The Hyidae are redefined and three new synapomorphies are recognised which define the family: basi-dorsal mound on femora I and 11; minute setae on female sternite 11; and 2–3 stout setae on the pedipalpal femur. Three genera are included: Hya Chamberlin, with H. rninuta (Tullgren) and H. chamberlini, sp, nov.; Indohya Beier, with I. besucheti Beier, I. caecata Beier, I. panops, sp. nov., I. beieri, sp, nov., I. pusilla, sp. nov. and I. typhlops, sp. nov.; and Hyella, gen. nov., with H. humphreysi, sp. nov. (type species), the first known cavernicolous species of the family. Hya heterodonta Chamberlin is considered a junior synonym of Ideobisium minutum Tullgren. The Hyidae are divided into two subfamilies, Hyinae for Hya, and Indohyinae, subfam. nov., for Indohya and Hyella. A new distribution record is given for Tyrannochthonius krakatau Harvey (Chthoniidae), based on part of the type series of I. minutum.