Hawaii Caving Travelogue 2010

From the Desert of Kau and Beyond

One of the most remote areas in the Kula Kai sections of the cave network here is called "The Chocolate Factory". Stephan Kempe is visiting from Germany working on lava cave geomorphology. Kipuka Kanohina is one of the most complex systems, and therefore one of the most puzzling, documented to date.

We took the one hour trip to the Chocolate Factory in order to examine some of the intricate passageways in the system and to visit one of the prettiest areas in the cave.

Peter joined the trip. We visited a chamber above the route into the Chocolate Factory, which contained this submerged lava ball and a number of curiosities, all giving some clue to the evolution of the cave.

Peter climbs up into the upper passage.

Emily in the heart of the Chocolate Factory.

Worth the trip.