The Ultimate Guide to Caving on the Big Island of Hawaii

Lava tubes are hardened lava that molten lava flows through. As one of the newest islands, the Big Island of Hawaii has numerous lava tubes or lava caves. Lava caves are fun to explore. For the caver, or preferably the spelunker, the Big Island of Hawaii offers numerous guided and self-guided tours of these lava caves. The following is the ultimate guide to caving on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Just north of Hilo outside of Rainbow falls lies Kaumana Cave. This is a 25 mile cave formed in 1881 by the flows from Moana Loa. The flow that formed this tube barely missed destroying Hilo. It is said that Princess Ruth saved the city by pleading with Pele, the goddess of fire, to spare her city. There is a staircase leading to the cave and entrance is free. There are two caves to choose from. Be sure to bring your flashlight, this is a self-guided tour.

The Big Island is home to the longest cave tube in the world, the 60 kilometer Kazumura Cave. This cave is considered a national treasure. This lava cave is located near Kilauea. Tours are available to explore this cave. Tour costs start at $10, and they offer 2 hour, 4 hour, and 6 hour tours. A 24 hour advance reservation is recommended. The six hour tour is for the advanced spelunker and a week-ahead reservation is recommended. This tour is great. The guides are very knowledgeable and this is a great way to learn about lava tube geology.

Kula Kai Cavern, located at the southern end of the Big Island near Kona, is part of the Kanohino lava tube system which features over 20 miles of twisty passages. Needless to say, this is a guided tour. Tours include a 30 minute light walking tour, a 2 hour spelunking tour and a 3 hour more difficult tour that includes a trip to the Maelstrom Cavern. Prices range from $15 to $195. This Kula Kai Cavern is over one thousand years old and was used by Hawaiians for water and shelter.

If you are feeling adventurous, there are some lava tubes that you can explore on your own. These are, however, a little more difficult to find. There is a fairly new lava tube off of Saddle Road about 14 miles east from Kaumana Cave. This cave is a sight to see with fantastic stalactites, shelves and channels. Off of Highway 11 around mile marker 23 you will find another hidden lava cave about 80 yards from the road. You have to fight your way through brush and you could miss the opening, but once you find it you will be amazed at the comb like stalactites hanging from the ceiling. When self-touring wear long pants and bring your flashlights.

The Big Island has a lot of adventures for both the novice and the expert, and the caving is no different. With guided and self-guided tours, any spelunker will be satisfied with the caving on the Big Island. This ultimate guide to caving on the Big Island of Hawaii should be the first place you start.