Spouting Horn

The Spouting Horn is one of Kauai’s most popular attractions—don’t expect to be here alone. Beyond being gorgeous, it’s free and highly accessible: Park in the lot and mosey over to the overlook. The blowhole’s 50-foot (15-meter) show commences with almost every wave; between the moments it’s not spouting and moaning, you can take in Kauai’s rocky, lava-rich South Shore. It’s especially pretty come sunset and a perfect road-tripping stop along this side of the island.

• There’s a sizable parking lot adjacent to the overlook, which can accommodate buses and RVs.

• Restrooms are available on-site.

• You can buy souvenirs from vendors who have set up here.

You’ll find the Spouting Horn about 10 minutes west of Poipu on Lawai Road, which follows the coast. (If you’re driving, keep an eye out for whales from December–April.) There’s a sizable parking lot, plus restrooms, making it hard to miss. The lookout is just steps from the lot, past the restrooms.

The Spouting Horn is open year-round. Come early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the biggest crowds, which can include tour buses. Sunset is the most spectacular time; to get more elbow room at golden hour, come midweek or in Kauai’s low season, September–December and April–June.

Local legend holds that the noise the Spouting Horn makes is from a giant lizard named Kaikapu. When a small boy named Liko escaped its wrath through a small hole in the rocks, Kaikapu tried to follow him—but got stuck. Eons later, the story goes, the lizard still roars. Science tells a slightly different story of the sound being pressurized air forced through the cracks in the rock, but either way it does moan.