If you are interested in visiting the Mermaid caves in Oahu, then you came to the right place, here is the complete guide and expert tips for you to make your visit enchanting and memorable.
The hidden cave on Oahu’s leeward also known as Mermaid caves is a very beautiful place it seems like light is coming out through the lava rocks on the clear blue water.
My Oahu City Favorites
Swimming with Dolphins and Sharks: I always dreamt of swimming in the water with dolphins and sharks it’s a true adventure. If you are a good swimmer and do not afraid of sharks and dolphins then must try it, you will definitely enjoy the activity.
Byodo In Temple and Lanikai Beach: Byodo-In, a fabulous temple is located nearby that is built in Japanese style. Lanikai is one of the most wonderful beaches in Oahu. Both these places are located nearby and you can visit in a single day.
Day Trip to North Shore: If you have not seen north shore you missed the gem of Kailua, Oahu so, must visit this place and enjoy snorkeling and surfing.
Attractive Helicopter Ride: A 45-minute helicopter’s ride will pass you over Lanikai, Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, and Sacred Falls. All these are spectacular sites and can only be enjoyed from above.
Where to Stay in Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii: you may stay at a private resort at Honolulu, a suite at The Kahala, a terrace suite at Halekulani, a cottage at Turtle Bay, or a beautiful affordable room at cool Wayfinder Waikiki.
Mermaid Caves Oahu Travel Guide
What to Expect at the Mermaid Caves
These caves are the combination of little sea caves in Oahu close to the Nānākuli Beach Park. These lava rocks have various openings that allow the travelers to jump down or climb the rocks to explore the hidden world inside the caves.
I will advise to not swim in the caves unless you are an experienced swimmer because it could be very dangerous. Most of the visitors just see and enjoy the scenic view of the cave.
Swimming in the Oahu Mermaid Caves
If you plan to swim in the Mermaid caves then park your car on the Keaulana Ave and walk in a careful manner along with the rock until you find an opening in the rock.
Be careful to consider will you be able to pull yourself out of the cave if you enter it via swimming? Swim only if you are an experienced swimmer and rock climber. Otherwise take the help of a friend or family to pull you out.
Do not forget to take the water shoes with you for swimming and swim only in the gentle waves. Enjoy the jumping in the water and see the turtles feeding on the grottos.
How to Get to the Mermaid Caves
Mermaids cave is closed to the Electric beach (about 10 minutes away) and Waikiki (about 45 minutes away). If you are going from Honolulu or Waikiki then travel through the Highway 1 (I-H-1) W which will lead to HI-93 W and eventually Nānākuli. From there move left to Pillokahi Ave and then right to Keaulana Ave and you will reach at the lava rock cliffs after a short walk.
Lava rocks are sharp with openings so, try to be very careful while walking along these rocks to find the main entrance. There are two small openings at the main entrance with a “No Trespassing” sign (but you can trespass because caves are outside trespassing area).
Parking for Oahu’s Mermaid Caves
Two places offer free parking near the Mermaid caves that include Keaulana Ave and Nānākuli Beach Park. The caves are very near to Keaulana Ave and there is a short walk while you need to walk for 5 to 10 min if you park your car near the Nānākuli Beach Park.
What to Bring to the Mermaid Caves
When you are packing your bag for Mermaid caves, do not forget to keep the following items with you.
Water shoes: the shoes will help you during swimming and climbing and protect your feet from the sharp edges of the rocks.
Goggles: normal or athletic goggles will be fine if you plan to swim otherwise you can visit the caves without goggles.
Professional camera: you are going through and adventure and it would be definitely a life time experience so must carry a good camera with you to capture the memories.
Other Things to do Near the Mermaid Caves
There are various fun things to do near Mermaid caves on Oahu’s Leeward coast. I have included some here and you can also check on Fun Things to do in Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii.
- Electric Beach: it is a very impressive and a unique snorkeling site at around 10 minutes South of the caves. It is called as electric beach because a power plant is located nearby that releases hot water there and that act as a habitat for marine life.But you can only get the complete experience of the beach by swimming several hundred feet away from the shore to see the pipe openings. However, the waves are very powerful there so, only experienced swimmer should go there. If you are not a good swimmer then please enjoy at the beach and do not take the risk.
- Nānākuli Beach Park: it is a few steps away from the Mermaid caves and is one of the most beautiful and famous beaches at the place. Must include this place in your place to have an ultimate fun!
Where to Stay on Oahu?
- The Kahala: I found it a best place to stay because of the peaceful environment and it is close to various famous destinations.
- Turtle Bay: It is located on Turtle Bay on Oahu’s North Shore and a very famous place in Oahu.
- Halekulani: A comfy place in the center of Waikiki with wonderful ocean and mountain views.
- Wayfinder Waikiki: A lively and reasonably priced hotel in Waikiki.
Getting Around Oahu
Getting around Oahu is easy and you have many options like rent a car, uber or bus. Car parking’s are usually costly and if you want to avoid risks of car break ins then uber is an alternate. Buses are also available and get you to many places around Island.
You can also book an island circle tour, its affordable and will get you around the island with many stops at different places.
Final Words: Mermaid Caves Hawaii Travel Guide
Mermaid Caves were once a hidden gem but now these are becoming very famous and people from all around the world come and visit this place. However, it is still a less visited part of the town and is a residential area so take care of the privacy of local people and do not roam around freely.
It is recommended to not visit the caves alone and swim only if you are good in it.
Have a fun day at these stunning caves and share your experience in comments!
FAQs
How do I get to the Mermaid Caves in Oahu?
To reach at Mermaid caves, follow Google Maps to Kalaniana’ole Beach Park. Go toward the shore from South end of the park and you will find the caves at around 300 feet on the left side.
Can you swim in Mermaid Caves, Oahu?
Yes, people swim at this place and swimming is really satisfying here but only if you are an experienced swimmer. Please do not do it if you are not experienced because waves are high and dangerous.
What is the best time to go to Mermaid Caves?
It is suggested to go to Mermaid caves when water is slow and tides are low. You can check the more about tides here.
Does Hawaii have underwater caves?
Yes, there are underwater caves in Oahu, Hawaii that contain lava tubes. These caves are worth visiting and may act as a favorite place for scuba divers.