Nakalele Blowhole Cycling Route – Intermediate
38 miles, 2,500’ elevation gain
A classic Maui cycling route from Lahaina. Ride to – and beyond – the westernmost point on Maui. Explore seaside frontage roads before getting a taste of the picturesque landscapes that characterize West Maui.
Hug the coastline around the westernmost point on Maui.
Get a taste of the awesome majesty of Maui’s rugged west coast.
Start at the Lahaina Gateway center and turn right onto the Honoapiilani Highway. Hit cruise control for the next 6 miles until reaching a left turn onto Lower Honoapiilani Road.
These next 5.8 miles will take you along the seaside frontage roads of Napili and Kapalua. A brief climb reconnects you to the highway, and beyond. If frontage roads aren’t your thing, or you’re pressed for time, you can always just follow the highway – there’s a good shoulder, and it will save you a few miles and bit of climbing!
Reconnecting onto the highway (mile 11 on our route) is the final turn you’ll make until the turnaround point. The hotels and buildings will begin to thin out and eventually disappear as the road narrows. Your adventure is about to begin!
Follow the road as it bobs and weaves it’s way along the cliffs of west Maui.
Take those hairpin turns slow! As you approach mile 19 on our route, you’ll likely see cars parked on the left side of the road. This is the parking area for the Nakalele Blowhole – an awe-inspiring natural formation that draws folks from all over the island.
The blowhole is a hole in the lava rock connecting to an underground, partially submerged ocean cave. The cave and opening are shaped in such a way that when the ocean rises or waves crash into it, a jet of water and air is violently forced out through the hole.
It’s possible to hike down (~1.25 mile round trip) to get closer to the blowhole, but it will mean leaving your bikes in the parking lot…which we don’t recommend (particularly if their our rental bikes!). The blowhole is visible from various spots in the parking area.
Once you’ve absorbed the sights (and sounds!) of the blowhole, you’ll backtrack the way you came in and return to the Lahaina Gateway Center.
What bike will I ride on Maui?
Planning a cycling trip to Maui? The idyllic island is an excellent cycling destination for cyclists, with a number of world-class road routes and a couple of mountain bike trail networks. Check out some details on how to bring your bike with you, or consider renting a bike from us.
Here at Maui Sunriders, we offer a fleet of rental bikes on Maui. Maui Sunriders is your destination for high-end road bikes, full suspensions, hardtails, e-bikes, 3-speeds, or single-speeds. Our top-notch staff of cycling enthusiasts will be excited to help you find the right bike for your adventure (at either of our locations...Paia, Kihei, or Lahaina!).
Conor O'Brian
Maui Sunriders contributing writer, photographer, route builder, and road cycling guide.
Maui Sunriders contributing writer, photographer, route builder, and road cycling guide.
Conor is an avid bike rider, racer, adventurer, photographer, and graphic artist who spends his winters working for MSBC
Follow his rides on Strava!
Need a bike?
We have a full rental fleet of carbon and aluminum road bikes, as well as e-road bikes!