The Big Island of Hawaii has some of the most fascinating Vulcanspeleologcal features on any of the islands and other volcanic regions on the planet. 

Lava Tubes are like caves as they are underground and can have quite extansive passages.  The low viscosity of lava flow develops a continuous flow and hardens which forms a roof above the still flowing lava flow. There can be Lava channels or Pahoehoe flows where the lava is actually moving under the surface. 

Some lava tubes encase the lava flow and can form different formation like features and red oxidizing properties that give some lava tube caves perspective and color. 

On the Big Island of Hawaii, the lava tube feature have some fascinating values as they provide timelines to ancient and recent flows which also can give a future perspective on what lava might do in future eruptions.

There are hundreds of Lava Tube caves on the islands of hawaii with a few being commercialized.

Kaumana cave is one of the publicly open access caves that measures to a distance of almost 9000feet of passage.

There are many other caves that are protected under various regulations and are on private property so please adhere to the rules of visitation when encountering lava tube caves.

People should also consider bringing a minimum of three lights, helmet, good shoes, and be prepared for the sharp environment when walking in a lava tube cave.

It was unfortunate to see all of the graffiti in one of the commercial caves so lets keep these beautirul caves in pristine condition so generations of people can enjoy them . 

Some of these Lava tube caves in Hawaii can go for miles and it is impressive to think how much is under these grounds when hiking through the lava fields and high elevation trails.

I have worked with groups in the past that have studied these caves and I can only imagine what else is out there in the world of vulcanspeleology.

I am looking forward to visiting the island in the future to continue to photograph some of these amazing caves and features.

The active lava was occurring when we were on the island but we were not able to make it over to the site of the Kilauea eruption.