The Aloha State is full of beautiful geographic anomalies, including caves of all varieties scattered across our stunning islands. From Hawaiian lava tubes caused by volcanic eruptions to coastal caves carved by the ocean, there is little more adventurous than heading underground – or underwater – to explore one (or all) of these nine magnificent Hawaiian caves. Let’s get to exploring, shall we? Here are some of the downright best caves in Hawaii if you’re searching for adventure:

1. Kaumana Cave
Kaumana Cave, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Robert Linsdell/Flickr
Found just miles from downtown Hilo, in a relatively small park without any formal supervision and open 24 hours a day, Kaumana Caves may be relatively unknown, but that doesn't mean it's not worth the trip. The incredible formation was created during an 1881 lava flow from Mauna Loa, and is, in fact, a 25-mile long lava tube, and is accessible via a skylight entrance.
2. Hanakapiai Caves
Hanak?p?‘ai Beach, Hanak?p?‘Ai Beach, Hawaii 96746, USA
Bayou-Babies/TripAdvisor
Situated along Kauai’s fabled Na Pali Coast is Hanakapi’ai Beach, a stunning slice of paradise accessible only via a strenuous four-mile round-trip day hike. It is at the edge of this magnificent beach that you will find a series of incredible aboveground caves carved into the cliffside that look like something out of your wildest dreams - or maybe even Jurassic Park. These above-ground caves are all different sizes and create a positively surreal landscape along an already gorgeous - and quite famous - stretch of coastline.
3. Kazamura Cave
K?lauea, Hawaii 96778, USA
Dave Bunnell/Wikimedia
Found on the eastern slopes of Kilauea Volcano - which has been constantly erupting since 1983 - is Kazamura Cave, a massive lava tube that originated from the nearby Kilauea Iki Crater approximately 500 years ago. In the 1990s, Kazamura was established as the longest-known lava tube in the world, measuring in at approximately 40 miles long and 3,600 feet deep. The extensive cave system contains all kinds of lava formations, including lava falls, blades, tubular stalactites, stretched lava, and even lava plunge pools.
4. Hana Lava Tube
Hana Lava Tube, 205 Ulaino Rd, Hana, HI 96713, USA
iBen/Flickr
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 in Hawaii 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.

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5. Kaneana Cave
Kaneana Cave (Makua Cave), Farrington Highway, Waianae, HI, USA
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com
Located on Oahu’s leeward coast north of Waianae, near where Farrington Highway ends at Kaena Point, is Kaneana Cave, a truly mysterious site. The cave sits at the base of a cliff outcropping and is approximately 100 feet tall and 450 feet deep. The cave is thought to be 150,000 years old, and was once underwater, carved out by the crashing waves of the Pacific. Also known as Makua Cave, there are many legends that feature this cave, including the story of a half shark, half human who would prey on unsuspecting locals.
6. Thurston Lava Tube
Thurston Lava Tube, Hawaii 96778, USA
RDPixelShop/Flickr
This 500-year-old lava cave in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a stunning geographic feature formed when a river of lava gradually forms walls and a ceiling. When the lava flow stops, the remaining lava flows downhill, and you are left with a tunnel. The 20-minute walk to Thurston Lava Tube is definitely easy, but the 500-foot cave-like tunnel is one of the most unique experiences you'll have in Hawaii.
7. Na Pali Coast Cave Boat Tour
Na Pali Coast Hanalei Tours, 5-5161 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714, USA
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
The most spectacular caves on Kauai can be found along the Na Pali Coast, where dramatic sea arches and caves have been formed over thousands of years as a result of the relentless, pounding surf you’ll find here in the winter months. In the summer, though? The waves calm down enough to take a boat tour of these natural wonders. With more than 20 years of experience navigating Kauai’s waters, as well as skilled and knowledgeable captains, your ride aboard a rigid-hull, inflatable raft with Na Pali Riders will take you to cave waterfalls, sea arches, and even an open-ceiling cave.
8. Mermaid Cave
Mermaid Caves, Keaulana Ave, Hawaii 96792, USA
Robbie Schleufer/Facebook
While many people have heard of the Mermaid Caves, few have actually been there, or even know where it is. This particular hidden gem, which is located somewhere on Oahu’s leeward coast, is a true local secret. You won’t find an exact location online, and we aren’t about to give it to you.
9. Kula Kai Caverns
Kula Kai Caverns, 92-8864 Lauhala Dr, Ocean View, HI 96704, USA
Kula Kai Caverns/Facebook
Carved by lava flows over the last thousand years, this subterranean labyrinth of caves and tunnels is one destination you need to see to believe. Nestled near South Point on Hawaii’s Big Island, Kula Kai Caverns is a privately-owned cave system only accessible via tours operated by experienced and knowledgeable guides but is well worth a visit.

Have you visited any of these amazing Hawaii caves? Share your favorite underground spots and experiences in the comments – we love hearing from you!

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More to Explore

Caves in Hawaii

Tori Jane | June 28, 2022

Are there caves in Hawaii worth exploring?  

There are many caves in Hawaii that are more than worth your time! It’s not surprising, considering the islands exist thanks to volcanic activity, which is often known to create chasms, caverns, and caves as well as volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and more. Some of our favorite – or should we say “caveorite” - caves to explore in Hawaii include the Kaumana Caves, which are two amazing lava tube caves free to explore formed long ago by underground lava flows. You’ll want to bring a flashlight and wear protective clothing for those caves since volcanic rock can be very sharp and it’s quite dark within the caverns. The Kilauea Caverns of Fire is another famous cave system in Hawaii that offers up some truly incredible tours to curious visitors.  

How many Hawaii caves are known to exist?  

Cave lovers have good reason to celebrate; are you sitting down for this one? There are more than 400 known caves in Hawaii and many of them are perfect for a daytime adventure, featuring intriguing geological features and all the natural wonder one can handle. Some of the most amazing caves in Hawaii (at least in our opinion) include the Kazamura Caves, on the eastern slope of Kilauea. The cave is a gigantic lava tube formed by lava well over 500 years ago, which actually makes it pretty “young”, geologically speaking. For a while there, it was the longest known lava tube cave, stretching for more than 40 impressive miles beneath the surface. Be sure to also check out the Keauhou Bay Sea Cave, if you’re a fan of oceanic caves, and the Mermaid Cave is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, too.  

What are some breathtaking natural wonders in Hawaii?  

We’re pretty sure every bit of Hawaii is a natural wonder in and of itself, so where does one begin if they’d like to check out the amazing natural beauty this state offers? We recommend visiting some of the most incredible geological wonders of Hawaii first, like its numerous volcanoes (including some that erupt regularly, and some that even erupt constantly!) and several rare features known as blowholes. Other amazing natural wonders in Hawaii include gems like Waimea Canyon, the scenic Waipio Valley (which requires one of the craziest scenic drives in Hawaii to get there), and Oheo Gulch, a waterfall paradise with not one, not two, but at least seven amazing pools to take a dip in.  

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