Fern Grotto
Hawaii, from $35
Temporarily closed to visitors. The reserve is closed until further notice; for current information call +1-808-245-3678 or email info@grovefarm.com.
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.
The story
In 1992 paleoecologist David Burney and colleagues recognized the scientific value of the cave's sediments, more than 10 meters thick in places. Excavations uncovered thousands of years of fossils, plant remains and signs of human activity, including species that have vanished from the islands, and that record now guides the restoration of native plants and wetlands around the cave.
History source: cavereserve.org and Archaeology magazine.
What you'll see
- The Sinkhole
- Lida's Field of Dreams
- Self-Guided Nature Trail
Tickets and timing
- Hours
- Free guided tours Friday through Sunday 10am - 4pm; the reserve is now closed until further notice.
- Booking
- Free guided tours are provided by trained docents; self-guided tours use a downloadable brochure.
Getting around underground
- The walk
- The self-guided nature trail is an easy walk of less than 1/2 mile.
Good to know
- Wildlife
- Giant tortoises are used to control invasive weeds; endangered waterbirds and blind cave invertebrates are present.
Getting there
P.O. Box 1070, Kalaheo, HI 96741
Directions in Google MapsDistances are straight-line from each city center.
Questions people ask
Do you need to book Makauwahi Cave in advance?
Free guided tours are provided by trained docents; self-guided tours use a downloadable brochure.
Where is Makauwahi Cave?
P.O. Box 1070, Kalaheo, HI 96741
Checked on 2026-10-22 against cavereserve.org (official site). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.