Hana Lava Tube (Ka’eleku Cave)

The Highlights

The Hana Lava Tube, known locally as Ka’eleku Cave or “brittle stone cave”, is quite literally one of Maui’s most incredible buried treasures. The cave is the largest lava tube on Maui and the 18th largest lava tube in the world! Estimates state that probably only half of the total tube has been discovered so far, but a 1/3 mile of it has been deemed safe and idea for visitors and exploration. The tube was created over 960 years ago as lava spewed up from underground towards the ocean surface. lava tubes are similar to a volcanoes veins, and enable it to channel it’s lava to new locations.

The Hana Lava Tube is a pretty incredibly way to see something a little different along the Road to Hana. dark underground atmosphere, and it’s cool and consistent temperature can be a welcoming break from all Maui’s typically sunny fun. Before you go down below, the tour guides will make sure that you receive a proper orientations. Hardhats, can be provided upon request, and everyone is offered the use of a flashlight. The cave has plenty of signage helping you traverse it. There are handrails on either side to ensure you safety if you need more stability.Inside of the cave itself you will find a myriad of interesting features. One of the most awesome things to see is the lava walls itself. They look exactly like molten mounds of dark chocolate. Think of the candy land game. It’s like that. By the way, it’s not really chocolate, so don’t sneak a taste!

Cool Features

In addition to the chocolate covered cavern walls, you can see an old World War II fallout shelter. The shelter still has enough food and supplies to feed 15 people for 6 weeks! There are many Lava-sicles that you can see from the ceiling and lava stalagmites on the ground. For a darker twist on your visit, it’s quite possible that you may see bones within the cave. Not human bones, but cow bones. The nearby slaughterhouse used to dump cow-bones in the cave as a  disposal site. Fortunately the property owner personally removed over 17,000 pounds of the bones himself. It took him nine months, but he got it done. What a champ!

The Lava tube is found below Red Ti Botanical Garden Maze. The maze itself is impressive, and is the only Red Ti Botanical Garden Maze in the world. The maze is perfect if you’ve been driving a long the road to Hana for a while and need a break. If you avoid cheating or taking shortcuts, the maze is quite challenging. It’s the perfect way to sharpen your wits while enjoying a zen like stroll. So, while you are visiting the tunnels, Be sure to spend some time navigating this beautiful one of a kind Maze.

How to Get There:

Reaching the Hana lava tubes is not particularly difficult. It is one of the stops on the Road to Hana that is actually off the Highway. As such, there are no difficult or hidden paths to take. With that being said, There is a $12 fee per person over the age of 5 to access both the Lava Tube and the Red Ti Botanical Garden Maze. The Hana Lava Tube is located at Location: 205 ‘Ula’ino Rd – (Road intersects at Mile Marker #31.1 on Hana Hwy).

Enjoy and Let Enjoy

Before you leave this amazing and scenic natural landscape, remember that the beauty of this magnificent beach is very fragile. Treat it with respect it deserves. Help preserve this rare Eco-system by remembering to remove anything that you brought with you. There are trash facilities and disposal services at the on the property, please use them. In addition, please avoid removing anything from the site without express permission. It is important to be conscientious and maintain the magic you’ve experienced here. Help future visitors experience the same sense of awe and wonder that you have just enjoyed.