There are only three ways to experience Kauai’s fabled Na Pali Coast: via the 22-mile round trip Kalalau Trail, via a boat tour of the coast, and from above on a helicopter tour. But there is a little-known, absolutely awe-inspiring open ceiling cave full of crystalline, aquamarine water only accessible from the sea, and it will leave you simply mesmerized.

A boat or kayak tour of the Na Pali Coast is all about the sea caves, but there is one jaw-dropping cave that is a little different from its neighbors.
Na Pali Riders/Flickr
The geological formation is surrounded by high rock walls, and features an open ceiling to the sky.
Sean Hoyer/Flickr
You can even witness this incredible cave from the air, but seeing it by boat is much more magical.
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
The light from the cave's open ceiling penetrates the water, and creates an ethereal blue hue that changes colors with the moving sun.
Flickr/Na Pali Riders

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The cave is a hollowed out lava tube, and many believe that it was once used as a refuge for ancient Hawaiians who wanted to take a break from the ocean's harsh waves.
Wally Gobetz
The cave's interior is large enough to circle around and give you a good look at the vibrant, sunlit cave.
Duluoz Cats/Flickr
No one knows the Hawaiian name for this beautiful natural cathedral, thus it is simply referred to as the open ceiling cave.
Wally Gobbetz
Sarah Browning/Flickr

For an in-depth glimpse into this incredible cave, check out this video taken by Na Pali Riders, one of only a few options for boat tours to this magnificent gem of the Kauai coastline.

To experience another otherworldly cave on the island of Kauai, head to Makauwahi Cave, an incredible archaeological site on Kauai’s southern shore.

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