Emesine Cave…
This was on our list of things to see while on the big island of Hawaii. It’s a short hike through a lava flow that happened back in 1881. The trail is basically an old road that was cut straight through the flow. It’s actually drivable but only with a very high clearance vehicle…and a key to the gate. The road goes through a few patches of forest, a nice place to wander under the big trees and the giant tree ferns.
After about 2.5 miles you reach the entrance to the Emesine Cave, which is basically where the lave tube has collapsed, exposing a cave opening. A quick down climb got us to the entrance to the cave. After a short break we decided to crawl into the cave (what sign?) and check it out. Once in far enough and turning a corner, all outside light was gone. With our headlights on, we proceeded to walk the lava tube. The lava tube was large enough that we could stand upright. The ceiling/roof of the cave must not be too thick because most of the way there were roots hanging down from the vegetation above the cave.
After about .25 mile we came to another large collapse of the lava tube. We decided to crawl out here and cross-country back to the road. I think the lava tube continues, but we’ll have to explore that another day.
On the way back to the car we stopped at the forest and wandered inside to see the trees and birds…
Glad we did this hike…
A bumpy ride, down a road off the highway, got us to the trailhead/gate.
Though small, I love seeing these tree ferns growing out in the lava field…
This trail/road was cut straight through the lava flow…
Looking up at the Mauna Kea observatory stuff…
Through one of several patches of forest…
Off the trail/road we noticed the cave entrance…
After a short break, we decided to explore the inside…
With the light disappearing, so did the green vegetation…
Gulp…
Rubble from a partial collapse of the ceiling
I know, right? Looks like the chocolate river in Wonka’s chocolate factory 🙂
A closeup of the ceiling…
More roots from the vegetation above…
…and a small hole
After about .25 mile, we came to another collapse, and decided to exit the Emesine Cave here…
After climbing out, we cross-countried back to the trail/road…
Stopping and wandering the forest, taking a break to listen to the sounds…
Today’s track…
