Posts: 529
Threads: 85
Joined: Sep 2010
Just wondering where the lava tubes are that non-"cavers" can safely explore in Puna.
I have seen several tube openings in HPP and Orchidland and that got me wondering if there are actually safe tubes to go into to have a look/see.
The only tubes I have been in are Thurston and Kaumana.
thanks in advance for any help.
hawaiideborah
Posts: 1,679
Threads: 203
Joined: Dec 2005
I toured a large lava tube with a group of people about 5 miles off of Hwy 11 at Akatsuka Orchid Gardens last year. Great tour, reasonable price, and very informative. I can't remember the name of the place but I'm sure someone else on PW will help with that. There is a series of narrow ladders you have to negotiate but no big deal. They furnish hard hats and light. I'd suggest a light jacket as it does get cool and wet in the tube.
Royall
Hale O Na Mea Pa`ani
Posts: 604
Threads: 148
Joined: Jul 2007
That is Kazumura Cave, reportedly the longest lava tube in the world at over 40 miles Volcano to HPP. website:
http://www.fortunecity.com/oasis/angkor/176/ My friend Harry is the very informed guide.
Posts: 1,679
Threads: 203
Joined: Dec 2005
I knew someone had the answer! I'd hate to ever have the lava ever find the upper opening to the tube..... Might just "Warm" things up a bit here in HPP!! LOL!
Thanks DoryGray
Royall
Hale O Na Mea Pa`ani
Posts: 422
Threads: 25
Joined: Jan 2008
Is their such thing as a safe lava tube? We have some on the back of our property that are reportedly over three hundred feet deep, alot have cattle have been lost to it. But from google earth you can see three of them. Wouldn't be surprised if they don't have their own Eco system.
If you have climbing equipment and google earth the possibilities are endless
setting my soul free....
setting my soul free....
Posts: 1,100
Threads: 6
Joined: Nov 2010
quote:
Originally posted by lostboystoy
Wouldn't be surprised if they don't have their own Eco system.
They do, there are a lot of unique insects and other creatures that live in them. The whole assemblage is based on the ohia roots that penetrate through the ceiling, so be careful not to disturb them if you're in a tube.
Posts: 13
Threads: 1
Joined: Jun 2011
Every time you enter any very delicate eco-system, like a rarely entered lava tube, "you" (all of us) will disturb it. Most people do not realize just how easy it is to permanently alter cave systems, just breathing in them kills things that have lived there for potentially thousands of years (in this Islands lava tubes) Many locals will tell that the lava tubes are KAPU as many of the ancients bones were often burried down inside the tubes, So if you wouldn't feel cool about a bunch of people tromping around and exploring your ancestors graveyards you may consider sticking to the tourist tubes that are already breathed in, tromped, littered and damaged beyond repair.
Posts: 252
Threads: 28
Joined: Apr 2007
Well said Mr. N.
There are some places we shouldn't go- just because they are that special.
Posts: 529
Threads: 85
Joined: Sep 2010
Thank you so much for the information. I really apreciat e the punaweb community. You all are the very best resources.
I am going with the tour that DoryGray linked to on this thread. THANK YOU.
hawaiideborah
Posts: 604
Threads: 148
Joined: Jul 2007
Say Aloha to Harry for me. You'll enjoy it. You can also get info from Harry on Hawaii Grotto, the caving club here; or just Google it.
