The mysterious Kaneana and Makua Caves of Oahu! These subterranean wonders are like nature’s secret clubhouses, complete with underground pools and geological formations that’ll make you feel like you’re on another planet. And let’s not forget about those dark, unexplored zones – who knows, maybe you’ll stumble upon a hidden chamber filled with ancient Hawaiian treasures or a secret portal to the spirit world!
Speaking of spirits, ancient Hawaiians believed these caves were like supernatural highways for guardian entities. Imagine brave explorers venturing into the depths, half-expecting to encounter a ghostly figure playing a ukulele or a mischievous spirit offering them a tropical drink with a little too much “spirit” in it!
But in all seriousness, these caves hold significant cultural value. Artifacts found inside suggest they served as shelters and ceremonial sites for centuries. So, if you ever find yourself wandering through these caves, remember to tread lightly and respect the history beneath your feet – and if you hear any mysterious chanting or see a glowing figure, it’s probably best to just smile, wave, and make a swift exit!
How to Get to the Kaneana Cave and Makua Cave?
Accessing Kaneana Cave
If you want to explore the legendary Kaneana Cave, you’ll need to channel your inner Indiana Jones and navigate through a labyrinth of red tape. This cave is like a VIP lounge, tucked away on the private property of Hawaii’s Castle & Cooke in the Koolau Mountains. To get there, you’ll need to cross more fences than a rebellious teenager and hack your way through a jungle thicker than your Uncle Joe’s beard.
But before you start packing your fedora and whip, you’ll need to get permission from the cave gatekeepers – the Hawaii Speleological Survey (HSS) or the Hawaii Grotto. These folks have the magic key to unlock the bureaucratic barriers and grant you temporary access to this subterranean wonderland. Just imagine the secret handshake you’ll need to learn!
Once you’re in, remember that the cave is more fragile than your great-grandma’s antique china. Stick to the “leave no trace” principles, and resist the urge to pocket any souvenirs or carve your initials into the rock (we’re looking at you, Chad). And if you find yourself tempted to touch a shiny stalactite, just imagine it’s a delicate crystal sculpture crafted by a cave-dwelling artisan – hands off!
Finding Makua Cave
Makua Cave is like the ultimate secret hideout, perched near the western tip of Oahu. This cave is so exclusive, it’s guarded by a towering coastal cliff that obscures its entrance from prying eyes. To get in, you’ll need to channel your inner mountain goat and descend the seaside bluffs, playing a real-life game of “spot the cave opening” among the rocky terrain.
But before you start practicing your yodeling skills, you’ll need to join forces with the cave access guardians – groups like HSS or approved conservation organizations. These folks have the inside scoop on when and how to enter Makua Cave, coordinating with land managers to ensure you don’t accidentally disturb any wildlife or stumble into a secret mermaid convention.
Once you’re given the green light, it’s time to gear up and make your way down the cliffs. Imagine yourself as a secret agent, rappelling down the rocky face with your trusty caving equipment, ready to uncover the mysteries that await you in Makua Cave’s passages. Just be sure to check the calendar first – you wouldn’t want to accidentally crash a rare bat species’ baby shower during their breeding season!
The Mysterious and Alluring Kaneana Cave
As you venture into its main passage, you’ll be greeted by ceilings so high, you’ll feel like a tiny ant in a grand cathedral. And don’t forget to look up – those lava stalactites have been hanging around for centuries, just waiting for you to admire their natural beauty. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of your own reflection in the still pools, surrounded by mineral crust formations that are so rare, they’re like the unicorns of the cave world!
History and Significance
The Kaneana Cave has been a site of fascination since ancient times. In Hawaiian legends, it was known as “Ke Ana Nui o Kane” or “The Great Cave of Kane” – Kane being one of the major Hawaiian gods. It was reserved for ali’i (royalty) and kahuna (priests) to conduct rituals away from the outside world.
Historians believe the cave was also used as a shelter and burial site. Archaeology students from the University of Hawaii at Manoa discovered centuries-old Hawaiian artifacts here in the 1960s, including stone tools, homemade candles called kukui nut lamps and branches stripped of bark for torches. Radiocarbon dating estimates these relics ranged from the early to mid-1400s.
