Kaumana Caves
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Kaumana
Caves, located near the campus, represent one of the Big Island's neatest
attractions. Formed from the lava flow in 1881, the downtown area of
Hilo held its breath as it approach the town. It is said that princess
Ruth, sent from Honolulu, is responsible for the saving Hilo village
because she sat in front of the lava flow praying to Pele to spare the
town.
The caves are located up the hill from the downtown area on Kaumana Drive (Saddle Road). Stretching for almost two miles, the laval tube passes underneath the highway.. When you get to the caves you can see a concrete stair case which leads through the old skylight down to the entrance to the caves. Once in the caves you will see some of the coolest lava formations. The lava rock that is still red is red because it cooled fast enough to keep it's color. There aren't many more stalactites and stalagmites but there are still opportunities to see the world from the point of view of a burrower.
There
are vines and roots everywhere growing down from the ceiling. Rain and
runoff make the caves damp and muddy. One of the caves has lights in
it but they don't work so a flashlight is going to be need by everyone
who goes on this program. Low ceilings and outcroppings make make it
easy to get a bump on the head or worse. You will also notice the cooler
temperature inside the cave especially right after it rains. Speaking
of rain and cold, you should come prepared for the caves with: a flashlight,
long pants or jeans, gloves, and a long sleeve shirt or sweater. Make
sure that you wear shoes (that will get dirty) because the tube is hardened
lava making it more than likely to be slippery, especially when wet.
Inherent Risks
It is the responsibility of each participant to evaluate the various
risks that they may be exposed to if they decide to participate in this
program. Some of the inherent risks include, but are not limited to,
the following:
- Falling or slipping especially since this area is usually damp/wet
- Claustrophobia while moving through the underground laval tube
- Transportation to and from Kaumana Caves
- Motor vehicle accident
- Crossing a main highway (Kaumana Drive) from the parking area which has no traffic signs or crosswalks
- Hiking and climbing on uneven ground
- Broken bones, cuts, dislocations, scrapes, or bruises from falls or contact with floors and walls
- Head and other impact injuries from contact with low ceilings and outcroppings
- Light failure, becoming disoriented or lost with the cave system
- Steep concrete steps that lead to the cave entrance that is usually damp/wet
Students are required to remain with the group during this program and not go on un-authorized selected activities or excursions without the group. If transportation is involved, participants must wear seat belts if available and are expected to return with the group.