Sight guide · Kauaʻi · United States
Visiting Spouting Horn
Waves force seawater through a lava tube to shoot up to several metres into the air, with a hissing moan from a second hole.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Mel29, Public domain
Quick answer
Spouting Horn is a viewpoint in Poʻipū and Kōloa, Kauaʻi. Allow 30 minutes; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Viewpoint
- Area
- Poʻipū and Kōloa
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, kids, nature and photo spot
- Best months
- February and April–May
Plan a trip to Kauaʻi
Compare flights, places to stay and rental cars, then book with the provider you choose.
About Spouting Horn
Waves force seawater through a lava tube to shoot up to several metres into the air, with a hissing moan from a second hole. Craft vendors set up beside the viewing area west of Poʻipū.
Tip: Visit when the surf is up for the biggest spouts, and keep behind the railings; the lava shelf is very dangerous.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 30 minutes.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not needed; you can simply turn up.
- Where: Poʻipū and Kōloa, sunny South Shore resorts, beaches and the island's first sugar town.
Best time to visit Spouting Horn
Spouting Horn is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- February: 26°C (79°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, busy crowds.
- May: 28°C (82°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- April: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 14 rainy days, moderate crowds.
For the view at golden hour: in mid-February the sun sets at about 18:35 local time (calculated for Kauaʻi).
When to visit Kauaʻi has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Spouting Horn is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen Nā Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon State Park.
- No. 8 of the 17 sights in our Kauaʻi things-to-do list.
- Day 5 of the 5-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Kauaʻi.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Kauaʻi.
- A family favourite in Kauaʻi with kids.
Near Spouting Horn
Within walking distance of Spouting Horn (straight-line distances):
- Allerton and McBryde Gardens — about 0.1 km away, 2.5–3 hours, expensive
If you like Spouting Horn
- Nā Pali Coast — North and West Shores, Half a day
- Waimea Canyon State Park — Waimea and Hanapēpē, Half a day
- Hanalei Bay — Hanalei, Half a day
- Kōkeʻe State Park and Kalalau Lookout — Kōkeʻe, 2–3 hours
Staying near Spouting Horn
Stay in Poʻipū and Kōloa ($$$$) to walk here: sunny South Shore resorts, beaches and the island's first sugar town. All areas to stay in Kauaʻi.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Spouting Horn?
Plan 30 minutes. Allerton and McBryde Gardens is about 0.1 km away in a straight line, so the two fit a half-day.
+Is Spouting Horn free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Spouting Horn?
February and April–May for the most comfortable weather. Visit when the surf is up for the biggest spouts, and keep behind the railings; the lava shelf is very dangerous.
+Do I need to book Spouting Horn in advance?
No: it is free to visit, so you can decide on the day.
+Is Spouting Horn good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Kauaʻi. Kauaʻi is a gentle family destination with calm summer beaches, easy waterfall viewpoints, turtles and monk seals, and short adventures such as river kayaking.