Spouting Horn
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Spouting Horn

4.5
·439 reviews·, United States

Witness a powerful ocean blowhole on Kauai's south shore, where waves surge into a lava tube and erupt skyward.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

High Tide

Maximum spout height

CrowdMedium
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Spouting Horn

Spouting Horn

Best Time

High Tide

Maximum spout height

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Witness a powerful ocean blowhole on Kauai's south shore, where waves surge into a lava tube and erupt skyward.

4.5
(439 reviews)

"Fabulous attraction in Kauai, a magnificent view of water spouting from lava rocks with a horn sound!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Tide Charts First! :ocean:

The spout's height varies greatly with the tide. High tide offers the most dramatic displays.

Arrive Early or Late :clock:

Avoid crowds by visiting outside peak tour bus times for a more peaceful experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Spouting Horn's Majestic Eruption

The Spouting Horn's Majestic Eruption

South Shore, Kauai

Witness the ocean surge into a lava tube, erupting skyward with a powerful hiss. A true spectacle of nature's force.

Ocean Views and Coastal Scenery

Ocean Views and Coastal Scenery

Viewing Platform

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Kauai's rugged southern coastline. Perfect for photos.

Roosters and Chickens Roaming Free

Roosters and Chickens Roaming Free

Surrounding Area

Keep an eye out for the island's famous free-roaming roosters and chickens adding a touch of local charm.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for the Spout

The Spouting Horn's dramatic water displays are best seen during high tide. Check local tide charts before you go to maximize your chances of witnessing its full power. Arriving when tour buses aren't present can also offer a more intimate experience. Reddit

Free Fun with a View

This natural wonder is a fantastic free activity on Kauai. While there's a viewing platform, remember you can't get too close. Public restrooms are available, and ample parking makes it an easy stop. Reddit

Best Times

When
High Tide
Why
Maximum spout height
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Mornings/Afternoons
Why
Fewer tour buses
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

High tide at the Spouting Horn is a sight to behold. @Oregon Coast @OregonsBest @Travel Oregon @Visit Oregon @TheOregonCoast @Here is Oregon @Southern Oregon Coast
@jennkaye
618 likes • 26.3K views

Check Tide Charts First! :ocean:

The spout's height varies greatly with the tide. High tide offers the most dramatic displays. TikTok

Arrive Early or Late :clock:

Avoid crowds by visiting outside peak tour bus times for a more peaceful experience. Reddit

Spouting Horn 📍Poi’pū beach Kauai Go and explore where you live! Took a drive down south side of Kauai with some family couple weeks ago and I was able to capture this beautiful sight. It’s no wonder the saying goes “Lucky we live Hawaii.” More like “Blessed to live Hawaii” 🤙🏽This is just a great reminder to go out and explore where you live because you may never know the beauty you’re missing ...
@rosiefamilylife
387 likes • 5K views
there’s no place i’d rather be🏝️🍹🌺 #lihue #lihuehawaii #springbreak #hawaii #koloarum #treetunnel #poipu #sproutinghorn
@khead
196 likes • 1.8K views

Drone-Friendly Spot :camera_with_flash:

If you have a drone, this is a fantastic location for aerial shots of the blowhole and coastline. TikTok

Free & Easy Stop :money_with_wings:

Enjoy this natural wonder without spending a dime. Restrooms and parking are conveniently available. Reddit

I need some beach time! #beaches #hawaii #lihuekauai #spoutinghorns #livingmybestlife #bucketlist #travel #tiktoktravel #vacation
@kiriaguada0415
185 likes • 2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Tide Charts First! :ocean:

The spout's height varies greatly with the tide. High tide offers the most dramatic displays. TikTok

Arrive Early or Late :clock:

Avoid crowds by visiting outside peak tour bus times for a more peaceful experience. Reddit

Drone-Friendly Spot :camera_with_flash:

If you have a drone, this is a fantastic location for aerial shots of the blowhole and coastline. TikTok

Free & Easy Stop :money_with_wings:

Enjoy this natural wonder without spending a dime. Restrooms and parking are conveniently available. Reddit

Watch for Wildlife :rooster:

You'll often see plenty of roosters and chickens wandering around the area. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(439 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Spouting Horn as a magnificent natural wonder, praising the spectacular water spouts and beautiful ocean views. It's a highly recommended free activity, though some note that the experience can depend on wave conditions and tide levels for the most dramatic effect. The convenience of parking and restrooms is also frequently mentioned.

"Fabulous attraction in Kauai, a magnificent view of water spouting from lava rocks with a horn sound! Joy to watch nature’s wonderful scene."

Ravi Singh

"Our flight didn’t leave until 2100 hours so we decided to see a few sights we hadn’t gotten a chance to see and the Spouting Horn was one of them. It wasn’t exactly what we were expecting but it was fun to see. Just so happen a tour bus arrived there the same time we did, so we had to wait to get as close as you can to the spouting horn. But even with the tour bus there were not too many people. You do have to stand on a cement platform with a metal pole fence around it so you can’t get too close to it. There also were public restrooms at the location."

Chris Nance

"Very cool little spot with great views of the spouting horn blow hole. Really fun to watch and a free activity."

