Using surfactant-assisted synthesis, aluminas with hierarchical nanopores are produced. The hierarchical structures are composed of mesopores of 4 nm diameter, and macropores with diameters of about 300 nm. The structures were found to be stable to the thermal removal of the surfactant. Synthesis factors affecting the appearance of the hierarchically structured alumina material are presented. A Potential mechanism for the formation of the uniquely structured aluminas is proposed.