One of Hawaii’s most fascinating hiking trails is the Thurston Lava Tube in Volcano National Park. The Nāhuku – Thurston Lava Tube was discovered in 1913, and it has since been a major attraction for tourists visiting Hawaii. If you’re headed to Hawaii anytime soon and looking for an exciting hiking adventure, the Thurston Lava Tube should be on top of your bucket list!

Planning Your day hike

Choosing the right day and time

One of the best times to visit Nāhuku – Thurston Lava Tube cave is during the day. The tube is open 24 hours a day, but if you visit during the daytime, you can see it in all its glory.

The tube is well-lit, and you’ll be able to see the incredible rock formations created during its formation. Many visitors love to take photos of the tube during the day, as the light creates interesting wall patterns.

Note: The cave is lit from 8 am to 8 pm. Avoid crowds by going after 4 pm or before 9 am.

Open year-round

Another excellent reason to visit the lava tube is that it’s open all year round. No matter when you plan your trip to Hawaii, you can explore this fascinating natural wonder.

Remember that the tube is located within Volcano National Park, and the park can get crowded during peak tourist season. If you want to avoid the crowds to this spelunking destination, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening.

Guided tours of the Nāhuku – Thurston Lava Tube

The guided tours are available for visitors who want to learn more about the formations and the geological history of the Thurston Lava Tube.

The tour guide will take you through the tube, explaining the unique formations and the rich history behind the tube’s creation. If you’re an adventurer, you can take a self-guided tour and explore the tube independently.

Admission fees to the Thurston Lava Tube

To get to Thurston Lava Tube, you’ll need to head towards the Kīlauea Iki Overlook, where you’ll find a parking area.

The open-air parking lot area is free, but the National Park Service charges $30 per vehicle for admission. Once you’re on the grounds, walk through the lush rainforest to reach the tube’s entrance.

Parking options

There’s two parking areas:

• Kiluea Iki Overlook
• Thurston Lava tube

Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) is limited, especially during peak season. First, try parking just off Chain of Craters Road at the lava tube parking area. It’s a small parking lot for the number of visitors going to see the lava tube.

Other parking for Thurston Lava Tube is 1/2 mile away also on Chain of Craters Road at Kīlauea Iki Overlook. It’s on the opposite side of the road as the other parking lot.

Geology and history of Thurston lava tubes

The Thurston Lava Tube, or Nāhuku – Thurston Lava Tube, is a 500-year-old collapsed lava tube extending hundreds of feet. Visitors can only enter the first 100 meters of the tube, illuminated by artificial lights.

The tube forms a natural tunnel, creating a unique and exciting hiking experience. When you go spelunking in this lava tube in Hawaii, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the raw power of volcanic eruptions.

Publisher Lorrin Thurston discovered the tube

Discovered in 1913 by a newspaper publisher named Lorrin Thurston, Thurston Lava Tube (also known as Nāhuku) is a remarkable lava tunnel that formed nearly 500 years ago.

The molten lava from Kilauea Volcano continued to flow while the surface solidified and formed a tube. The lava tube entrance is located conveniently off Crater Rim Drive and is open 24 hours a day.

Thurston Lava Tube Formation

What is it

The Thurston Lava Tube, or the Nāhuku – Thurston Lava Tube, is a natural tube formed by molten lava river. This river of lava continued to flow throughout the lava rock, forming a tube. This lava was an astounding 2000 degrees Fahrenheit (1093° celsius)!

The native Hawaiians named the tube Nāhuku, which means “the protuberances”. This word refers to the lava protuberances that once dominated the lava tube cave. They were gradually removed as souvenirs by travelers and no longer exist.

Discovered in 1913, the tube was created when a lava flow slowly crusted over, allowing the lava inside to continue flowing until it eventually emptied, leaving behind a long, hollow tube.

Today, the tube is a popular tourist attraction in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and offers visitors the chance to walk through a cave formed by lava.

Getting to this hawaii lava cave

Location of the Nāhuku – Thurston Lava Tube

The Nāhuku Lava Tube on Big Island is close to the park’s Crater Rim Drive. Visitors must take a short walk through lush rainforest vegetation to reach the tube’s entrance. The tube is about 600 feet long, and visitors can walk through the entire length to observe the natural wonders of Hawaii.

The tube is relatively open. Some portions of this Big Island lava tube have ceilings as tall as 20 feet. It is the perfect environment for visitors to observe the unique tube formations created by centuries of geological activity.