LeeAnna Moore

What People Like

Spectacular water spouts
Beautiful ocean views
Free attraction

What People Dislike

Spout intensity varies

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Spouting Horn is located on the south shore of Kauai, near Poipu. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Many visitors stop by after visiting Poipu Beach or on their way to other attractions on the south side. TikTokReddit

Public transportation options to Spouting Horn are limited. Renting a car is the most convenient way to reach the attraction, especially if you plan to explore other parts of Kauai. Reddit

Navigate to the south shore of Kauai, near Poipu. Spouting Horn is well-marked and a popular stop, so GPS or following signs for Poipu attractions will lead you there. TikTok

While relatively close, it's not a comfortable walk from Poipu Beach to Spouting Horn. Driving is recommended for ease and to save time. Reddit

No, Spouting Horn is a natural attraction and does not have an entrance fee. It's a completely free activity for visitors. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There are no tickets required for Spouting Horn. It's a natural landmark open to the public for viewing. Reddit

Spouting Horn is an outdoor natural attraction and is accessible at all hours. However, the best viewing times are during daylight and high tide. TikTok

The best time to visit is during high tide when the blowhole is most active. Checking local tide charts beforehand is highly recommended for the most impressive spout. TikTok

There is a viewing platform with a fence that allows you to observe the Spouting Horn. You cannot get directly next to the blowhole for safety reasons. Reddit

Yes, public restrooms are available at the Spouting Horn site, making it a convenient stop. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography & Views

The main attraction is capturing the water erupting from the blowhole. The coastal scenery also offers stunning backdrops for photos. TikTokInstagram

Absolutely! Many visitors find Spouting Horn to be an excellent location for drone photography, offering unique aerial perspectives of the blowhole and coastline. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean views, while a telephoto lens can help get closer shots of the spout. A polarizing filter can reduce glare on the water. TikTok

Yes, the spout is quite visible from the viewing platform and surrounding areas. The sound also helps you locate it. TikTok

Always be mindful of the ocean's power and stay within designated viewing areas. Do not attempt to climb on rocks near the blowhole. Reddit

🎫 🌊 Nature & Wildlife

The Spouting Horn is a natural blowhole. When waves crash into the lava tube, the water is forced through an opening in the rock, creating a powerful spout. TikTok+1

The water can spout up to 50 feet (15 meters) in the air, depending on the size of the waves and tide conditions. TikTok

Besides the ocean's activity, you'll often see numerous roosters and chickens roaming freely around the area. Reddit

While not guaranteed, sea turtles are sometimes spotted along the coastlines of Kauai, including the southern shore. Keep an eye out! TikTok

Yes, the water being forced through the blowhole creates a distinct hissing or 'spouting' sound, which is part of the experience. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Spouting Horn is a fantastic, free family-friendly stop on Kauai. Kids are often mesmerized by the powerful water spout and the loud 'hissing' sound it makes. It's a great way to introduce them to the power of nature in a safe, accessible environment. TikTokReddit

There's a viewing platform with a fence, so children can watch without getting too close to the water. The ample parking and available restrooms make it a convenient outing. Don't forget to point out the roosters and chickens that are often seen wandering around – a fun bonus for little ones! Reddit+1

💰 Budget Travelers

For those looking for free activities on Kauai, Spouting Horn is a must-visit. It offers a spectacular natural display without any admission fees. Reddit

Combine your visit with other nearby free attractions like Poipu Beach or scenic drives to maximize your budget-friendly exploration of the south shore. The convenience of parking and restrooms further enhances its appeal for budget-conscious travelers. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Content Creators

Spouting Horn is a photographer's paradise, especially for those interested in natural phenomena and coastal landscapes. The dramatic water spouts, especially during high tide, provide incredible action shots. TikTokInstagram

Many creators find it to be an ideal location for drone photography, offering unique aerial perspectives of the blowhole and the vast Pacific Ocean. The surrounding rugged coastline also presents opportunities for stunning landscape photography. TikTok Remember to check tide times for the best light and most active spouts.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the Spouting Horn's Power

The Spouting Horn is a magnificent natural blowhole on Kauai's south shore. It's formed by a lava tube that extends from the ocean inland. When waves enter the tube, the water is compressed and forced out through an opening in the rock above, creating a dramatic spout that can reach heights of up to 50 feet. TikTok+1

The intensity and frequency of the spouts are heavily dependent on wave conditions and the tide. High tide generally produces the most impressive displays, as there's more water to surge into the lava tube. Visitors are advised to check local tide charts before their visit to ensure they witness the blowhole at its most active. TikTok

While the visual spectacle is the main draw, the accompanying hissing or 'spouting' sound is also a memorable part of the experience. It's a powerful reminder of the ocean's raw energy shaping the island's coastline. Reddit

Visiting Spouting Horn: Practicalities and Tips

Spouting Horn is a free attraction, making it an excellent addition to any Kauai itinerary, especially for budget-conscious travelers. There's a dedicated parking lot, and public restrooms are available on-site, adding to the convenience. Reddit+1

While the viewing platform offers a safe vantage point, it's important to remember that you cannot get too close to the blowhole itself due to safety concerns. The area is fenced off to protect visitors from the powerful ocean spray and unpredictable surges. Reddit

Many visitors recommend bringing a camera or drone to capture the dramatic eruptions and the stunning coastal scenery. The open skies and dramatic ocean backdrop make it a photographer's dream. TikTok Keep an eye out for the island's ubiquitous roosters and chickens that often roam freely around the viewing area, adding a touch of local character to your visit. Reddit

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