Kaumana Caves, Hilo.

Portal to another dimension.

February 15, 2023.

To me, this lava tube was like a portal to another dimension. It looked like a cave, but it was actually formed by a lava flow from the Mauna Loa volcano back in the 1800s. The main tube of Kaumana Caves totals a distance of 25 miles underground. We didn’t explore all of it; instead, we decided to walk the one on the right that was about 2 miles in distance.

While we were going deeper into the cave, the lights from other explorers started to disappear, and the sharp rocks showed up. My headlight wasn’t bright enough, so I used my phone instead (it wasn’t the best, but I survived).

Through the opening in the ceiling, roots reached down, creating an eerie tropical setting. I sometimes felt that it was part of the movie Avatar, I tried to connect through my short hair in the tree of souls xD.

We were six people in total, and only two of us reached the exit out of that obscure subterranean world.

The cave entrance is free to the public and has restrooms and picnic tables available.

A suggestion: bring a good flashlight or headlamp (a backup), as well as sturdy shoes, and don’t forget to grab your fears' hand and walk with them because they will be there with you anyway.

From a psychological standpoint, my exploration of the lava tube and the Kaumana Caves presents an intriguing journey into the subconscious, rich with symbolism and challenges.

The identification of the lava tube as a portal to another dimension is a metaphor for introspection and self-discovery. In psychological terms, this could be seen as a representation of the individual's exploration of the inner self, entering the depths of the subconscious mind.

In conclusion, my adventure in the lava tube becomes a metaphorical exploration of the psyche, filled with psychological challenges, adaptability, and moments of introspective connection to deeper, universal themes.

Yoon from the other side.