While most people visit the big island of Hawaii to relax on some tropical beaches or enjoy the majestic mountains, one thing that often gets overlooked is the lava tubes! These caves were formed by the eruption of volcanoes and are a must-see for anyone visiting the area. And this article is here with a complete guide to the lava tubes on the big island. It will tell you where they are located, how to get there, and what you can expect once you’re there!
How Lava Tubes Get Formed
The formation of lava tubes on the Big Island of Hawaii is an incredibly interesting process resulting from long-term volcanic activity. Lava itself is molten rock that rises to the surface when a volcano erupts, and it typically flows downhill away from the eruption site. As lava cools and hardens around the edges, slower-moving rivers of lava continue to flow downhill as they move around their tunneled walls, forming a tube-like shape.
This type of formation is called an “inflating” or “superheating” heat effect since hotter lavas will travel faster. Often these tubes travel far underground with tunnels up to 500 feet in length in Hawaii’s national parks. The result of these long-term eruptions over millions, or even hundreds of thousands, of years, is the intriguing lava tubes that can be found across the Big Island today!
Where You Can Find Lava Tubes On The Big Island
For those looking to explore these natural wonders, the big island has various locations that are excellent for lava tube exploration. And the best part is no matter where you are on the island, there are lava tubes not too far away! Here is a look at a few of the most popular destinations:
Thurston Lava Tube
The Thurston lava tube in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a Martian-looking structure that beckons to be explored. This geological formation created 500 years ago is truly a marvel to experience. It’s highly accessible, just a stroll away from the parking lot, and it’s also well-lit with lighting installed all along its whopping 600 ft stretch., making daytime exploration of this large cave possible.
The ceilings are impressively high – up to 20 feet in places! – The floor is surprisingly flat, giving visitors an eye-level view of this underground structure. After leaving the cave for the day, one can make an even more exciting journey through the rainforest back to the parking lot, adding another layer of enchantment to the already captivating experience.
Kazumura Caves
Discovered by cave explorers in the early 1960s, Kazumura Cave is an impressive geologic wonder with a rich history. Most notably, it is one of the longest-known lava tubes on the planet. While large portions of the tunnel have remained inaccessible until recently due to their sprawling size and complexity, thorough exploration has revealed the spectacular topography of this underground realm. Formed near the Kilauea volcano between 500 – 600 years ago during several eruptions, visitors can admire many exciting features such as canyon-like passages resulting from thermal erosion, multi-level tubes, lava falls, and ‘frozen’ lava lakes.
The cave’s length is a great 40.8 miles (65.6 km), and its depth drops 3,602 ft (1,098 meters) over its entire length; both records earn Kazumura status as a “master lava tube.” Those who wish to explore can take simpler tours or more challenging routes depending on their experience level and what they want to see – making this one of the most unique and exciting destinations for adventurers worldwide.