$Y(OH)_3$ nanowires were synthesized by a hydrothermal reaction of metallic Y with aqueous solution of LiOH. The morphology and the size of the nanowires changed with varying the volume of the LiOH solution inside the autoclave. $Y(OH)_3$ nanowires transformed to $Y_2O_3$ by a subsequent heat-treatment without morphological change. By a proper control of hydrothermal reaction parameter and heat-treatment, the yield of pure $Y_2O_3$ nanowires up to 97% was attained.