North Kauai Sights
Haena Beach Park Area
If you're exploring North Kauai, plan a short and worthwhile stop to explore the Manini-holo (Maniniholo) dry cave.
Right after mile marker 9, you will notice a large dry cave (Manini-holo) on the left side of the road. You can park on the side of the road or in the parking area at Haena Beach Park across the street. The cave goes back about 100-150 feet with plenty of standing room.
Legend has it that this cave used to be a tunnel to Waimea Canyon and that during a conflict between the Menehune and the Polynesian settlers, the Menehune were on the run from Waimea Canyon, being pursued by the Polynesians and used this secret tunnel to escape to the North Shore. After they were all through the tunnel, they created a collapse at the tunnel ceiling, trapping the Polynesians inside and leading to the formation of the dry cave.
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2023 Kauai Visitor Guides
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After exploring the cave, you should cross the street and walk along Haena Beach. 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 Haena Beach Park.
