Hana Lava Tubes Hawaii
Explore an ancient underground world formed by lava rivers, featuring unique 'starry night' ceilings and geological wonders.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds on the Road to Hana
Hana Lava Tubes Hawaii
Best Time
Beat the crowds on the Road to Hana

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore an ancient underground world formed by lava rivers, featuring unique 'starry night' ceilings and geological wonders.
"Truly enjoyable and a great little adventure, worth the visit!"
Bring Your Own Light Source 🔦
While flashlights are provided, a headlamp or brighter flashlight helps spot details.
Wear Sturdy Closed-Toe Shoes 👟
Essential for navigating uneven paths and steps inside the cave.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Starry Night Ceiling
Inside the Lava Tube
Marvel at the unique bioluminescent bacteria that create a 'starry night' effect on the cave ceilings.

Self-Guided Historical Journey
Throughout the Lava Tube
Explore at your own pace, reading informative signs about the lava's flow and the tube's formation.

Unique Geological Formations
Inside the Lava Tube
Witness the raw power of nature through fascinating rock formations and the remnants of ancient lava flows.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Lava Tube Exploration
What to Bring for Your Underground Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Own Light Source 🔦
While flashlights are provided, a headlamp or brighter flashlight helps spot details.
Wear Sturdy Closed-Toe Shoes 👟
Essential for navigating uneven paths and steps inside the cave.
Go at Your Own Pace 🚶♀️
Self-guided tours allow you to explore without rush.
Read the Informative Signs 📜
Learn about the fascinating history and geology of the lava tube.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Own Light Source 🔦
While flashlights are provided, a headlamp or brighter flashlight helps spot details.
Wear Sturdy Closed-Toe Shoes 👟
Essential for navigating uneven paths and steps inside the cave.
Go at Your Own Pace 🚶♀️
Self-guided tours allow you to explore without rush.
Read the Informative Signs 📜
Learn about the fascinating history and geology of the lava tube.
Parking Can Be Tricky 🚗
Be prepared for potential parking challenges, especially during peak times.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Hana Lava Tubes for their unique geological formations and the fascinating 'starry night' effect created by bioluminescent bacteria. The self-guided nature and informative signs are appreciated, offering an educational and engaging experience. While some find the admission price a bit high for a short visit, most agree it's a worthwhile and memorable stop on the Road to Hana.
"We loved this lava tube! It was so cool inside! It’s a self-guided tour inside, but they give you flashlights to use inside. There are so many colors inside - it’s beautiful! I’ve been in a lot of caves before, so they’re not “new and exciting” for me, but this one was truly enjoyable."
Rebecca Shapiro
"What a great little adventure! Close the the state park and great for most ages.. I love the history and the go at your own pace. The staff was friendly and super accommodating"
Jessica Novotny
"This was one of the coolest places we visited while exploring the island on our trip to Maui! It was cool to learn about the lava, flow of chocolatey water that used to exist until the collapse that took place at one end, which stopped the flow of water.
The ticket prices were quite reasonable, I believe $15.00 for adults. the staff was friendly, helpful and informative. the park area was well maintained and clean.
It was really cool to read the signs along the way and learn about the history of the Hana Lava Tube and how it originated.
(Be cautious while exploring, some of the pathway/steps can get a little steep. We had no issues, but small children or people with any balnce issues might find it challenging to navigate.)
Again, We loved checking it out, Definitely worth a visit."
Rob VanSuilichem
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hana Lava Tubes are located along the famous Road to Hana. Many visitors access them by driving the road and stopping at the designated parking area. Some TikTok videos suggest parking at the Lanai Lookout lot and heading behind the bridge.
It's recommended to start your Road to Hana journey early to avoid traffic and crowds.The Road to Hana is known for its winding, narrow roads with many sharp turns and one-lane bridges. While scenic, it requires attentive driving. Many travelers opt for guided tours or rent cars specifically suited for such roads.
While it's possible to drive directly to the Hana Lava Tubes, most visitors experience them as a stop along the Road to Hana. This allows you to see other attractions like waterfalls and unique flora.
Travelers suggest using navigation apps or pre-downloaded maps as cell service can be spotty. Some also recommend renting a Jeep or a similar vehicle for better handling on the winding roads.
