Spouting Horn is breathtaking at any time of day. One of our favorite times to be here is during a Kauai sunset when dazzling colors float in its spray. This is one of the island’s most visited natural wonders. Spouting Horn is located close to our South Shore Kauai vacation rentals in Poipu Beach and across from the National Tropical Botanical Gardens. There is also a great vantage point to watch humpback whales from early November to late May.
The Pacific surf slams into the rocky coastline here and funnels under a small lava shelf into a natural lava tube. It releases a spout of water up to 60 feet high with a loud hiss and roar. Unique onto itself when compared to others in Hawaii, this Spouting Horn shoots water out of one hole and the pressurized air escapes from another.
The current Spouting Horn was nothing in comparison to another ancient blow hole nearby. Its spout, nearly 200 feet high, was destroyed back in the 1920’s by farmers when the salt water spray from its spout killed the nearby sugar cane.
An old Hawaiian legend is that a giant lizard guarded this area and would eat anyone who tried to swim in the neighboring waters. One day a local fisherman named Liko was attacked by the lizard. In his defense, he speared the lizard through the mouth and swam into the lava tube. The lizard got stuck in the tube during the pursuit and to this day, her cries and moans can be heard echoing from inside.
Hazards To Watch For: Do not climb down on the rocky coastline as the surf can rise unexpectedly.
Driving directions to Spouting Horn from Koloa Town: Head south on Poipu Road until you merge into the “Welcome to Poipu Beach” roundabout. Follow the sign “Spouting Horn” (second exit) and continue along Lawai Road for approximately two and a half miles beyond. There is plenty of free parking available.