One of my favorite activities is cave spelunking. The Hawaiian islands does NOT have a shortage of caves and lava tubes to explore. There are so many caves across all of the Hawaiian islands to explore.
On Maui, there is a lava tube that has a small waterfall and pond that sits within the lava tube. It's a fun secret hike to go to.
But out of all of the islands, the island with the most caves and lava tubes is Big Island.
There are several caves I want to share, but for the moment, I want to share probably the most prominently known lava tube cave system on Big Island called the Kazamura Caves.
Kazamura is the longest cave in Hawaii, longest known lava tube in the world, 23rd longest cave in the world, 7th longest cave in the United States, and deepest cave in the United States. The Kazamura cave was formed by an older lava flow just around 500 years ago.
Since I love waterfalls, which you can check out one of my latest waterfall adventures here, I was amazed to see lots of lava falls! No, didn't get to see the actual lava fall flow since I would have burned to death inside, but the lava fall is cooled in place, showing that given time of the flow fall for long time.
Check out my cave adventure photos below:
I'm about to enter the Kazamura Caves. There are numerous entraces, this is just one of the many entrances on private property.
The owner, Harry Shick guides people safely through the Kazamura Caves. He's also a wealth of knowledge as he explains lots of things that happen down in the caves, including microorganisms, insect creatures, and also how the cave formations form and the difference with limestone caves.
Just look at how big these lava tubes are. Imagine all that volume of lava that at one time flowed quickly down the slope.
In the above two photos, Harry telling us about this fallen "Lavacicle", the lava equivalent of stalactites.
One lava tube formed, then got blocked. Another then formed on top of it, as seen here.
The white stuff is organic. It's amazing that anything lives down in this cave.
Ohi'a roots 45 feet below the surface of the rocks above!
Pele's well, you can tell. Also called a lava window.
Lava column formed in the middle of a lava fall.
Lava spatter with a dribble spire.
Descending one of the higher lava falls.
Overall the tour was great. I would recommend this lava tube cave if any of you go to Big Island, Hawaii. You must call ahead of time to book the tour. It's 30 USD for the regular lava tour.
You must wear shoes, long pants, and recommended to wear long sleeve shirt of some kind. If you don't, you'll be turned away, no exceptions. The Lava Falls Tour, helmet, flashlight, and gloves are provided ... however, the other two more advanced tours, you are required to have your own caving gear in order to attend those adventures.
What has been you best cave/lava tube adventure?
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