Lava Tubes of the Big Island...

I've visited the big island a couple times recently, including some caves each time.  The first set of pictures is from Kaumana Caves.  These, however, are no normal caves: they are lava tubes!  The top of the underground tube (where lava used to flow in) collapsed resulting in two caves extending in opposite directions.  There's no light in the tubes so I only have pictures of the beginning of each cave where natural light exists.  Not to worry though, I did visit another lava tube in Volcanos National Forest that is set up for tourist.  Those pictures are towards the bottom of this blog.

The yellow stairs were the only man-made assistance you received along the journey.  I started by turning left at the bottom of the stairs.  There was a large area where volcanic rocks that had fallen from the ceiling.  Often you could match the huge rocks to the ceiling above like a puzzle piece.  At the very end of the collapsed area was a small hole.  I was able to duck through it.  To my surprise it opened to a pristine lava tube.  I was fascinating by the amount of color in the volcanic rock, both on the walls and the ceiling.  I walked along it for a few minutes but the long tube/cave just kept going.  After following that route for a while I eventually turned around and went to the other one.  Same thing there: there was a tiny hole at the end that allowed you to crawl through to get to another pristine lava tube.

I was doing this hike with my friend Sarah.  Upon entering the cave she set a strict rule that I was not allowed to jump out at her in the dark.  Apparently, she knows me well, and realized that this was exactly what was on my mind.  Not that her rule deterred me in any fashion.  After a few minutes I hiked ahead and found the first big rock to hide behind.  A few minutes later she passed by with only a tiny flashlight in the pitch black tunnel.  Screams of terror followed by kicking and hitting ensued the frightful moment.  Later there was even a sworn statement that we were longer be friends...she has since forgiven me...I think?  Doesn't matter though: it was worth it!

Here is a view from being inside the cave and looking toward the collapsed area that leads out.

Now starts the pictures from Volcanos National Park.  It is part of the U.S. Department of the Interior's National Park Service. Volcanos National Park is such a wonderful place.  You'll be seeing more from Volcanos on my blog in future posts since I just got back from backpacking around the park for 5 days.

The park has a lava tube situated in the middle of the a rain forest.  It is set up with bridges and lighting throughout for an easier tourist experience.  While I prefer things more off the beaten path, it was actually a really great short loop trail with the lava tube, named Thurston Lava Tube, in the middle.  As you walked towards the lava tube you heard a symphony of singing birds who were flying around the rain forest portion.

Lave tube entrance. 

Mahalo for visiting.  A hui hou.

Mauna Kea Volcano...

This post follows me up Mauna Kea Volcano on Hawai'i Island (the Big Island).  This was later in the day as my last two blog posts, so once again you'll notice the poor picture quality due to my inaccurate camera settings.  Luckily, I realized it later in the evening after taking these pictures, so after this posting it will be fixed moving forward.

(Nerd Alert): Mauna Kea Facts:
-It is the highest peak in Hawai'i at 13,800 ft. above sea level
-It's last major eruption was 4,600 years ago
-Most of the mountain is under water, so it is actually the tallest mountain in the world at 33,500 feet tall (Mount Everest is 29,000 ft and K2 is 28,000 ft)

Mauna Kea's Observatories.  Picture credit here.  

-It is sacred ground to ancient Hawaiians
-It gets enough snow in January and February at the peak to actually make winter sports possible, so you could conceivably (and rather easily) snowboard AND surf on the same day!

Mauna Kea's elevation, dryness and crisp, clean air make for an excellent atmosphere to observe space.  It's home to the largest collection of observatories telescopes in the world.  It currently has 13 observatories that are supported by 11 different countries (and some universities).  The area made big news here in Hawai'i recently because the state just approved a 30 meter telescope which will make it the largest constructed.  It is a joint effort between 6 universities, the state of Hawai'i and one foundation.  The universities are from the USA (3), China, Japan and India.

Headed up the Volcano...wow that picture quality is terrible!

Here I am at 9,000 feet and ready to watch the sunset...until a cloud invaded the trail I hiking!

High altitude plants

Found this tree as I wondered around inside the cloud that engulfed me.

Waiting for darkness to arrive.  I stayed at the visitors center at 9,000 feet to attend the Park Ranger's star gazing program.  Once the clouds cleared, I was awestruck by the numerous amount of stars.  It was amazing.  I cannot describe their abundance.  Stars that I knew of before (ie. the North Star, Orion's belt, dippers...) were even more bright, but it seemed like God took the number of starts in the KY sky and multiplied it by 100.  Many of the starts were colored, a detail not easily seen in KY.  One could easily see red, yellow, orange and even blueish stars with the naked eye.

The visitor center awash with red lights to aid guests' night vision.

Orion is easily visible in this picture with his brightly lit belt (picture center) and sword (extending down and slightly right from the middle of the belt)

The star gazing made me wish I hadn't dropped my college astronomy class.  My astronomy skills leave a lot to be desired; mostly consisting of being able to pick out the Orion, big dipper, and little dipper constellations.  Luckily, the park ranger was fantastic and shared a lot of knowledge with me...which I've subsequently already forgotten, but I remember being fascinated at the time!  Ha.

I hope to go back again soon, because I really wanted to go to the top of Mauna Kea.  Unfortunately, after 9,000 feet you need a four wheel drive vehicle for the remaining 5,000 feet to the observatories.  My rental car was not up for that challenge.

Mahalo for visiting.  See you again soon.