In this study, three-dimensional simulations of the hydrodynamics around a vertical four-pile structure subjected to solitary waves were conducted based on Navier-Stokes equations, the effects of both incident wave height and spacing between adjacent piles were examined. The numerical model was firstly validated by laboratory experiments in view of the free-surface elevations, velocities and dynamic pressures near the four-pile structure, and then used to analyze the wave runup on the piles, the flow field and vorticity around the pile structur...