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Hāna Lava Tube
MM 31
A self-guided walk through Kaʻeleku Caverns, a large lava tube off ʻUlaʻino Road past Mile 31. You explore the first third of a mile on your own with a provided flashlight. Note that it is currently closed for an archaeological survey, check back before your trip.
⏱ 30–45 min at stop
🚗 120 min from Pāʻia
At a glance
What to expect: A walk-in lava tube — A self-guided loop through about a third of a mile of cave, with lava stalactites, flowstone, and a skylight where the ceiling collapsed long ago.
Access & admission: Paid admission, free parking — There is a per-person entry fee (roughly $12), and a flashlight is included.
Time needed: About 45 minutes — Enough to walk the open section at an easy pace. There is also a small red ti plant maze and garden by the entrance.
Before you go: Confirm it is open — The cave has been temporarily closed for an archaeological inventory survey, with no firm reopening date. Check back because it's worth visiting if open.
About Hāna Lava Tube
Hāna Lava Tube, traditionally known as Kaʻeleku (meaning 'brittle or dark stone'), sits off ʻUlaʻino Road just past Mile 31. Formed nearly a thousand years ago by a subterranean river of molten rock from Haleakalā, this is the longest lava tube on Maui and the 18th longest in the world, stretching roughly two miles in total. You enter this underground world through a dramatic skylight where a section of the ancient ceiling collapsed, plunging you into a cool, naturally air-conditioned environment that feels worlds away from the tropical heat above.
While the entire system spans miles, the safe, open pathway runs for about a third of a mile. It is a stunning showcase of volcanic architecture, featuring unique 'lavacicles' (stalactites formed as cooling lava dripped from the ceiling), a chamber with smooth, chocolate-colored flowstone, and side grooves that resemble primitive bowling alleys. Because the tube is massive—with a solid basalt ceiling up to 60 feet thick—it feels wide, open, and well-ventilated, making it incredibly comfortable even for those who usually dislike tight spaces.
The dense overhead rock layers make the cavern so structurally sound that it was designated as an official government fallout shelter during the Cold War, complete with emergency rations to sustain 15 people for six weeks. Look closely at the dark walls and you won't find bats or mosquitoes, but you might spot the cave's true permanent residents. The tube houses a fragile ecosystem of specialized 'troglobites' including blind, colorless cave crickets and tiny translucent spiders that have adapted entirely to life in absolute darkness.
Good to know
The tunnel continue for miles but the tour ends where the operator's property ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Hāna Lava Tube worth visiting?
- Yes! It's an absolutely remarkable geological feature that kids and adults will find facinating, including those who may normally be weary of caves. Depending on the number of guests visiting, this is also a magical place of darkness and silence.
- How much does the Hāna Lava Tube cost?
- There is a per-person admission fee of around $12, with young children free. The fee includes a flashlight for the self-guided walk, and parking is free.
- Do you need a flashlight for the Hāna Lava Tube?
- Yes, the cave is dark, but a high-powered flashlight is included with admission, so you do not need to bring your own.
- Is the Hāna Lava Tube good for kids or people who feel claustrophobic?
- The tube is wide and well ventilated, with a skylight letting in daylight, so most people who dislike tight spaces manage fine, and it is popular with families.
- Is the Hāna Lava Tube open right now?
- It has been temporarily closed for an archaeological inventory survey, with no confirmed reopening date. Check back before your trip because this is normally a must-see attraction.