Located in the residential area of Portlock, Spitting Cave and China Walls offers wild landscapes on lava cliffs that remind us that Oahu is a volcanic island !
These parks were on my bucket list since a few years. It was finaly on a gloomy morning of October that I found the time to get there and I must admit I haven’t been disappointed !
Spitting Cave
Unlike the blowhole who projects water vertically as a result of the ebb and flow of the ocean, here it’s a cavity that sucks waves and spits them out forcefully to the horizontal. So came the Spitting Cave‘s name.
This curiosity is worth the visit because the area is very scenic : The cliffs have been made by successive stackings of strata from multiple eruptions, the volcanic ash being consolidated over time.
The coastline here is so wild, what a contrast with the white sandy beaches nearby !
The waves come crashing on the cliffs offering a non stop show and during winter, this place is a great spot for whales watching,
Spitting Cave is also a high place for cliff jumping but please don’t: several fatal accidents are listed every year …
China Walls
We are on the same geological profile as before but with lower cliffs.
So if you decide to lay on your towel for a moment, don’t stay too close to the edge. It is common for waves to pass over and take everything in their path … you first !
The surf here is dangerous but spectacular, the surfers having to take the wave near the rocks. That day, only one guy managed to get on his board.
Cliff jumping is also popular here when the water is calm. But again be very careful, the ascent is on slippery rocks and other waves arriving from behind can surprise you.
I”ve been told that the place was nice for sunsets too. I will come back later because the weather was really not good that day. I even had to stay more than 30 min in the car before I could finally get out because it was raining so hard.
Informations
200 meters
30 minutes / park
- Spitting Cave
Park at the end of Lumahai street and look for the beach access sign 119A. The path might be hidden under the thick foliage of the surrounding trees. Steep and short, you will reach the site in less than 5 minutes !
Be careful in case of rain, the place can become very slippery, both on the muddy path and on the smooth lava.
- China Walls
Access ( 120A ) is made via a small park, the Koko Kai Mini Beach Park. Follow the slabs, they will lead you to the “beach” which is not really one since you will not find any grain of sand …🤣
Spitting Cave and China Walls are very popular spots among locals.
On China Walls especialy, many young people come here to drink beers and listen to music while watching the sunset. If you like a quiet place, be aware that you will probably not be the only ones watching the last rays of lights.
