No running, pushing, or horseplay should be allowed in the caves area. The caves area has long been a favorite part of the park. The unique features of this area can be enjoyed safely by taking a few precautions. A brochure about the caves is available at the trail head. As the hot, fluid pahoehoe lava flows across the surface it forms rivers and channels.
Hot lava continues to flow beneath the crust.
When the eruption ends and the supply of lava stops, the lava drains out from beneath the crust leaving an empty tunnel or tube. From here you can see the source of the Blue Dragon Lava Flow that formed the caves area. The Blue Dragon Flow erupted from a fissure at the base of Big Craters and the Spatter Cones. The Blue Dragon Flow is one of the youngest flows in the park. Lava tubes are like a giant underground plumbing system for an eruption.