Nakalele Point facts for kids
Nakalele Point is a special place on the island of Maui in Hawaiʻi. It's located on the northern tip of the island. The name "Nakalele" means "the leaning" in the Hawaiian language. This spot is famous for its powerful blowhole. It's also known for its strong ocean waves, which can be dangerous. Nakalele Point is found just east of Poelua Bay.
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What is the Nakalele Blowhole?
Nakalele Point is most famous for its natural blowhole. A blowhole is like a natural water fountain created by the ocean. When big waves crash into the coast, water gets pushed into a sea cave. This water then shoots up through a hole in the rock above.
How High Does the Water Go?
The water spouts from the Nakalele blowhole can be very impressive. They can shoot up as high as 100 feet (about 30 meters) into the air! This happens when the ocean waves are strong and the tides are just right. It's a powerful display of nature's force.
Staying Safe at the Blowhole
It's very important to be careful when visiting the blowhole. The ocean waves can be unpredictable and very strong. Visitors should always stay far away from the blowhole itself. It's also crucial to never turn your back on the ocean. Unexpected "rogue waves" can appear suddenly and pull people into the water, which is very dangerous. Always watch the ocean and keep a safe distance.
The Nakalele Point Lighthouse
A lighthouse was built at Nakalele Point a long time ago, around 1908. Lighthouses help ships navigate safely, especially at night or in bad weather.
History of the Lighthouse
When it was first built, the Nakalele Point lighthouse was quite simple. It started as a tall wooden pole, about 40 feet (12 meters) high. A temporary light was placed on top of this pole to guide ships. By 1910, a small building was constructed. This building had a special platform on its roof where a steady white light was placed. In 1922, the light was updated to flash automatically. This made it even more helpful for ships. Today, the United States Coast Guard owns and maintains this historic lighthouse.
See also
In Spanish: Punta Nakalele para niños
