The Windward Coast of the Big Island, Hawaii Trip Day Nine: Sunday, September 30, 2007 Pepe'ekoe Scenic Drive North of Hilo River Exits Underground Lava Tube

There IS light at the end of the tube! Dim light in the distance indicates the serpentine course of the river. Lava tubes are formed down in the center of a large lava flow when the outer sections of the flow begin to cool and solidify. The lava in the center retains its heat and gravity pulls the molton rock down hill. If the lava remains hot enough to continue its journey down hill at the end of the eruption, an empty tube remains. Here's a link to more detailed information.

The waters of this river rush into rock-strewn rapids after leaving the lava tube.

Photo by Pat Tyler Green & Yellow Nutmeg

Photo by Owen Tyler Ubiquitous Red-orange Flowers

Foliage of the Rain Forest Click any image above for the next page.

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