Geology and Environment
Formed by an ancient lava flow around 250,000 years ago, the Kaneana Cave is classified as a lava tube – a type of cave created when an insulating outer crust hardens over a river of molten lava. Miles of these hidden tunnels wind underneath Oahu, carved out by volcanoes that later became extinct.
The entrance to Kaneana Cave descends over 50 feet towards sea level. From there, visitors enter the main passage – a tunnel up to 40 feet high and 20 feet wide travelling horizontally into the mountain. Defunct lava sumps (the cave equivalent of ponds) dot the way. Unique cave coral growths and lava shelfstone formations emerge from some walls and ceilings.
One striking hall along the route reveals the cave “blood.” High on side walls, oxidized red and yellow mineral deposits seep from cracks to stain the surrounding rock. Beautiful cave coral also carpets the pooling areas here.
Accessing and Exploring Kaneana Cave
Reaching Kaneana Cave requires traversing private property and obtaining permission from landowners. Guided commercial tours are unavailable since much of the land crossed is restricted. However, some experienced cavers make the trek with proper caving gear and a local guide’s knowledge of access points along fences and gates.
The cave contains areas of total darkness and some tight, complex spaces. Sections require climbing, crawling and wading through chest-deep water. Sudden rain can also flood passageways. Only expert cavers with technical rope and rescue training should attempt full exploration without an experienced leader.
But for those able to acquire access, witnessing Kaneana Cave’s unspoiled subterranean environment firsthand allows an enchanting glimpse into Hawaii’s geological past. The opportunity to see rare mineral deposits and perhaps discover new tunnel extensions not accessed in decades makes the challenge worthwhile for serious spelunkers.
The Storied Makua Cave with it’s Fabled Bottomless Pools
Back in the day, Hawaiians were captivated by rumors of the cave’s bottomless pools, which seemed to go on forever like a never-ending pasta bowl at Olive Garden. But here’s the catch – the cave’s entrance is so remote and well-hidden along the coastal cliffs, it’s like nature’s version of a secret speakeasy. It wasn’t until modern times that curious explorers finally cracked the code and ventured deep into Makua Cave’s mysterious depths. Talk about a fashionably late arrival to the party!
Myths and Legends of the Makua Cave
In Hawaiian folk tales, the Makua Cave was called “Kaha o Kane” or “The Place of Kane” – again in reverence to Hawaiian god Kane. According to oral histories, it featured two pools traditionally said to descend endlessly into the ocean. Guardian spirits called moʻo were rumored to inhabit their waters.
Some versions tell of a woman named Kilioe who discovered and entered the cave pools to search for her missing dog. She disturbed one of the guardian moʻo, who turned Kilioe into stone – her figure still visible nearby at a place now called “Wahinekapu a Kilioe” or “The Forbidden Woman of Kilioe.”
Such stories likely developed to dissuade ordinary citizens from approaching the cave. But they fueled some early adventurer’s enthusiasm to find and explore Makua Cave despite warnings of spirits and bottomless pools.
Rediscovery and Survey of Makua Cave
After fading from modern memory, Makua Cave was rediscovered by hiker Gilbert Stephens exploring Kaena Point in 1937. His published account renewed interest in investigating the legendary spot. It took cavers over 20 more years to push through tight lava crawlways before finally reaching the back of the cave in 1958.
After rediscovering Makua Cave’s entrance, teams spent decades surveying it’s passages. The cave survey now stretches around 2,200 feet in length. Searchers found no bottomless pools, but dangerous deep water and maze-like tunnels made for slow going. Work still continues today to map out new side passages identified behind choke-points.
Geology of Makua Cave
Like Kaneana Cave, geologists classify Makua as a lava tube system created up to 40,000 years ago by past lava flows. However, it’s low elevation and shoreside location differentiate it. Researchers believe the back end of Makua Cave once extended much farther – but wave action and roof collapses have since obscured it’s original reach.
Makua Cave’s entrance lies nearly at sea level on an exposed coastal cliff. After descending through breakdown boulders, explorers enter larger chambers with ceilings up to 30 feet high. Some sections contain deep pools, while others require climbing and crawling. Unique lava stalactites hang down in one area named the “Soda Straw Room.”
Accessing and Navigating Makua Cave
Reaching Makua Cave also involves crossing private property. Guided tours are not available. But joining an approved group guarantees proper access – along with equipment and know-how required to safely traverse tunnels with challenging terrain and flooding risks.
