Explore Hawaii Sub-Club: Mermaid Caves

Let's explore one of the sights of Nanakuli on Oahu's west side - the "Mermaid Caves".  Many visitors to Oahu never make it to the west side, and they are missing out - some of the best beaches, snorkeling and diving can be found here, blissfully free of crowds.

The so-called "Mermaid Caves" are a series of caves which formed under the lava shelf, and can be reached via holes in the lava which opened into the cave system below.  They seem to have gotten their modern name from visitors who found this to be what they'd imagine a mermaid's home to be like:  picture clear blue water lapping the sand, illuminated in the caves by light filtering through the holes above.  This special place also houses some memorial markers on the lava above.

The parking lot is a short 5-minute walk from the caves, and there is usually plenty…