Wet and Dry Caves – Kauai, Hawaii
On Kauai you have the opportunity to visit both wet and dry caves. The dry cave, Manini-holo Dry, sits among a grotto of ferns just across from Haena Beach Park on Highway 56. This cave feels deep and dry here. The cave is about 300 yards deep. It was much larger but the tsunami of 1957 filled part of it with sand.
Legend has it that Manini-holo, the Menehune (little people) who where chief fishermen dug the cave in search of the supernatural beast, akua, who had been stealing their fish. In reality, the ocean used to be much higher than it is now and the caves were formed when the ocean waves beat against the lava and etched away the rock.
When you visit the cave be sure to bring a flashlight to see the intricate designs that are etched on the caves sidewalls.
DIRECTIONS:
Take Highway 560 west from Ha’ena. The Dry Cave is located on the left side of the road, just before Mile Marker #9, across the street from the Ha’ena Beach Park.
Waikapala’e Wet Cave is located just down the road. This cave has an unusual effect for you if you want to brave the ice-cold water to the Blue Room. You will need to swim through a small opening at the back of the main cave to the smaller room where you will want to look toward the main opening. The sunlight reflecting off the freshwater makes everything around you turn blue!
The water in the wet caves comes from underground springs that eventually feed into the ocean. The water level in the caves are effected by the tide. Viewing in the Blue Room is best during high tide as the sunlight has a narrower opening into the chamber and more of the blue color is reflected.
Some things to keep in mind, there is a short hike to the cave and bacteria, such as leptospirosis is often present. You will see a sign posted nearby that states the hazard and states "No Swimming." But, if you are going to go anyway be aware that the water is very cold and in the Blue Room there is NOTHING to hold onto so you will have to tread water the entire time you are there. You will want to wear reef shoes to provide grip on the slippery lava rock.
DIRECTIONS:
From Ha’ena, take Highway 560 west. Both wet caves are located on the left just before Mile Marker #10, past the Ha’ena Beach Park. A short trail uphill leads to this cave.
Waiakanaloa Wet cave is located at the end of the road just before you reach Ke’e beach. This cave is normally filled with algae and not to be explored but you will certainly enjoy the view.
Directions: Take Hwy. 56 north all the way past the town of Hanalei. The dry cave is across from Haena Beach Park. Follow the directions above for the other caves.
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1) There are not a lot of ferns around the dry cave. There is a lot of ginger and native orchids that seldom bloom. 2)There is leptospirosis…..Often tourists will be hiking around, scraping their ankles on rocks. Staff infections happen a lot on the North shore. 3) People drown in the Blue room. There is even talk of shutting it down. BE VERY VERY CAREFUL if you go in. My Suggestions: Explore the Dry cave as said. Stop and take a look at the wet cave. Go on to Ke’e beach(end of the road) and ask the lifeguard if its safe to swim. If it is….go swimming on one of the best swimming reefs in the islands. If not ask the lifeguard where to go. They are in the know and will tell you the straight story. 4 drownings in 1 day 3 weeks ago……BE CAREFUL