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Cave Exploration in Hawaii
These Hawaiian caves are all underground lava tubes
and several of them can be explored, with or without a guide.
One of them, the Kazumura Cave on the Big Island, is one
of the longest and deepest lava tubes in the world.
Thurston Lava Tube on the Big Island of Hawaii
Photo Credit: United States Geological Servey
Big Island Caves
Kaumana Cave
The Kaumana Cave is a 25 mile long lava tube not
far from Rainbow Falls and the town of Hilo
on the east side of the Big Island of Hawaii.
The cave is overgrown with lush
plants, but the opening is well-marked
and there is a staircase into the cave.
Entrance is free.
Kazumura Caves
This lava tube in the Puna district of the Big Island
was discovered in the mid
1990's and it is more then 60 kilometers long, making
it one of the longest lava tubes in the world.
Tours are available but they must be
arranged at least 24 hours in advance,
or one week in advance for the 6 hour
advanced tour. Tours include a 2 hour
tour that covers 1/2 mile, a 4 hour tour
that covers 2 miles, and a 6 hour
tour for experienced climbers only.
Kazumura Cave Photo Gallery
Kula Kai Caverns
This underground lava tube is located on the lower slopes of Mauna Loa
near the far southern tip of the island of Hawaii. Tours include a
30 minute light walking tour, a 2-hour spelunking tour, and
a more difficult 3-hour tour that includes a short drive to the
Maelstrom Cave, another section of the Kula Kai Caverns.
A short portion of the main cave is lighted, and and helmets and lights are provided.
ABC News Article About the Kula Kai Caves
Thurston Lava Tube
This 400 foot long lava tube with a 12 foot ceiling is
located inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on
the Big Island of Hawaii. The cave is lighted
and the floor is smooth, but it can be slippery.
Maui Caves
Ka'eleku Caverns
An underground lava tube located about 4 miles northwest of Hana on
the east coast of Maui. Tours include a self-guided
tour, a 1 hour walking tour and a 2 hour adventure
tour for age 15 and older. The cave is not lighted
but helmets and lights are provided. Sometimes this
lava tube is known as the Hana Cave.
See also:
Activities in Hawaii by Type
Activities in Hawaii by Island
Attractions in Hawaii
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Related Links
Activities in Hawaii - Main Menu
Islands of Hawaii
Hawaii for Visitors
Elsewhere on the Web
USGS Photo Glossary: Lava Tube
The Virtual Lava Tube
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