Most sightseeing tours of Tahiti island, by coach or 4WD vehicle, include a stop at the Arahoho Blowhole, as well as the neighboring beach, which is a popular spot for surfers. Tours typically set out from Papeete and often include a visit to nearby sights such as Venus Point and Matavai Bay, the Taharaa View Point, the beautiful Vaipahi Gardens, or the Cascades of Faarumai.
There is a designated viewing area with a barrier preventing visitors from getting too close to the blowhole, but it’s still possible to get wet when the blowhole is at its most powerful.
Visitor facilities at the blowhole include parking, a gift shop, and restrooms.
The viewing area for the Arahoho Blowhole is wheelchair accessible.
The Arahoho Blowhole is located on the north coast of the island of Tahiti, around 15 miles (24 kilometers) east of Papeete, or an approximately 40-minute drive. Tour buses regularly travel along the coastal road and then stop at the blowhole.
The blowhole is at its most impressive when the sea is rough and waves crash high against the rocks. If possible, time your visit for high tide for the most explosive views.
The Arahoho Blowhole is created by an ancient lava tube—formed by liquid lava flowing under cold and hard lava—that opens out into the sea. When waves crash into the tunnel, filling it up with seawater, the air inside gets compressed, causing a powerful sea geyser effect where water shoots out through a hole in the rocks.