On the southeast coast of Kauai is a shelf of lava that reaches out into the windward shores where sand dunes have built up for millions of years.   The dunes are lithified and shaped by wind, sun, and surf.   Within this sits the Makauwahi Cave, a large sinkhole and tunnel system.   The cave is dated to be about 10 000 years old.   Remains of  45 species of birds have been found here of which 20 are now extinct.   Archaeologists have found precontact human remains here too.   

A side trail leads off the Maha'ulepu Trail up over the dunes and then descends down to the lip of the sinkhole from above.   The rear wall shows the brightly colored limestone layers.   The floor of the sinkhole is flat and tunnels run into the rock on either side.  Native trees and shrubs are being restored with volunteer support.

Waiopili Stream runs past the base of the cliffs, but by following a narrow trail between the rock and the stream, an low entrance into the cave can be accessed by crawling on hands and knees.   The entrance area is wet and muddy.   The open area is dry and sunny.   The far tunnel is long, dark, and restricted to archaeologists.   

This site and its trails are a short side trip off a favorite trail linking the east end of Poipu to the remote Maha'ulepu area.  The trails are a prime destination for hikers.