After the entrance area, the main passage splits in two directions – both featuring tight sections studded by exposed lava rock. The “wet way” leads cavers splashing through salty pools up to 8 feet deep before reaching the Soda Straw Room. The “dry way” takes adventurers down a short lava tube crawlway to an area called the Ballroom with 30-foot ceilings.
So far, over 2,200 feet of passages have been surveyed here. But with evidence of unexplored lead-ins, Makua Cave still guards geological secrets yet to be revealed by tenacious explorers willing to seek them out.
Planning Your Visit to these Storied Hawaiian Caves
Visiting the legendary Kaneana and Makua Caves takes planning and commitment. But witnessing their cultural treasures and geological wonders rewards those set on discovering Hawaii’s captivating underground worlds.
Finding a Local Caving Group
Since both caves lack commercial access, joining an approved local caving group is key. The Hawaii Speleological Survey and Hawaii Grotto can often help match experienced groups willing to guide first-timers. Proper coordination ensures access through private property to cave entrances.
Joining as a Hawaii Grotto member also helps fund gating projects to protect caves when not being studied. Just respect any area restrictions in these sensitive natural sites when visiting.
Obtaining Proper Caving Equipment
Spelunking Hawaii’s lava tubes demands quality gear, plus knowing specialized techniques for traversing underground terrain. Necessities like helmets, headlamps, gloves and closed-toe tread shoes are just the start. Expect to also need wet suits, descending/ascending gear and more.
Prepare to crawl, climb, wade and squeeze through tight spaces. Any exploration into dark zones or flooded areas requires proper rope/rescue training too. Guiding groups can outline exactly what to bring and skills required based on your planned route.
Understanding Access Schedules and Permitting
Both Kaneana and Makua Caves cross private property, with access subject to landowner approvals. agricultural restrictions may prohibit visits during planting/harvesting seasons. And military activities can occasionally limit access near Makua Cave.
Different portions of the caves also fall under various jurisdictions. Permits from the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources provide official approval to enter certain areas. But other zones require federal permitting. So work with local guides to navigate any access requirements.
Implementing Safe Caving Practices
Adhering to safe caving guidelines protects both visitors and these untouched environments. Key rules include staying with your group, avoiding touching mineral deposits and packing out all trash.
Flooding risks also make checking weather forecasts critical. Sudden rainstorms bring flash flood risks in cave passages. So exiting at the first signs of rainfall or rising water prevents life-threatening situations underground.
Following safe procedures permitted by area experts allows responsible access for all seeking to experience Hawaii’s magical caves. The ability to explore them should be preserved for future generations.
FAQs
Kaneana Cave has been mapped to extend over 1.5 miles inland, making it one of the longest surveyed lava tube caves in Hawaii.
It is classified as a lava tube cave, formed by ancient underground lava flows that drained out over time, leaving behind caverns and tunnels.
The entrance descends over 50 feet towards sea level, bringing explorers well below the surface. From there, the passages continue horizontally into the mountain.
Early tales spoke of two pools that descended endlessly into the ocean, but surveys have discovered they are not actually bottomless. However, there are very deep flooded areas inside Makua Cave.
So far over 2,200 feet of passages have been surveyed, but evidence suggests there may be other routes not yet explored that could extend farther.
Yes, recent survey efforts are still working to map out new side passages identified behind difficult to access spots in the cave.
Yes, Hawaiian artifacts from the 15th century have been discovered here, indicating the cave’s prior cultural importance for shelter and rituals.
The Allure of Hawaii’s Secluded Subterranean Worlds
For intrepid explorers drawn to Hawaii’s natural wonders, the Kaneana and Makua Caves offer underground adventures beyond the standard sightseeing tours. Navigating their darkened maze-like tunnels rewards visitors with rare mineral formations and relics of both geological and cultural history.
But appreciating their significance also means respecting proper access protocols and implementing safe caving guidelines. This ensures their integrity while still allowing access to those prepared for the challenge.
As veteran cavers continue surveying tight tunnels searching for rumored lost passages, these secluded caves maintain an enticing aura of mystery. Their legendary tales of spirits, seemingly bottomless pools and now-vanished extensions still captivate adventurers today. Just what secrets lie waiting to be uncovered deep underground in Hawaii remains to be revealed.
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