The Popular Nākālele Heart Rock on Maui Is Gone

Maui’s famous heart-shaped rock has succumbed to the natural erosion that created it in the first place.

The Nākālele Heart Rock on Maui is gone.

Mother Nature giveth and Mother Nature taketh away, such is the case with the heart-shaped rock that once sat adjacent to the famous Nākālele Blowhole on Maui. Both naturally occurring phenomena were born from years of erosion, which is also the environmental factor that caused one of them to break.

Following rumors that a tourist kicked through and destroyed the heart-shaped rock, it was officially reported in January 2020 that an entire half of the beloved structure—located on the northern coastline of West Maui—had succumbed to the ocean waves that were continuously crashing down on it.

The writer at the rock formation in 2015 (left) and in 2024 (right). It no longer exists.

Upon further investigation, the iconic rock formation seems to have been severed almost perfectly in half, creating what may be perceived as a broken heart. Those with a more optimistic mindset, an artistic vision and the right angles could use this for a new photo op by completing the iconic shape with one of their hands. That is, while they still can, considering this piece of land is clearly subject to change with the passage of time.

Unfortunately, those seeking out this natural symbol of love won’t be able to find it anymore—and even those like me who saw the popular attraction when it was intact may have a hard time figuring out where it once stood. Hint: The striations on the bottom left of the rock were beneath the original opening.

Although the heart-shaped rock is gone, the Nākālele Blowhole is still a sight to behold. Just be careful not to get too close to either, as the loss of this formation is proof that the waves here are much stronger than they may appear.

The Nākālele Blowhole is still here—and worth seeing. // Photo credit: Getty Images/Andrea Spallanzani

Perhaps this can serve as inspiration to do what we can to appreciate nature when and where we can, as this loss is a testament to the fact that nothing truly lasts forever.