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Makua Cave (Kaneana Cave): Oahu's Ancient Sea Cave
Located within the Waianae Leeward Region on Oahu
Oahu Cave
Waianae Sight
Caves are always interesting to explore and Kaneana Cave is no different. Kaneana Cave, otherwise known as Makua Cave, is believed to be 150,000 years old and is found on the Leeward Coast.
While being an interesting natural formation, Kaneana Cave also serves as a place of cultural and historical significance and was home to rituals and religious ceremonies. Kaneana Cave is named after the Hawaiian god Kane, who represents the god of creation. This cave is believed to be the beginning of human creation, which is why the cave was named after Kane.
Kaneana Cave is a particularly interesting site for everyone, including family with kids. This is because the site provides an educational opportunity for its visitors to learn about how ancient Hawaiians used to use caves. There’s a place within the cave where offerings were made. Since the cave is somewhat small, it provides the perfect break along your road trip to stretch your legs and explore for a bit.
Kaneana Cave isn’t an official tourist attraction, so the site itself is not marked. To find the cave, try to look for a concrete barrier in front of the cave across the street from where the parking lot is.
Driving directions to get to the cave begin by heading south on Farrington Highway from Kaena Point - this direction will be the easiest to approach the cave from. However, most visitors approach their entire coastal road trip from the south of the island, in which case you would want to take I-H-1 West to Highway 93 West. Once you’ve passed Mākaha Beach Park, you will soon arrive at the cave.
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Oʻahu starts calm and mild with just a few afternoon showers inland. Everything changes Wednesday night when tropical moisture pushes in from the south—an unusual pattern for us. Heavy rain becomes likely through at least Thursday morning, especially on the leeward side where rain doesn't normally fall this heavy. Thunderstorms are possible too. Thursday stays damp and showery as the system lingers, then improves Friday as it weakens, though scattered showers continue. Moderate swell on the south and west shores through the week, with moderate swell also on the north shore from a distant system. Plan indoor activities for Wednesday evening through Thursday morning. Beach days and hikes work better Thursday afternoon on.
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Maui starts calm with mild conditions through Wednesday afternoon. Wednesday night, deep tropical moisture moves in from the south—a rare pattern for Hawaii—and heavy rain becomes likely, especially on leeward areas. This wet spell continues through Thursday morning, with Thursday staying damp and showery before improving Friday. Southern and western shores will see moderate swell through the week.
Plan indoor or covered activities for Wednesday night through Thursday. Hiking and beach time work better Thursday afternoon onward.
0:000:53
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Right now it's calm and mild with just a few showers in the interior. Tonight southerly winds move in and heavy rain becomes likely, particularly on the western islands and leeward areas where rain doesn't normally fall. That wet pattern continues through Thursday morning, with thunderstorms possible around Kauai and Oahu. The Big Island will see showers and moisture linger through Thursday. Friday starts to improve as the system weakens, though south winds and scattered showers persist. Trade winds should return by Monday. Moderate swell affects southern and western shores through the week, with possible additional swell on west-facing beaches late week. Plan indoor activities for Wednesday night through Thursday, and save your hiking and beach time for Thursday afternoon onward.
0:000:55
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Kauaʻi starts calm with a few showers in the interior, and wind shifts to the south Wednesday—unusual for here. Heavy rain moves in Wednesday night and continues through Thursday morning, especially on the west side and leeward areas that normally stay dry. Thunderstorms are possible Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Visibility drops during the heaviest rain.
Friday clears gradually as the system weakens, though scattered showers and southerly wind linger. Weekend conditions improve toward normal, and trade winds return by Monday. Southern and western shores see moderate swell through the week; north shores stay moderate from a system to the northwest.
Plan indoor or covered activities for Wednesday night through Thursday. Daytime Wednesday is fine for outdoor plans. Beach and hiking days look better Thursday afternoon onward.
Created with AI from the official NWS forecast discussion · verify with NWS before heading out
