4 caves in Hawaii run public tours. Here is what each one is like and how to visit.
Updated 2026-10-22. 4 of 4 checked in full against official sources.
A grotto reached by a two-mile open-air boat ride up the Wailua River on Kauai, then a short walk through the rainforest.
Hawaii, from $35
Nāhuku, a lava tube in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park you walk through on your own; it's lit from 8am to 8pm and covered by the park entrance fee.
Hawaii
Hawaii's largest limestone cave and the richest fossil site in the islands, inside a reserve of restored native forest, dunes and wetlands. It's currently closed until further notice.
Kauai, HI, temporarily closed
The Hana Lava Tube on Maui is temporarily closed by the government until further notice, pending an archaeological survey of the cave.
Hawaii, temporarily closed
| Cave | Inside | Adult ticket | Run by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fern Grotto | not yet checked | $35 | Privately operated |
| Thurston Lava Tube | not yet checked | not yet checked | National park / federal |
| Makauwahi Cave | not yet checked | not yet checked | Privately operated |
| Ka'eleku Caverns - Hana Lava Tube | not yet checked | not yet checked | Privately operated |
4 show caves run public tours. We leave out wild caves that are closed, gated or need a permit.
Closed shoes with grip, because paths are often wet. Most caves stay between the high 40s and low 70s °F all year, so a light layer is enough.
