Visitors to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park during its centennial year can reserve an adventurous guided hike into a large lava tube formed by Kilauea volcano centuries ago.
Starting March 2, the park or its nonprofit partner, the Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, will offer weekly guided hikes into Puapo‘o lava tube by reservation only. The challenging adventure is limited to 12 people, ages 7 and older. Reservations must be made at least one week in advance.
Ranger-guided treks of Puapo‘o last about three hours and cost $30 per adult and $25 for ages 7-12. The FHVNP will offer programs through its Hawaii Volcanoes Institute. Proceeds support Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. For dates, information and reservations, visit the FHVNP website, www.fhvnp.org.
The challenging 4-mile trek into Puapo‘o is not recommended for inexperienced or claustrophobic hikers. There is a 500-foot elevation change and hikers must be able to climb down a 15-foot ladder into the lava tube, scramble up and over large rocks, and walk on uneven terrain with minimal light. Hikers also will have to walk in a crouched position for about 25 feet under a low ceiling. A helmet with headlamp, flashlight and gloves are provided.
All other caves and lava tubes in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are closed to the public because of the sensitive and fragile nature of cave resources, except Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube) and the new guided tours of Puapo‘o.
Puapo‘o is nearly as large as Nahuku, and its magnificent lava formations include lavacicles, driblet spires, lava lines and flow ripples. These fascinating features make Puapo‘o one of the most ornate lava tubes in Hawaii and it has remained largely intact because access is restricted. The entrance to the cave is cloaked in native rain forest and Hawaiian birds including ‘apapane, ‘oma‘o and ‘amakihi can be seen and heard.
“We asked our public how they’d like to celebrate the park’s centennial anniversary, and the resounding answer was to bring back an opportunity to explore Puapo‘o lava tube,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “With our Friends’ group, we are able to offer visitors an unparalleled adventure into the depths of Kilauea volcano during our 100th anniversary.”
For more information on park centennial events, visit www.nps.gov/havo/getinvolved/100th-anniversary.htm.
