Difficulty
advanced
Viz (last reported 105246h ago)
Max Depth
23 ft
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Halona Blow Hole
This is the beach where Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr got hot and heavy, making out in a wicked beach break in the movie "From Here to Eternity". (I think I would've found the waves a little distracting. Seriously, they're getting their backsides handed to them big time and I doubt they enjoyed filming that scene at all.) It's also called Cockroach Cove by more recent generations, not sure why.
It's a very nice dive site. Use caution for the current and waves which can be treacherous. Only go when it's very docile. Rocks may be slippery as well.
After swimming out shallow cove, turn a little north and find the big crack that leads into the actual blow hole. If there's any waves at all, stay away from blow hole. Seriously, people have died in there (usually by getting sucked in from above, though) and you don't want to get stuck inside. Just use your head. If wave action is okay, it's pretty cool dropping down into this itty-bitty canyon.
Pretty good chance to see green sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, octopus and maybe a white-tip shark.
At first glance, Halona Blow Hole appears to be an easy, protected site for both snorkelers and divers. However, a list of SCUBA fatalities since 1971 shows that more fatalities by far occur at Halona Blow Hole than any other dive site in the state. First off, the sea cliffs that make this stretch of shoreline so great for diving also precludes any easy exit sites. This, coupled with the strong current, slippery rocks, waves on the ledges, and lack of lifeguards makes this coast one of the most hazardous on the island. Be especially careful on this stretch of coast! The nearest facilities are at Sandy Beach to the North, so take plenty of water.
Halona Blow Hole, on the South Eastern shore, can be found at a large touristy turn out between Hanauma Bay and Sandy Beach Park.
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Bill Stohler
Jul 28, 2002, 12:00 AM
scuba
This is one of my favorite winter sites on Oahu, but if the surf's at all up at the adjacent Sandy Beach, don't even waste your time driving there. We call the beach 'Here to Eternity', for the movie filmed partially there. There's a really nice wall (and ridge) to the right, with some fairly extensive reef following the coastline towards Hanauma Bay. To the left is shallower, and not recommended if there's any surf at all. If exploring left, use extreme caution if there are ANY waves, and DO NOT enter the cave beneath the blowhole. Many have died topside at the blowhole. On even a mild day, the cave is surgey, with strong pressure changes that you can feel throughout your body (and of course, ears). Strong current offshore has swept at least two people out to sea! Not for beginners.