Kaneana Cave (Makua Cave) image

Kaneana Cave (Makua Cave)

Tourist attraction

Unmaintained cave in a volcanic cliff, sacred to local people, needing a flashlight to view inside. People often mention cave, Cave, Kaneana, road, trail, hike, sunset,


Address

86-260 Farrington Hwy, Waianae, HI 96792, United States

Rating on Google Maps

4.30 (945 reviews)

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Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: cave (29) Cave (11) Kaneana (8) road (6) trail (6) hike (6) sunset (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Jake M. 2 years ago on Google
    To get to Makua Cave you must turn left when looking at Kaneana Cave and walk up the road until you reach the 45mph sign. Then you will see a small trail through the tees on your right. Keep to the left at the forks until you've gotten almost to the top. At this point go right around the edge of the cliffs and you will find it on your left. If you would like a more challenging hike keep to the trails on the right for a steeper climb.
    39 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 jonathan y. 2 years ago on Google
    Good hike requires some climbing to get to the cave. Entrance is a bit tricky to get there. Must enter next to the 45 speed limit sign as seen in the picture. Cave is super small but the view was worth it.
    21 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Thais B. 2 years ago on Google
    The beginning of the trail is hidden due to the growing bushes since it's not open to the public anymore... We found it due to the help of some friendly locals that were going the same way. The hike is not really long but it is not easy, it is more like rock climbing and there are some pretty steep parts. the cave itself is small, but it's definitely worth the hike. We wanted to go for sunset , it was beautiful, I wouldn't have chosen any other time! Just don't stay too long as the climb down in the dark is scary.
    21 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris B. 3 months ago on Google • 1452 reviews New
    Cool cave to explore. Careful it's slippery. Also it's a good idea to bring a light. Not a huge cave to explore, just a couple rooms, but enough to be wonderful. Kids loved it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kay B. 2 years ago on Google
    It's a rainy and cloudy day and I was the only one at the cave. Hubby was waiting in the car parking across the street. I felt some presence there. Got major goosebumps. So I said aloha and kinda ran back to the car pretty fast. I heard sound of soft rolling waves coming out from the cave though. My husband heard it all the way from across the street too. After we came home, I looked up about this cave. It's around 150,000 years old and it's one of the most haunted site in Hawaii. So please be respectful when you visit. Mahalo.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Billy S. 4 months ago on Google • 4 reviews
    Sweet little hike! Look for the spider webs before they get in your mouth! About an hour up and down. Great views and the ocean sounds amazing!!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Annabelle B. 2 years ago on Google
    If you happen to be in the area, this is a great place to stop. If you're planning to climb, bring proper shoes and wear sunblock or long sleeves. People don't seem to get that the sun is a lot harsher then you can tell here at the time, especially during the summer. We see a lot of lobster red tourists regretting there decisions everywhere we go... lol... I use SPF 100 and still get a stellar tan and can still get burnt. Just a word to the wise!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Vicky T. 2 years ago on Google
    We hiked up to the upper cave for sunset. The trail was steeped with sliding rocks. The instructions for the trailhead on google review is pretty clear and helpful. You can’t see the whole sun during sunset in the cave because it faced to the north mountain. I think the sunset look much better at the Makua beach
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tamara Da S. 1 year ago on Google
    I love the west side of Oahu. This hike is not the easiest to find and maneuver. Enter at the 45 mph sign. Continue through the brush. Climb the hill then turn right. Admire the view as you maneuver around the ledge to the caves. The second one is the larger of the two.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Lancine K. 2 years ago on Google
    Missed out on the chance to get in there. Started climbing up in the evening and if we would've kept going we probably could've made it no doubt, but coming down would've been a problem especially in the dark. The trail needs marks... next time I go I'll just bring a bunch of fabric or something to mark up the trail up to the cave.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Heather M. 3 months ago on Google • 122 reviews New
    Absolutely beautiful. Parking lot on left and only 2 other cars. Cave located across street. Short walk. Bring flashlights. Cell phone lights didn't really work. Wasn't able to go too far back but was a very unique experience. Highly recommend stopping by and visiting if your close by.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Greg S. 9 months ago on Google • 83 reviews
    Interesting feature on the side of the road. I went into the cave, but couldn't get too far because it got dark. I don't know if the cave continues on or if it's just the opening. I saw somebody coming back out with a flashlight but I don't know where he was coming from. If you go it would be worth taking a flashlight to see what you can see.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 AutoMotivate 1 year ago on Google
    Many folks talked about a high theft rate, here’s my quick story. I drove by it and saw this very dirty white car with an 8-10 year old in a diaper and no shirt or pants playing around it with a toy truck. I went back to look down the cave, and the two adults in the car were staring at us. I then went back around and slowly drove through the parking lot, they assumed I was parking, and the lady looked like she was about to get out of her car. I’m sure these are the thieves the reviews are talking about. Sad the authority can keep this place safe.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Tứ Xuyên N. 8 months ago on Google • 121 reviews
    Nestled within the heart of nature’s beauty, Kaneana Cave offers an enchanting experience that leaves visitors captivated. With its lofty ceiling and spacious interior, the cave impresses even though it lacks the deep underground allure that some other caves might possess. The initial steps into the cave might feel a bit deceiving, as the entrance is rather wide and not particularly deep. However, don’t let this initial impression deter you, as Kaneana Cave has its own unique charm. The cave’s interior showcases intricate formations that have been sculpted over time, adding an element of wonder to the experience. The well-lit pathways and guided tours make it easy to appreciate the stunning stalactites and stalagmites that adorn the cave’s walls. While it may not offer the same level of spelunking adventure as some other caves, Kaneana compensates with its accessibility and beauty. One of the standout features of Kaneana Cave is its proximity to natural beauty outside. Beyond the entrance, visitors can relish in the breathtaking view of the setting sun. The horizon painted with hues of orange and pink serves as the perfect backdrop against which to end your cave visit. It’s a rare and wonderful bonus that truly enhances the overall experience. However, it’s important to note that Kaneana Cave’s lack of depth might leave some adventure seekers craving more. If you’re looking for the feeling of being swallowed by the earth’s embrace, this might not be the ideal choice. But if you’re after a combination of accessible exploration and the chance to witness a magnificent sunset, then Kaneana Cave is an excellent destination. In conclusion, Kaneana Cave earns a solid 4 out of 5 rating for its splendid formations, easy accessibility, and the unique opportunity to witness a beautiful sunset just outside its entrance. While it might not satisfy the desires of hardcore cave enthusiasts, it undoubtedly offers a memorable experience for those seeking a blend of natural wonder and a touch of the extraordinary.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Annie S. 3 months ago on Google • 34 reviews New
    Fun cave! Not deep at all, walking would take less than 10 minutes to see the insides of the cave. But regardless, still really fun and freaky 😆
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 CINDY P. 3 months ago on Google • 178 reviews New
    Super cool, easy access and quick visit.Must read the tale before you enter... Did I mention it's free!!!

