Page 90 - Volcano and Geothermal Tourism

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The Lure of Lava Tubes:

Exploring Lava Tube Tourism

on the Big Island of Hawai‘i

Lisa M. King Island volcanoes and describes the processes
which form lava tubes. The diverse values possessed
Introduction by Big Island lava tubes are introduced and the

As one of the world’s leading holiday destinations, human activities threatening these sites are
presented. Key lava tubes open to the public and
the Hawaiian Islands are renowned for their the types of tours offered by entrepreneurial cave
tropical scenery, luxurious resorts, cultural and entrance owners are discussed. The chapter
historical sites, laid‑back lifestyle and diversity of concludes with a case study of the Pua Po‘o
outdoor recreational opportunities. Tourism and adventure tour conducted by Hawai‘i Volcanoes
outdoor recreation are firmly linked with Hawai‘i’s National Park staff and highlights how small
iconic geologic features (King, 2010). The volcanic group adventure tours can successfully transfer to
origins of the Hawaiian Islands has produced tour participants the appreciation of, and
many well known and well marketed geomorpho‑ conservation attitudes towards, Hawaiian lava
logical attractions across the Hawaiian Islands tubes.
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including Diamond Head Crater, Haleakala,
Molokini Crater, Hanauma Bay, Mauna Kea, the Introducing the ‘Big Five’
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Na Pali Coast and the volcanoes of the Hawai‘i
Volcanoes National Park – Mauna Loa and of the Big Island
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Kl lauea. Ongoing volcanic activity on the Big The Big Island of Hawai‘i is the youngest and
Island of Hawai‘i attracts visitors from all over the largest of the Hawaiian Islands. The island is
world to view active lava flows and volcanic composed of five shield volcanoes: Mauna Kea,
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landscapes. However, few visitors are familiar with Mauna Loa, Kl lauea, Hualalai and Kohala, each
Hawai‘i’s unique underground volcanic attractions – created over a long series of eruptions consisting of
its lava tube caves. fluid lavas, that over time, built upon themselves
This chapter introduces lava tube tourism on and coalesced into the Big Island as viewed today
the Big Island (also known as Hawai‘i Island or (Hazlett and Hyndman, 1996). Mauna Kea is the
the Big Island of Hawai‘i) and how small group tallest volcano in the Hawaiian Islands with a
adventure tours assist in promoting lava tube height of 4205m. It last erupted between 6000 and
protection and conservation by fostering personal 4000 years ago and may erupt again (United States
experiences with these unique environments. The Geological Survey [USGS], 2002). This massive
chapter begins with a brief orientation to Big shield volcano is home to an international collection

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