By Jeffrey A. Rendall
Northwestern Maui and the Nakalele Blowhole
For those searching for a Road-to-Hana-like experience without the intense time commitment and logistical challenges, consider driving to the north side of Maui along the far western route to view the Nakalele Blowhole.
How to describe the blowhole? It’s a formation in the ancient volcanic lava near the ocean where water shoots out and up through a “hole” in the structure … it almost looks like a huge whale spout. The whole experience is pretty neat and can be seen up close – or closer – by accessing a roughly delineated trail from the parking area.
The trail itself is over a mile round-trip and descends a couple hundred feet total — and the parking area now charges $10 to leave your car, something new since the last time we visited Maui. Use caution on the trail and the blowhole itself comes with its own safety warning:
“The blowhole can eject water up to 100 feet into the air during high surf or high tide. Never stand between the blowhole and the ocean, and never turn your back on the sea—rogue waves can pull people in instantly. One death has been confirmed from this hazard.”
Despite the official admonitions, it always seems as though people get too close to the water spout. Are they daredevils, or is it just reckless stupid-ness?
The northwestern coast of Maui is as rugged as it is beautiful with the blue-blue Pacific close at hand and stretching as far as the eye can see. There’s a lot of ocean out there, and it’s almost always windy and cooler on this part of the island. The island of Molokai (to the west) is visible for much of the drive and the road passes by Kapalua Bay, famous for humpback whales and snorkeling closer to shore.
The Kapalua Plantation golf course is visible on the first part of the drive. The golf pros canceled their visit in 2026, but they’ll be back… someday. (Note: 
The PGA Tour has since removed the tournament from its schedule. It was fun while it lasted?)
There are a number of sharp curves and turns on the northwest road as well, but it’s only a distant cousin in difficulty compared with the Road to Hana. The day we drove it on our most recent trip was very, very windy, so we didn’t get a chance to park at the blowhole, as we have in the past. The parking lot appeared to be full despite the conditions.
The scenery is spectacular and the drive, including stops, can be accomplished in about three hours, two if you’re just sight-seeing. It’s well worth the time invested.
Maui Winery combined wine with post-COVID serving equals fun and memories
One activity that may not appear on a typical Hawaii itinerary is a visit to Maui Wine, which is, as you might gather, the lone winery on the island. It features wine made from the Ulupalakua Vineyards, located right there on the slopes of Haleakala volcano.
Don’t fret – the wines don’t taste like lava. And Haleakala isn’t active. Hawaii’s active volcanos are on the “big” island of Hawaii. You’ll get a geology lesson when you visit Hawaii, too.
The website describes the facility’s wines: “Ulupalakua Vineyards, farmed by MauiWine, is a patch of paradise that rests along the southern slope of the Haleakala volcano. These handcrafted wines are distinct and rare. The land speaks for itself; each bottle embodying the complex climate and growing conditions of our island vineyard. Since 1974, our vines and approach to winemaking have been rooted in the traditions of our upcountry community: hard work, agriculture, hospitality, and celebration.”
Maui Winery is renowned for its pineapple wines. Only in Hawaii, right? I doubt you’d find this varietal at Napa Valley, put it that way.
We weren’t aware of it, but tasting at Maui Wine is apparently by appointment only. So, make a reservation to maximize your chances to partake. We visited at a time when there were a couple unoccupied tables, so we were able to stay and taste. The server presents a menu whereby you can choose from several different “flights” according to your preferences and palate.
We chose offerings that didn’t offer pineapple wine. We’re more traditional in our tastes, but one of the menu items did include a sparkling pineapple sample. If you’re a big fan of pineapple, it’s a must-have. For the rest of us? Not so much.
We’d been to the winery before and tasted at the wine bar, but post COVID, all business is now conducted outside. We’d encountered this practice in California as well, so “outside” seems to be the standard in the industry nowadays. No problem — servers have more of a chance to talk about the wines themselves and chat with visitors in the fresh air. Part of the experience at Maui Wine was hearing their unique stories. It seems like a cool place to work.
The wines were good, too, though we’d rate two of them above the others, the Block 3 Syrah and the 50th anniversary Malbec. Because of our limited capacity to drink quantities of wine on Maui – and leaving the
island the next day – we didn’t purchase. Taking wine home along with everything else would be a challenge. So we contented ourselves with tasting, which included fees, of course.
The tasting fees were well worth the memories gained. The experience alone made a trip to Maui Wine worthwhile.
One note – the winery is located on the Haleakala slope, about as far south as the maintained main road goes on Maui. Plan accordingly if you’d like a visit. Leave enough time and you won’t be disappointed.
Going to Maui (Hawaii)? Part I — Tips – Who and what to bring and why bigger is better
https://www.golfintheusa.com/going-to-maui-hawaii-part-i-tips-who-and-what-to-bring-and-why-bigger-is-better/
Going to Maui (Hawaii)? Tips, Part II – Saving money in Hawaii, and Lahaina offers sadness… and hope
https://www.golfintheusa.com/going-to-maui-hawaii-tips-part-ii-saving-money-in-hawaii-and-lahaina-offers-sadness-and-hope/
Going to Maui? Part III – Touring the ocean depths from the comfort of an air-conditioned building
https://www.golfintheusa.com/going-to-maui-part-iii-touring-the-ocean-depths-from-the-comfort-of-an-air-conditioned-building/
Going to Maui? Part IV – Plan golf in Hawaii? — and what you can’t do without (hint: it’s Costco membership)
https://www.golfintheusa.com/going-to-maui-part-iv-plan-golf-in-hawaii-and-what-you-cant-do-without-hint-its-costco-membership/
Going to Maui? Part V – Beer on the beach and the hipp(-i-)est town on Maui’s north shore!
https://www.golfintheusa.com/going-to-maui-part-v-beer-on-the-beach-and-the-hipp-i-est-town-on-mauis-north-shore/
Going to Maui? Part VI – Hana Highway is as bad – or as awesome – as you want it to be
https://www.golfintheusa.com/going-to-maui-part-vi-hana-highway-is-as-bad-or-as-awesome-as-you-want-it-to-be/