Hawaii·United States
Photo: Dave Bunnell / Under Earth Images · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Kazumura Cave formed about 500 years ago as a river of lava from Kīlauea drained out from under its hardened crust, leaving a tube over 65 km long and more than a kilometre deep. Its smooth walls, lava falls and dripping lavacicles are a rare look inside a volcano.
In season: Year-round · Peak: Year-round
Guided trips on private land, from easy walks through the upper section to longer outings with ladders and scrambles over lava falls. Helmets and lights are supplied, and the cave is cool and humid.
The accessible introduction with a local guide
The longest and deepest lava tube in the world, guided
Book a guided tour through a landowner-operated outfitter near Volcano or Hilo, as the cave can only be visited on guided trips. Start with the upper section and join a longer descent if you are comfortable on ladders.
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