  • 4/5 Jessie C. 5 months ago on Google • 17 reviews
    Drove past this on the way to the beach and stopped to look. We walked in with our flashlights and went to the left side of the cave as far as we could go. It seemed like it kept going down, but the hole was pretty small. I've seen videos on YouTube about people who were trapped in caves, so that was the end of the road for us! Probably spent 10-15 minutes there. It is a beautiful cave.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matthew W. 11 months ago on Google
    Pretty cool to check out. During day light can go inside and still see without flashlight. Watch for slippery rocks! Cave goes deeper but we didn't go all the way inside.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Frank E. 3 months ago on Google • 41 reviews New
    Have a nice time taking friends and family visiting the island. Good photo opportunity for all. Parking lot across the road could use a little attention from the state and maybe put some gravel in to level it a bit.

  • 5/5 Rachael C. 9 months ago on Google • 26 reviews
    Beautiful and stunning! Worth the stop. If you want to go deeper into the cave, bring a flashlight and maybe some rope just in case. I do not know how deep it goes.

  • 5/5 Gladys Morales (Mrs. Morales c. 9 months ago on Google
    This cave is beautiful we went mostly all the way in but did not continue since we dont know if its safe. I love our pictures so cool

  • 4/5 RM R. 5 months ago on Google
    High cave at the edge of the road, easy access, and plenty of parking on the side of the road.

  • 3/5 Josh H. 5 months ago on Google
    Definitely dangerous if you are inexperienced or not surefooted! Short walk off the beach, unique to say the least!

  • 3/5 Abigail G. 1 year ago on Google
    We hiked to the second cave and the trail wasn’t well marked. We ended up going way too far up the mountain. Make sure you take the right fork when you have to choose between a really steep path or one that goes towards the mountain haha! There are plenty of other hikes with better views so I would recommend unless you’re really into caves

  • 5/5 Justin S. 2 years ago on Google
    Interesting cave. Wear good shoes I'd you want to wonder to the back, the path is a bit slippery.

  • 4/5 RCI - 9. 2 years ago on Google
    Large cave mouth that narrows down to a hole just big enough to crawl through. Very dark. Good roadside attraction.


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Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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