Kaumana Caves State Park

The Basics

Concrete stairs take you down to the Kaumana Caves’ entrance, a skylight that formed when part of the lava tube collapsed. There are two paths; the one to the right leads to a larger cavern than the left, but both can be explored. Keep your eye out for a diverse array of lava formations, including red-colored rock—lava that cooled so fast it retained its red color.

Up to 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) of the caves can be explored independently, before you end up on private land. Visitors can also opt to join a volcano-themed tour that also stops at Volcano National Park, Mauna Kea State Park, or MacKenzie State Park.

Things to Know Before You Go

• It’s free to enter the Kaumana Caves.

• Be careful crossing the road from the parking lot to the entrance.

• The caves are not illuminated, and it will get very dark after about 200 feet (61 meters); bring flashlights or headlamps if you plan to go any farther.

• Wear closed-toed, nonslip shoes; the ground can be uneven and slippery.

• Consider bringing a light jacket as water can drip from the ceiling.

• Those planning on any serious exploration should wear long pants, bring plenty of water, and consider a hard hat, gloves, and knee pads.

• Be careful leaving valuables in your car, as thefts have occurred in the area.

How to Get There

The Kaumana Caves are located just west of mile marker 4 on the Hilo side of the Saddle Road (Highway 200). From Hilo, it’s about a 15-minute drive. Parking is located across the street.

When to Get There

The Kaumana Caves can be visited at any time, and the cooler temperatures inside will be a relief on a hot day. Avoid going too far into the caves when there is a serious rainstorm, as there is a potential for flooding in some sections.

Saving Hilo

The same lava flow that created the Kaumana Caves threatened the town of Hilo in 1881. Legend has it that Princess Ruth Ke’elikolani came over from Honolulu, camped directly in front of the lava flow, and prayed to the goddess Pele to spare the town. The lava flow stopped 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) from Hilo Bay.

Ways to explore

Kaumana Caves State Park is free to enter and open year-round. A metal staircase leads down through a skylight into twin lava-tube passages. You can typically explore the public-access sections on your own—no permits or reservations are required—but sturdy shoes, flashlights, and caution are essential.

Alternatively, Kaumana Caves is often included on guided small-group tours that depart from Hilo. These tours generally combine a visit to the caves with nearby highlights such as Rainbow Falls, black sand beaches, or Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Guided options include round-trip transportation, local commentary, and time to explore the accessible sections of the tube.

Accessibility

The caves are not wheelchair accessible. The entrance requires descending steep metal stairs, and the cave floor is uneven, rocky, and unlit.

Age limits

None, but young children may struggle with the uneven terrain, and cave exploration inherently carries risk.

What to pack

Multiple bright flashlights or headlamps, water bottle, durable gloves if exploring deeper sections

What to wear

Closed-toe shoes with good grip, long pants, light jacket (cave interior can be damp or humid)

Not allowed

Smoking, littering, removing or defacing lava formations—these cave structures are protected

Amenities

Parking, restrooms, picnic tables near entrance

Address

Kaumana Caves State Park is located just north of Hilo and is easily accessible by car, bus, taxi, or tour. Guided tours from Hilo often include transportation along with stops at other island highlights.

Driving

From downtown Hilo, take Highway 19/Waiānuenue Avenue, then turn onto Kaumana Drive. After about 3 miles, watch for signs, and park in the small roadside lot. Cross carefully to reach the metal stairs descending into the cave.

Public transportation

Use the Hele‑On Bus Route 102 from Hilo’s Mooheau Bus Terminal. It stops along Kaumana Drive, about a 5‑minute walk from the cave entrance. Buses run hourly—check current schedules before you go.

Best times to visit

Visit in the morning for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures inside the cave. Arrive in the early afternoon when the light filters photogenically through the skylights.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends; lighter crowds make it easier to enjoy the natural setting.

Best months to visit

Kaumana Caves is a year-round destination. However, wetter months like November through March may make trail and cave floors slipperier—be extra careful during these months.