Spitting Cave — cliff jumping spot in Honolulu, Hawaii
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Spitting Cave

Honolulu, Hawaii
Photo: Anthony Quintano from Honolulu, HI, United States / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

About this spot

Spitting Cave of Portlock is a real, extensively documented cliff-jump on Oahu's south shore, named for a sea cave that 'spits' spray from wave surge. The jump is roughly 45-50 feet into open ocean, reached via a short public right-of-way between two houses at the end of Lumahai Street — look for a small numbered sign and park on the street. This is one of Hawaii's deadliest jump spots: currents can pull swimmers into the cave or out to sea, submerged rocks are a hazard at low surf, and Honolulu Ocean Safety has responded to over 50 cliff-jumping incidents here in five years, with multiple fatalities. No lifeguards patrol the site; assess swell and current from land before ever considering entry.

Safety first. Cliff jumping is inherently dangerous and can cause serious injury or death. Conditions — water depth, submerged hazards, and access — change constantly. CliffScout is community-sourced reference information, not a guarantee a spot is safe. Always assess the conditions yourself before jumping, and never jump where you're unsure. You assume all risk.

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