The Hawaiian Islands are home to 750 breathtaking miles of coastline, including picturesque beaches, striking cliffs, and enchanting sea caves. From Kauai’s Na Pali Coast to the Big Island’s Kona Coast and everywhere in between, these nine sea caves along the Hawaiian shoreline are sure to leave you speechless – if you’re able to find them, that is.

1. Lanai’s Cathedrals are absolutely stunning.
Lanai, Hawaii 96763, USA
Amy Truter/Flickr
For a thrilling underwater adventure, consider diving at the Cathedrals, the most popular diving spot in Lanai. Experienced scuba divers will fall in love with the Cathedrals, underwater pinnacle formations formed by lava tubes and illuminated by shimmering rays of light.
2. There’s this open-ceiling sea cave on Kauai’s Na Pali Coast.
N? Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, Kauai County, HI, USA
Jordan Fischer/Flickr
This geological formation is surrounded by high rock walls, and features an open ceiling to the sky. You can view the sea cave from above, or enter it on a boat tour. The light from the cave's open ceiling penetrates the water, and creates an ethereal blue hue that changes colors with the moving sun.
3. As well as the Waiahuakua Cave.
Waiahuakua Sea Cave, Kapa?a, HI 96746, USA
Stephanie Batzer/Flickr
This double door sea cave along the Na Pali Coast is often noted as one of the best in the world - and you don't need to convince me. The water is vibrant, and there's even a secret waterfall inside!
4. You’ve got Waianapanapa’s charming sea caves.
Waianapanapa State Park, Hana, HI 96713, USA
Gypsy and The Fool/Flickr
Located on Maui’s Road to Hana within Waianapanapa State Park, are these magnificent sea caves with a sinister past – it is the site of the ancient murder of Popu’alaea by her husband, King Ka’akea.

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5. This little beauty is aptly dubbed “Oahu’s Mermaid Cave.”
Mermaid Caves, Keaulana Ave, Hawaii 96792, USA
LifTNG Aloha/Facebook
While many people have heard of the Mermaid Cave, not many have actually been there, or even know where it is. Rumor has it that this luminous cave is located on Oahu’s leeward coast, and if you’re able to find it, or have someone take you there, you are sure to create a memory that will last a lifetime.
6. The Keauhou Bay Sea Caves are quite picturesque.
Keauhou Bay, Kahaluu-Keauhou, HI 96740, USA
Aloha Kayak Co.
Located near Kona on Hawaii Island, these charming sea caves are easily accessible via a kayaking excursion and are sure to enchant you.
7. Also on Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, you have the Hanakapiai Sea Cave.
Hanak?p?‘ai Beach, Hanak?p?‘Ai Beach, Hawaii 96746, USA
fank209/Flickr
Situated on Kauai’s fabled Na Pali Coast is Hanakapi’ai Beach, accessible only by a strenuous day hike. The trail is, in fact, the beginning of the 11-mile Kalalau Trail, but only takes you two miles in, and is home to this breathtaking sea cave.
8. Oahu’s spitting caves are a thing of wonder.
Spitting Cave, 7 Lumahai St, Honolulu, HI 96825, USA
simplethrill/Flickr
Located on Oahu’s southeastern shore are these picturesque Spitting Caves, found below a high cliff where waves crash underneath and shoot into the cave, ejecting the water like a reverse blowhole.
9. Waikapalae Wet Cave is pure magic.
_e.t/Flickr
Located on Kauai’s North Shore, Waikapalae Cave - also known as the blue room - is an unusual geological formation where sunlight shines through the magnificent blue water of the cave. There is a no swimming sign posted, but visitors can still experience the cave without jumping in.

Which of these sea caves in Hawaii is your favorite? You won’t want to miss these caves, as well as the secrets of the Hawaiian coastline.

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Hawaiian Sea Caves

Tori Jane | July 12, 2022

Which sea caves in Hawaii are the largest?  

Hawaii is home to one of the largest sea caves in the world! Waiahuakua Cave is found on Kauai and is one of the longest sea caves on Earth. It’s 1,155 feet long and worth exploring for those who have the ability to do so. Some folks humorously call it the “Double Door” cave thanks to being tunnel-like and having both an entrance and an exit. You’ll definitely want to go in – it's a sight and a half to behold. Experience the fantastic cathedral room and check out fascinating tunnel hallways. There’s a huge, pinkish rock that looks eerily like a hippopotamus (you can’t miss it), and even a waterfall that cascades from part of the cave ceiling. In terms of the natural wonders in Hawaii, this is one you can’t miss.   

How many Hawaii caves are underwater?  

Hawaii is a geology nerd’s wonderland with lots of fascinating features and opportunities to learn and explore. Hawaii is home to more than 400 known caves, many of which are only accessible via diving. Some of the most notorious sea caves in Hawaii include the Spitting Caves, on Oahu, where you might spot some rare wildlife while exploring the five caverns. Another option is the Mermaid Cave, which is one of the most famous sea caves in Hawaii. Finally (but not FINAL-y, considering there are hundreds of Hawaiian sea caves), you might want to check out Keauhou Bay and the sea caves that lurk there, where you’ll find vibrant sea life and all sorts of nook and crannies to get into – safely, of course.  

Are there any secret caves in Hawaii worth visiting?  

Honestly, we kind of feel like every cave in Hawaii is worth exploring, but most certainly the secret caves in Hawaii! Sure, you can visit one of the most famous caves or sea caves, but they might be crowded. Enter some of the lesser-known caves in Hawaii just waiting to be explored, like Kaumana Cave. This cave is a locally known secret that visitors are free to explore; there are at least two miles of caves open to the public in this cave, and it’s well worth an excursion.  

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