Kula Kai Caverns and Lava Tubes - Ocean View, Big Island, Hawaii Journey Inside a Dormant Volcano

Located on privately owned property near South Point on the Big Island of Hawaii, the Kula Kai Caverns are on the lower slope of Mauna Loa, one of Hawaii's most famous dormant volcanoes. The Caverns themselves are more than 1,000 years old, offering visitors a rare opportunity to explore up to twenty miles of braided lava tubes that are part of the Kanohina Lava Tube system.

Native Hawaiians once used these subterranean corridors as resource caves for water collection as well as shelter from the sun, wind, and rain. More recently, they have been explored and investigated by researchers to gain greater insights into volcanic activity and the Earth's evolving nature.

Today, the Kula Kai Caverns provide a source of recreation and adventure for both seasoned spelunkers and novices alike. Experienced guides are available to introduce the underworld environment to new cavers. They can point out root zones, cave-dwelling animals and unique geological formations along the way. A number of tours have been created to suit all levels of interest.

The Lighted Trail Tour, for example, is an easy hike on a lighted trail, accessible to anyone capable of walking up and down stairs. A guide narrates the history, archaeology, and geology of the lava tubes, and the entire experience lasts about 30 to 45 minutes. The cost is $15 for adults and $10 for children aged 6~12, with no charge for those under age five.

The tour known as "The Crawl'' takes visitors a bit deeper and requires wearing helmets, lights, kneepads and gloves, which are provided by the guide. Participants actually crawl through a smooth braided passage that contains short tunnels and lava balls. The cost of this tour is $30 per person.

"Extended Cave Tours'' are also available for the adventurous. These trips go through a labyrinth of passages and can take anywhere from two to three hours. Participants must be in good physical condition and wear the same gear provided for "The Crawl.'' The cost is $95 for adults and $65 for children aged 8~12.

For those who want the "Complete Cave Experience,'' a tour is available that covers all of the above as well as exploration of the Maelstrom Cave. The cost is $195 per person and includes lunch. There is also a "Twilight Tour'' for early evening visits based upon the "Extended Cave Tour'' and similarly priced.

All tours of the Kula Kai Caverns and Lava Tubes are available daily throughout the year. Note, however, that the site of Kula Kai Caverns is within a gated community and reservations are required in advance. Those who participate in all but the Lighted Trail Tour are advised to wear long pants, sturdy shoes, long socks, and short-sleeved t-shirts.

The Kula Kai Caverns are in the area known as Ocean View, located 45 miles from Kailua-Kona of State Highway 11 en route to Volcanoes National Park. The mailing address is P.O. Box 6313, Ocean View, Hawaii 96737.