Spouting Horn

Coordinates: 21°53′06″N 159°29′37″W / 21.885018°N 159.493581°W / 21.885018; -159.493581

Spouting Horn

Spouting Horn is located in the Koloa district on the southern coast of Kauai. This area of Kauai is known for its crashing waves (nearby Poipu translates to "crashing"[1]). These waves erode lava rocks on the coastline which can create narrow openings, as is the case with Spouting Horn. With every wave, water shoots upward when it is forced through an opening and creates a sound suggestive of hissing. The spray can shoot as high as 50 feet in the air.[2] The original Hawaiian name was puhi, meaning blowhole.[3] The Spouting Horn is a part of the Koloa Heritage Trail, a 10-mile trail in the Koloa district.

Legends

According to Hawaiian folklore, a giant lizard (“mo’o” in the Hawaiian language) once protected this area of the island. One day, a young man named Liko challenged the lizard, which threatened visitors to the area who came to fish or swim. During their battle, Liko thrust a sharp stick into the lizard’s mouth. Liko then jumped into the ocean, luring the lizard in the water. Liko then swam through a small lava tube in the rocks leading to the surface. The lizard followed Liko and got stuck in the lava tube, or blowhole. Today, you can hear the lizard's roar every time the Spouting Horn Blowhole blasts into the air.

References

  1. ↑ Pukui, Mary Kawena. Place Names of Hawaii. University of Hawaii Press. ISBN 0-8248-0524-0.
  2. ↑ http://www.hawaiiweb.com/kauai/sites_to_see/SpoutingHorn.htm
  3. ↑ http://www.poipubeach.org/visitor_info/koloaheritagetrail.html


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