Few People Know This Beautiful Natural Tunnel In Hawaii Even Exists
By Megan Shute|Published May 12, 2018
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
The Hawaiian Islands are full of beautiful geographic anomalies, including natural caves and tunnels, many of which have been created as a result of the 20 volcanoes that have created the islands. With Hawaii’s incredible volcanic history comes plenty of incredible lava formations, including lava tubes. And while Hawaii Volcanoes National Park’s Thurston Lava Tube gets all of the credit, there is another, little-known natural tunnel carved by molten lava on the island of Maui. This is the Hana Lava Tube, and it’s pretty spectacular. Let’s take a look.
A haven for anyone interested in caves, volcanoes, or geology, the Hana Lava Tube is perhaps one of Maui’s greatest natural wonders. The underground lavascape was formed some 30,000 years ago when an eruption of Mount Haleakala caused molten lava to flow down the mountainside near what is now Hana.
Also known as Ka’eleku Cave, this ancient lava tube is the largest and most accessible formation of its kind on Maui, and visitors are able to explore approximately ⅓ mile of the large cave, fifty feet below the earth’s surface.
Rumor has it that this cave was once proposed to be a government fallout shelter. With most parts of the tunnel’s ceiling being 30-60 feet thick, this underground spot could have supported fifteen people for the sixteen weeks they’d be forced to stay underground.
The cave was also once used by cattle ranchers to dispose of slaughtered cattle remains for years, so don't be alarmed if you find a bone or two. You won't, however, find bats in this natural tunnel system.
Enter the cave system through a "skylight," a thin spot in the cave ceiling that has since collapsed. With warm, comfortable temperatures and handrails throughout, this is one underground adventure that’s perfect for the entire family.
Don’t forget your camera! Every inch of this incredible natural tunnel is home to stalactites, stalagmites, and jaw-dropping flora worthy of a photograph.
Self-guided cave tours are offered seven days per week, 365 days per year from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 40-minute tour costs approximately 11.95 per person, and children under five years old receive free admission. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy shoes with good grip, and while there are no lights within the tunnel, flashlights are provided.
You’ll also want to stroll through the property’s Red Ti botanical garden maze before heading back out to experience all Maui’s Hana Highway has to offer.
The Hana Lava Tube is located at 205 Ulaino Rd., Hana, HI 96713, and is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. For more information about this natural tunnel, click here.
