Lava Tube Kaeleku Caverns in Hana

Mimi Towle

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The Road to Hana offers an array of natural wonders, and at the end of the road adventurers will find one of its biggest treasures, the Kaeleku Cavern aka the Hana Lava Tube. Visitors can do a self-guided tour to explore this natural wonder. The entire tour takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on your group’s mobility and interest in stalactites and stalagmites. Even for those with no curiosity toward geological wonders, walking beneath the earth’s surface is pretty thrilling.

Feature image: Courtesy of Maui Cave

About This Maui Natural Wonder:

For experienced spelunkers, a self-guided tour of the Hana Lava Tube isn’t all that action-packed; however, for most others, it’s a pretty cool way to explore a lava tube.

Kaeleku Cavern Location Details:

From Hana Highway look for mile marker #31 (and the historical marker signs) and turn towards the ocean on Ulaino Road — look for signs. The attraction entrance is located at 205 Ulaino Rd. The entire tour takes about 30 to 40 minutes. The trail is rocky but there is a handrail for most of the path. Strong LED flashlights are provided.

Fun Facts About Kaeleku Cavern aka Hana Lava Tube:

Lava tubes are formed when massive lava flows cool on the surface creating a hard surface, while the hot lava continues to flow. Kaeleku Cavern is the largest accessible lava tube on Maui.
Kaeleku Cavern is home to a variety of lavacicles, formations formed by dripping lava as it cools. One area has what looks like huge mounds of flowing chocolate, with chocolate kisses dripping from the ceilings.
While visiting the lava tube, you’ll become an unofficial “speleologist” — someone who studies and explores caves.
The ceiling of the lava tube is so thick that at one point in time the government planned to use it as a fallout shelter!
For more natural wonders, check out the nearby Kahuna Garden.