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.
Nathanael Coyne/Flickr
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.
Maui Cave/Website
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.
Favio Ensiki/Flickr
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.
Allie_Caulfield/Flickr
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.
Laurens Doesborgh/Flickr
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.
iBen/Flickr
So, what are you waiting for?
Courtney Collision/Flickr 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.
Nathanael Coyne/Flickr
Maui Cave/Website
Favio Ensiki/Flickr
Allie_Caulfield/Flickr
Laurens Doesborgh/Flickr
iBen/Flickr
Courtney Collision/Flickr
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.
Want to explore more of Hawaii’s unique lava tubes? Here are 8 of the coolest.
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