One tip suggests parking in the Lanai Lookout lot (a small turnout on the ocean side of the highway). From the parking lot facing the ocean, go left towards the highway bridge and head down behind the bridge on the non-ocean side of the highway to find the cave entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices are generally around $15 per person for adults, though this can vary.
Some reviews mention the price felt a bit high for a self-guided cave tour, but many still found it worthwhile for the unique experience.Advance booking is typically not required for the Hana Lava Tubes. You can usually purchase tickets upon arrival. However, it's always a good idea to check their official website or recent visitor information for any changes.
The lava tubes are generally open during daylight hours, but specific operating times can vary. It's best to confirm the current hours before your visit, especially if you plan to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
The Hana Lava Tubes are generally considered accessible for all ages, with easy walking and steps. However, individuals with balance issues or very small children might find some parts challenging.
No, the Hana Lava Tubes offer a self-guided tour experience. They provide flashlights, allowing you to explore at your own pace and read educational signs along the way.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find a rocky tube with educational signs explaining its formation. Visitors often describe it as a cool, unique, and fascinating journey through geological history. The 'starry night' effect from bioluminescent bacteria is a highlight.
Most visitors spend about 30 minutes to an hour exploring the lava tubes, depending on how much time they take to read the signs and take photos.
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are highly recommended due to the uneven terrain and steps. Light, breathable clothing is also advisable as it can be cooler inside the cave.
Restroom facilities, often in the form of portable toilets, are usually available at the site.
Be cautious on the pathways and steps, as some can be steep. Ensure you have a good grip with your footwear and use the provided flashlight (or your own) to see clearly.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique 'starry night' effect on the ceiling, the interesting rock formations, and the entrance/exit of the tube. The contrast between the dark cave and any natural light filtering in can create dramatic shots.
It can be challenging due to low light conditions. Using a tripod or a camera with good low-light performance is recommended. A brighter flashlight can also help illuminate subjects for your photos.
While flash photography is generally permitted, be mindful of other visitors and the delicate environment. Excessive flash might disrupt the natural ambiance or the bioluminescent bacteria.
Experiment with higher ISO settings and wider apertures to capture more light. Long exposures can be effective for the 'starry night' effect if you have a stable surface or tripod.
Drones are generally not permitted inside natural cave formations like lava tubes due to safety concerns and potential disturbance to the environment. Always check local regulations before flying drones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
📸 Photography Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Road to Hana
Popular stops along the Road to Hana include Twin Falls, the Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees, Wai'anapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach), and various scenic overlooks. The Hana Lava Tubes are a unique geological stop that offers a break from the outdoor scenery, allowing visitors to explore an ancient underground world. Many visitors find that they cannot see everything in one day, so prioritizing key attractions is essential.
For those with children, like one Reddit user researching for their family, balancing the desire to see waterfalls and exotic plants with the need for engaging, shorter activities is key. The Hana Lava Tubes, being a self-guided and relatively contained experience, can be a good option for families looking for something different.
The Geological Wonder of Lava Tubes
Exploring these tubes offers a unique glimpse into the earth's processes. Visitors can observe various rock formations, the remnants of the lava's flow, and even unique biological features. One of the most captivating aspects mentioned by visitors is the 'starry night' effect on the ceiling, caused by a specific type of bioluminescent bacteria. This natural phenomenon creates a mesmerizing visual experience, making the cave feel like an underground celestial display.
The self-guided nature of the Hana Lava Tubes allows visitors to immerse themselves in this environment at their own pace. Informative signs along the path explain the geological history and the processes that formed the tube, providing an educational as well as an awe-inspiring experience. The combination of natural wonder and historical context makes it a memorable stop for many travelers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit