Kaūmana Caves — Attraction in Hawaii

This was the best but most difficult caving experience! Thurston lava tube inside the volcano national is a walk in the park, an easy paved experience as compared with this. This was very difficult.

First the length of the cave is not clear but it took my friend and I 1:15 hours to complete. Only one other family we met that managed to complete it said about an hour each direction(while still inside not at finish line). We meet about 6-7 other groups but none save one went to the end and us. Someone said 2miles, I think that seems likely since we were stumbling through dark while rock climbing half of the way.

The mouth of cave is large but there is a narrow opening before entering the real tube. Large boulders block the path in. Once that is bypassed then for the most part it is fall enough to stand inside. YOU NEED AT LEAST ONE FLASHLIGHT, two would be better) There were areas of very open tunnel on uneven prickly lava surface grounds, there were areas of loose large rocks, some paths slope up/down, several areas with huge boulders that needed to be traversed climbed. All in pitch black darkness. There were wet areas and developing stalactites…WATCH your head—I bumped 2x on protruding stone, my friend 4…and it still smarts when touched…luckily no vermin were there during our tour. The end us a beautiful movie like skylight with tropical plants and bright light.

We got scratched up by sharp rocky surfaces(I wore shorts, my friend sandals), bumped out skulls, a couple of bruises, but we loved it. We didn’t plan, so did not prepare suitable for this adventure so I recommend that you have a bit more “equipment”. We managed with very little. Best if a group but...

An Amazing and Jaw-Dropping Cave Experience

If you're in the area and see the sign for these caves, stop the car and go inside! You won't regret it.

Before you go, make sure you have: Sturdy shoes for walking on rocky, uneven surfaces. A good flashlight—your phone's light won't be enough. A hard hat or helmet to protect your head from low-hanging rocks.

The caves are split into two paths. When you go down the stairs, head to the right first. This cave is the more challenging of the two. You'll need to crawl in some spots, but it's an incredible adventure. We went for about 25 minutes before turning back, but the cave seems to go on forever. It's a fantastic experience, especially with a group.

After you exit the first cave, head to the other one. This second cave is much easier, with tall ceilings. If you believe in Hinduism, you might feel a sacred presence at the start of this cave, as if Swayambhu Lord Shiva and his Nandi are there on the stage. You can reach the end in about 20 minutes. It can feel a bit spooky the further you go, but don't listen to that little voice in your head telling you to turn back. Push through, and the reward is worth it. Thanks to my kids who pushed us to reach the other end.

Thanks to some young couple, who graciously lent us one of their flash lights, we really enjoyed the caves. While returning we gave that to another family to enjoy their cave trip.

Even now, two hours later, I'm still in a trance and decided writing this review while waiting for food at Jackie Rey's in Hilo. This place is that impactful.

This place is...

This place is absolutely what you make of it. If you are just looking for something to casually look at, you're not going to be terribly impressed. If you are really into nature/adventure/volcanoes, then full steam ahead. The entry stairway is very steep so tread carefully. To the left there is a small cave. It looks as if both directions were connected as one tube at one point in time and then the section by the stairs caved in, making two separate paths. Warning The lava tube on the right is serious business. Wear proper hiking shoes, watch your head, carry flashlights (plural), bring water. If you are just wanting to have a short jaunt in, you can make it through the wide portion of the tube in under 10 minutes, but step carefully because not every rock is as firm as it may appear, regardless of size. One you make it in about 75 or so feet, there is an area where you can duck down (or crawl if you are larger) and continue through. Not really sure how far it goes because we didnt want to go too far without enough water. If you are using your cell phone as a flashlight, carry a battery charger with you. It is dark dark dark and very rough terrain. Having your light die would be game over really quick. Also, the tubes are very humid. Water is constantly dripping on your head, so wear a hat. You will sweat A LOT, so you need to make sure you have multiple bottles of water per person. This is a phenomenal value as a free excursion. Just please keep your safety top of mind because there is no staff on site, no cell signal and no reliable help if you underestimate the challenge...