Most People Don't Know About This Incredible Natural Wonder Hiding In Hawaii
By Megan Shute|Published July 12, 2016
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
While Hawaii Volcanoes National Park’s Thurston Lava Tube gets all of the credit, we can think of at least one lava tube on Hawaii Island that is just as cool – if not even better – than its lava tube brother. Kaumana Caves, located near Hilo, may not be a tourist destination, but we’d like to think that it’s just because it’s a far trek from all of the luxury resorts of the Kona coast.
Found just miles from downtown Hilo, in a relatively small park without any formal supervision, open 24 hours a day, Kaumana Caves may be relatively unknown, but that doesn't mean it's not worth the trip.
The skylight entrance drops into two miles of pitch-black cave, complete with stalactites and stalagmites, as well as vines and roots falling from the cave’s roof.
Unfortunately, exploration within the lava tube is forbidden due to it being on private property, but you can still explore a few hundred yards near the skylight.
From Hilo, follow Highway 200 (Saddle Road) to the west, and stop between mile markers 4 and 5. Park on the south side of the road, cross the road, and drop into the collapsed skylight of the cave.