Kaumana Cave
Hilo Big Island
Nothing hits the spot on a warm Hilo day like looking down the mouth of a lava tube. Just a little north west from Hilo you will find Kaumana Caves Park.
From Hilo take Waianuenue Ave. mauka for about a mile. Kaumana Dr. will branch off to the left. The park is located on the right between the 3 and 4 mile markers. The parking lot is across the street and on a blind curve so be careful when crossing the street. The entrance to the cave is marked with a railing. A very steep set of stairs descends into the cool darkness of this relatively young lava tube.
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The lush plant life in the cave is in large part due to the consistent rain in Hilo. Bring along a flashlight if you would like to explore deeper into the cave. There are two caves which are about 16 feet in diameter: one to the right and one to the left. Restrooms are available. Note: Kaumana Drive is one of the ways to reach Saddle Road from Hilo. This cave is actually a skylight in a 25-mile long lava tube that was created by an 1881 flow from Mauna Loa. History reports that the 1881 flow stopped within 1 1/2 miles of Hilo due to the intervention of Princess Ruth. She camped in front of the flowing lava and pleaded with Pele to spare her city. Her prayers were answered!
