A popular tourist attraction in the Poipu area, Spouting Horn is a blowhole in a lava shelf that sends plumes of seawater into the air after being forced through a hole in the shelf. Depending on the force of the waves entering underneath the shelf, the plumes can reach up to 50 feet high. A hissing sound is made with each plume.
The windswept coastline where Spouting Horn is located is known for its crashing waves. In fact, the name of Poipu translates to “crashing.” Spouting Horn is part of the Koloa Heritage Trail, a ten-mile trail in the Koloa district on Kauai’s southern coast.
According to Hawaiian folklore, a giant lizard (“mo’o”) protected this part of Kauai. One day, a young man named Liko challenged the lizard. During the battle, Liko thrust a sharp stick into the lizard’s mouth. Liko jumped into the water and lured the lizard through a small lava tube in the rock. The lizard got stuck in the lava tube (blowhole) and today you can hear the lizard’s hiss every time the Spouting Horn blowhole blasts into the air.
Visitors to Spouting Horn pass by a newly-remodeled marketplace from the parking area to the blowhole. The marketplace features various vendors that offer trinkets, jewelry, clothing, gifts, and arts and crafts. The marketplace is somewhat unique on Kauai and is reminiscent of marketplaces at tourist attractions in Asia.
Spouting Horn can be seen from a viewing area off of Lawai Road, near the McBryde and Allerton Gardens visitors center. Though fenced off, a few people venture onto the shelf, though that is not recommended. Some visitors to Spouting Horn are disappointed by the fenced off access and the force of the plumes, which are sometimes weak during calmer seas. For the most spectacular views, visit Spouting Horn near sunset and/or during rough seas.
Access to Spouting Horn is free.
Location at Google Maps
Spouting Horn Photos
Drone photos of Spouting Horn!
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