CAVE CONSERVANCY OF HAWAI‘I

WITH YOUR HELP, WE CAN PROTECT

HAWAII’S LAVA TUBES.

The Cave Conservancy of Hawaiʻi (CCH) was established as a non-profit 501 (c) 3 corporation in 2002.  It developed as a grass roots organization formed by a group of people with an interest in documenting cave resources on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi.  Local land owners and cave cartographers from various areas of the mainland realized the significance of the Hawaiian lava tube caves and the resources they contain. The Bylaws can be found here.

The original concept of the organization included several goals. Land acquisition, public awareness, education, and land owner relationships were the main focus. 

A history of the Cave Conservancy of Hawaiʻi and its current projects as the organization celebrates its 20th Anniversary, can be found in the January 2023 issue of the NSS News.

The Cave Conservancy of Hawaiʻi is licensed to operate throughout the state. However, the Kipuka Kanohina Cave System near Ocean View, with its size, complexity and natural historical and cultural significance, has been the primary focus of the organization. Specifically, the CCH has been successful in purchasing land in this area in order to protect one of the most significant cave of the Big Island. 

From a geologic resource perspective, this cave system comprises one of the longest and most unique lava tube complexes currently known on the planet. The labyrinths of underground passages that comprise this system also preserve and protect a wealth of archeological resources. Documentation of this extensive cache of material has continued for 20 years, and has been an extremely valuable ongoing program. With funding, we will continue to pursue this particular project and reach out to acquire other properties that contain significant resources. The CCH is also working in concert with the National Speleological Society (NSS) and other land conservancies on Hawaiʻi Island.

MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

The overall management objective is to promote scientific study of the unique resources (geological, mineralogical, biological, and cultural), and to preserve cave systems from adverse impact inadvertently created by development of commercial or residential properties. Excavation and backfill for road and foundation placement, breaching by septic installation and use of puka entrances as landfills are some of the more significant threats. One prime objective of the organization is to survey and photograph the cave in order to record all significant resources. This is the first step in commencing research on the archeological, mineralogical and geological resources that the caves protect.

PUBLIC AWARENESS

The Conservancy promotes public awareness about the value of lava tubes through building information kiosks, and public presentations by members.  Lands that are owned by the conservancy will be designated as green natural areas within the existing subdivisions. An effort will also be made by the CCH in order to establish working relationships with land owners that have cave passages underlying their properties. Documenting the nature of the cave in relation to the surface and any structures, septic systems or roads that are to be constructed has proven to be a very effective tool that will both minimize impact to the cave and avoid dangerous construction hazards for the private land owner.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Since its founding, the CCH has successfully acquired more than 84 acres overlying the Kanohina Cave System in Kaʻū. All of these lands will be designated as preserve with no construction projects to be undertaken in these areas.

FUTURE GOALS

With the continuing support of members and grant funding agencies, the organization expects to continue to acquire, document, solicit scientific study and foster conservation awareness on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. Establishing preserves in order to protect the valuable resources of this most unusual environmental niche will continue to be our primary mission.