WHAT TO EXPECT:

Puapo‘o Lava Tube is almost as large and open as Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku). Hikers will need to climb down a 15 foot (4.6 m) ladder into the tube, scramble over large, loose and slippery rocks and walk over uneven terrain with minimal light while in the lava tube. Hikers will also need to walk in a crouched position for about 25 feet (8 m) under a low, 4-foot (1.2 m) ceiling. The tube exit requires a fairly difficult climb/scramble up a pile of boulders.

This NPS tour is approximately 2 – 3 hours in duration.  For an in-depth (all day) exploration that includes lunch, commemorative coin and Certificate of Completion, check out our Wild Caves Exploration Institute brought to you by the Hawai’i Volcanoes Institute.

WHAT TO BRING:

Required items:

1. Long pants – No shorts or Capris will be allowed
2. Hiking boots or completely enclosed shoes – No sandals or open-toe shoes will be allowed
3. Water – 1 to 2 quarts/person
4. Flashlights

Notes: You will be turned away if you are missing any of the above items. There is nowhere within 30 miles of the park to acquire longs pants and hiking boots. Refunds will not be given due to missing items listed above.

Optional, but highly recommended items:

1. Lightweight rain jacket – we will be hiking through the rainforest.
2. Long sleeved shirt – Pua Po‘o may be wet and cold
3. Camera – no tripods or selfie sticks will be allowed
4. Snacks

WHAT WE PROVIDE:

1. Helmets
2. Gloves
3. Headlamps

WHERE TO MEET:

All visitors will be required to park at the Kīlauea Iki Overlook and walk 0.5 miles to Nāhuku by the start of the program. This is to alleviate parking congestion at Thurston Lava Tube parking area. Note: Only visitors with confirmed paid reservations will be allowed to go on the hike. Entry into this cave is by reservation only