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Photographs by: ROB RATKOWSKI
FOR RESERVATIONS CALL (808) 967-7208 Monday – Saturday 8 am – 6 pm (Hawaii Standard Time) Closed Sundays
Lava tubes which are active for long periods of time, can be enlarged by lava flowing through the tube. Lava is a very abrasive fluid which can erode the surrounding rock. Given enough time and favorable conditions, this erosion can form canyons and lava falls. Erosion can also expose gaps in the existing bedrock. Lava injected into these gaps sometimes remains molten, and later drains back into the tube to form lava straws or runs.
If during an eruption, a hole develops in the ceiling of a lava tube, that hole is called a skylight. Skylights allow heat to escape while admitting cold air. Any time the lava level in the tube drops, cold air entering a skylight can chill the surface of the flow causing a second crust to form. This produces what is known as a tube in tube. Cold air can also crack hot rock, allowing sections of the tube walls and ceiling to collapse, producing breakdown.
A dropping lava level also allows lava sticking to the ceiling to sag and form lavacicles, (a feature similar in appearance to a stalactite). As the lava level drops further, the tube begins to drain and cool. The last bit of lava flowing over a fall has cooled to a puttylike consistency and begins to pile up on itself. This forms an irregular column called a dribble spire. At the base of a fall, a thick crust forms on the plunge pool surface, and then sags as lava drains from beneath. The last tubes in tube, also begin to collapse without lava to support their weight.
It can take years for a lava tube to cool sufficiently to support life. As many cave creatures are dependant upon plants for their food, it is likely the cave is not fully colonized until after these plants have become established on the surface above.
So, if you’re planning a trip to the big island or already here, and would like to visit
FOR RESERVATIONS
CALL
(808) 967–7208
Monday – Saturday
8 am - 6 pm
(Hawaii Standard Time)
Closed Sundays
⇒the LONGEST CAVE in the state of
⇒the LONGEST KNOWN CONTINUOUS LAVA TUBE in the WORLD,
⇒the 24TH LONGEST CAVE in the WORLD,
⇒the 7TH LONGEST CAVE in the UNITED STATES,
⇒the DEEPEST CAVE in the UNITED STATES at 3613 feet (1,101.5 m),
⇒part of the AILA`AU eruption (a radio carbon dating estimate, places the eruption between 1410 -1470; however, oral Hawaiian accounts place the eruption two centuries later in the 1600’s.)
OTHER INTERESTING FACTS:
♦PASSAGE DIMENSIONS can be as much as 69 feet (21 m) wide, and 59 feet (18 m) high,
♦the TALLEST LAVA FALL is 45 feet (13.7 m),
♦the TEMPERATURE in the cave VARIES with ELEVATION,
♦in Volcano at approximately 3700 feet above sea level, the temperature is 59°F. (15°C) In
♦on it’s way to the ocean, the LAVA TEMPERATURE DROPPED 7.2°F or 4°C (basalt analysis),
♦the ESTIMATED CAVE VOLUME is over 1.6 million cubic yards (over 45,300 m³),
♦there are 101 known ENTRANCES to the cave.
THREE TOURS ARE AVAILABLE:
1. Lava Falls 2 hours Limit 6 2/3 mile
2. Pit Room 4 hours Limit 6 2 miles
3. Maze (Experienced cavers/climbers only)
4-6 hours Limit 4 2 miles
All tours begin with a short walk through the
The Maze Tour
After descending into the main passage, the Maze Tour heads down slope toward
EACH PERSON wishing to see the Maze must bring his or her own “INDIVIDUAL” gear, as follows.
knee pads and fore arm pads are recommended.
~~~~Ropes, Gloves, and Flashlights are provided.~~~~
YOU MUST MAKE RESERVATIONS!
· Tours are given Monday – Saturday, 8 am – 6 pm. We are closed Sundays.
· Tours start at $10 per person.
· WE PROVIDE - hardhats, gloves, and flashlights.
· YOU MUST WEAR - LONG PANTS and GOOD SHOES.
Lava is sharp! Your legs and feet must be completely covered. If you are not appropriately dressed you will be turned away!
· The cave temperature is 65°F (18.3°C) and wet. Water drips all the time in places, more when it rains. You may need a JACKET.
· Tours are limited to a maximum of six people for mixed groups, or seven people for a single group.
· Children visiting the cave must be at least 11 years of age, Well Behaved, and accompanied by a Supervising Adult. (2 hr. tour only) Parents should be aware that most children under 11 do not have the attention span necessary for this tour. The guide explains lava tube geology to visitors and the pace is leisurely.
· All visitors must be able to climb / descend ladders.
· The floor of the cave is uneven.
· Travel over breakdown is necessary on the Pit room and Maze tours.
· Visitors should be on time or early. If you arrive late, you may find the group has left without you. OR, if your party fills the tour you may not be able to see as much as you would like because your guide needs to get back for the next tour.
· Water is OK
· Photographs are allowed. Anything within the range of the flash should turn out to some extent.
ALL VISITORS ARE ASKED TO OBSERVE THESE RULES WHILE VISITING THE CAVE:
1. Please Do Not Touch Anything! All lava formations are irreplaceable. Many are quite fragile. When a lava formation is damaged or broken, it is damaged or broken forever. It will NEVER grow back!
2. Please Do Not Remove Anything From The Cave, so the cave can be preserved for future generations.
3. Please do not eat in the cave. Food left behind may begin to grow fungi or bacteria not normally found in the cave. Some such introduced organisms can be harmful to cave creatures.
RESERVATIONS should be made at least: ONE DAY IN ADVANCE for the LAVAFALLS and PIT ROOM TOURS, ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE for the MAZE TOUR.
FOR RESERVATIONS CALL
(808) 967–7208
Monday – Saturday
8 am - 6 pm
(Hawaii Standard Time)
Closed Sundays
I never imagined that a lava tube could be so interesting. The lava can take on so many different forms. It’s absolutely amazing.
Lava tubes do indeed possess an incredible diversity of features. As the lead guide at Kazumura, I try to show visitors as many features as possible and explain their formation.
After tours I would often hear: “You have given us so much information, I don’t think I can remember everything. Is there anyplace where all this information is written down?”
To this I would answer, “No, not that I’m aware of.”
After a while folks started saying: “You should write a book.”
Because so many you folks have considered me qualified for such an undertaking, I decided to take your advice. The book is titled “UNDERSTANDING LAVA TUBES AND LAVA CAVES” and is available through TRAFFORD PUBLISHING.
The book covers the two methods of lava tube formation, and various erosional processes. It looks at how air can color the rock and help shape delicate cave features. There’s a chapter which looks at the various types of lava formations and explains how they form. The book also provides information about other types of lava caves, and their formation. In addition to this, practical information about lava tube caving, and preservation, is provided. And there is a question section, which I have used to provide information that did not easily fit in the text.
FOR RESERVATIONS CALL
(808) 967–7208
Monday – Saturday
8 am - 6 pm
(Hawaii Standard Time)
Closed Sundays
