Hana Lava Tube aka Kaeleku Cave

Hawaii is full of "unreal" sights and experiences, and the Hana Lava Tube on Maui is one of the most unique and unusual. The largest and most accessible lava tube on the island, this massive cave is a stunning world of its own tucked along the breathtakingly beautiful Road to Hana and has to be seen to be believed.
 
AT A GLANCE:
The Hana Lava Tube was formed approximately 30,000 years ago when liquid, flowing volcanic rock coming down from Haleakala passed under cooled surface flows to create these hollowed out, cave-like tunnels. Lava tubes are a geologic marvel that are best explained as pipes or veins for underground lava rivers.

A tour of the cave involves a self-guided walk 1/3 of a mile back through the lava tube. It continues quite a bit beyond that point in both directions, but the owner only owns that specific portion of the cave and to go beyond the signs marking the "beginning" and "end" point is trespassing.

The lava tube features rare lava stalagmites, fissures, beautiful skylites, stalactites, and chockstone, and has handrails throughout, as well as educational signs with descriptions of the cave's history and various features. Guests are given powerful flashlights to light their way, as the interior of the cave is inky dark. Because of this, it is very difficult to take photos inside the cave. However, cameras are allowed and there are a couple points along the path where light shines through a skylight, with the sun rays beaming life to the green plants and ferns surrounding the opening. These tender plants are the only signs of life in the cave, and make for a beautiful photo.

A local slaughterhouse used to use the cave as a dumping ground for cattle remains, and before he opened the cave to the public the owner had to remove 17,000 pounds of cow bones from the tunnels. If you keep an eye out, you may spot a remaining bone or two as you make your way through the tunnels! During the cold war era, a portion of the cave that visitors pass through was used as a fallout shelter.

The property also features a picnic area and a Red Ti Botanical Garden Maze.

The tours are self-guided, and there is no waiting time. Guests can head right in to the cave and explore at their own pace. The cave is very large and has no mosquitos or bats, so there is no need to worry about feeling claustrophobic or being "attacked."

Cost:
$12/person, children 5 and under are free (cost includes flashlights to use for your tour)

Hours:
Daily, 10:30am - 4pm

Phone:
808-248-7308

Address:
205 Ulaino Rd, Hana, HI 96713

Directions:
From Paia, head south on Highway 36 (Hana Highway). The Hana Lava Tube is located off of Ulaino Road, just past miler marker 31. Turn left onto Ulaino Road; the cave will be about a half mile ahead on the left.