nakalele Blowhole, not yet privy to the surreal landscape we’d trek to reach our destination. And then suddenly, as if having landed on the moon, we stepped into a barren, lunar-looking landscape devoid of all plant life.
I certainly hope this moon walk finally tips the scales in my favor.
Tall cliffs of jagged rocks had proudly weathered the test of time as salt spray from the nearby ocean slowly and incessantly endeavored to eat away what equal forces had built eons ago.
Do you see a bunny in the foreground or is it my imagination?
Cheesy boulders lent credence to the moon’s craters and man’s imagination.
I sure hope that's Montery Jack Cheese. That's my favorite.
I reluctantly followed Jim across the macabre terrain, enamored of this unique alien war zone where we were the sole survivors.
Jim perfecting his moon walk.
There were more wonders to see on the dark side of the moon. Tucked into a corner of the inlet pool we could see two slits in the rugged rock where the sea had fought for passage and won.
The calm before the storm.
Within moments of our arrival Nakalele Blowhole began a thundering rendition of her own version of Rhapsody in Blue as the wind gained a foothold, the ground beneath us shook and the restless sea battered the shore.
Nothing but cold water coming out of this shower head.
Could you please cover your mouth before you sneeze!
Jim and I felt battered, too, at the end of our full day of sightseeing. It was a memorable, one of a kind day.
Now when I see the moon loom large in the sky, more often than not I think about Maui's lunar landscape; I think about Maui's restless soul, and mine, and reflect on the fact that nothing the universe has to offer could be more stunning than what's right here on my own beautiful blue planet.
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The Bottom Line on Nakalele Blowhole:
Verdict: This spot is definitely for hot heads and cool dudes alike. This hidden gem will provide a whole new perspective on the island of Maui and the life of our planet. This is for kids young and old alike.
How to Get There: From Ka'anapali Beach take Highway 30 north past Kapalua to highway marker 38. Park in the lot adjacent to the highway on the coastal side and then follow the trail that leads to the right down to the beach. Expect a 20 minute hike. There is also parking at highway marker 39 with only a 10 minute hike.
Insider Information: Time your visit to coincide with high tide otherwise you may be disappointed. If you approach the blowhole from highway marker 39, be sure to continue west beyond the blowhole to see the lunar landscape just over the bluff. Gas up before you head out for this sight. You're about as far from civilization as you can possibly be on northern Maui when you reach this landmark.
Nearby Food: You won't see many people this far north on Maui's western side, which means you won't see any restaurants or gas stations either. We did buy fresh pineapple from a native driving a food truck from one parking lot to the next up and down Highway 30. Pack a lunch or a snack depending on your needs. Don't forget water!
Now when I see the moon loom large in the sky, more often than not I think about Maui's lunar landscape; I think about Maui's restless soul, and mine, and reflect on the fact that nothing the universe has to offer could be more stunning than what's right here on my own beautiful blue planet.
___________________________________________
The Bottom Line on Nakalele Blowhole:
Verdict: This spot is definitely for hot heads and cool dudes alike. This hidden gem will provide a whole new perspective on the island of Maui and the life of our planet. This is for kids young and old alike.
How to Get There: From Ka'anapali Beach take Highway 30 north past Kapalua to highway marker 38. Park in the lot adjacent to the highway on the coastal side and then follow the trail that leads to the right down to the beach. Expect a 20 minute hike. There is also parking at highway marker 39 with only a 10 minute hike.
Insider Information: Time your visit to coincide with high tide otherwise you may be disappointed. If you approach the blowhole from highway marker 39, be sure to continue west beyond the blowhole to see the lunar landscape just over the bluff. Gas up before you head out for this sight. You're about as far from civilization as you can possibly be on northern Maui when you reach this landmark.
Nearby Food: You won't see many people this far north on Maui's western side, which means you won't see any restaurants or gas stations either. We did buy fresh pineapple from a native driving a food truck from one parking lot to the next up and down Highway 30. Pack a lunch or a snack depending on your needs. Don't forget water!
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