Thurston Lava Tube Map

Exploring the Thurston Lava Tubes

Enter the lava tube at your own risk. Potential hazards are:

• Falling rocks
• Low rock formations or ceilings
• Pools of water
• Rocks on the ground or tripping hazards
• Low light conditions or even no light (the tube is lit 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily)

Highlights of the tubes

This Big Island lava tube is close to the park’s Crater Rim Drive. Visitors must take a short walk through lush rainforest vegetation to reach the tube’s entrance. The tube is about 600 feet long, and visitors can walk through the entire length to observe the natural wonders of Hawaii.

The tube has a narrow path, and the low ceiling provides a perfect environment for visitors to observe the unique tube formations created by centuries of geological activity. Take the Nāhuku trail to access the entrance to this spelunking adventure.

1. Entrance and stairs

The entrance to the Nāhuku – Thurston Lava Tube in Hawaii is along Crater Rim Drive in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The tube is easily accessible, only a short walk from the parking lot.

You’ll cross a small bridge once you get close to the entrance. This wooden bridge has metal hand rails making it easy to navigate safely. On the inside, you’ll find a set of stairs that will take you down into the underground tunnel. The stairs are well-lit, making navigating and exploring the lava tunnel easy.

2. Interior chambers of the Nāhuku – Thurston Lava Tube

Once inside the tube, you’re transported into a completely different world. The tube is approximately 500 feet long and features a fascinating network of interior chambers.

The tunnel’s interior comprises pahoehoe lava, with smooth walls and a rough, uneven floor. Walking through the lava tunnel will give you a sense of what the area must have been like during the volcanic eruption. Be careful where you step! There are often small pools of water and loose rocks.

3. Skylights

The tube is well-lit and has a relatively flat surface, making walking through it very comfortable. The lava tunnel has unique features, such as the “Tree Tube,” where living tree roots have grown from the top of the tube and penetrated the surface, creating a small opening.

Visitors can also take amazing photos of the tube’s unique formations and the incredible light that filters through the tube’s ceiling. For the best photos, it’s advisable to use a camera with good low-light capabilities to capture the exceptional beauty of this geological wonder.

One of the most stunning features of this lava tube is the presence of natural skylights. As you go spelunking in the lava tunnel, you’ll notice small ceiling openings known as skylights.

These openings allow natural light to enter, casting a beautiful glow inside the tunnel. It’s an incredibly serene and peaceful environment that transports you back in time.

4. Exit of the Nāhuku – Thurston Lava Tube

The exit of the tube is just as easy to navigate as the entrance. You’ll travel a short distance through the tunnel and soon come upon a staircase that will take you back to the surface.

As you exit the lava tube, you’ll find yourself in the lush flora of the rainforest in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, surrounded by some of the most impressive natural scenery you’ve ever seen.

Other Activities nearby

Visiting Volcano National Park

• Kilauea Caldera
• Crater Rim Drive
• Chain of Craters Road
• Jaggar Museum
• Devastation Trail
• Mauna Loa Lookout

Visit other Big Island lava tubes

• Kaumana Cave: (Hilo lava tube – 2 miles of lava tube. You can explore to the end before it enters private property. To get there, take Saddle Road (take Highway 200 and drive to the 4 and 5-mile markers)
• Kazumura Caves: Kīlauea lava tube
• Kula Kai Caverns: Ocean View, Hawaii lava tube

Tips for a Successful Visit

Wear appropriate clothing and shoes

Nāhuku is a unique natural attraction in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and it’s essential to wear the proper clothing and shoes.

The temperature inside the lava tube is usually cooler than outside, so bring a light jacket. Comfortable walking shoes with good traction are essential since the ground inside the tube can be uneven.

Bring water and snacks to Nāhuku – Thurston Lava Tube

Exploring Nāhuku can be exhausting, and staying hydrated is crucial. Bring a water bottle and snacks to keep your energy level up.

Be prepared for changing weather conditions

Hawaii’s weather can be unpredictable, and it’s essential to check the weather forecast before you visit. It’s not uncommon for it to rain even when the forecast says it will be sunny. Bring a rain jacket if rain is forecasted. Similarly, remember to bring sunscreen and a hat if the weather is hot and sunny.

Note: Use the NPS website for more information on current conditions at Volcano National Park.

Respect park rules and regulations

The Nāhuku Thurston Lava Tube in Big Island is a natural wonder, and treating it respectfully is essential. Observe all the park rules and regulations, such as staying on the designated trails, not littering, and not removing any plants or rocks from the tube.

Avoid touching the cave walls since the oils in your skin can damage the fragile ecosystem on this spelunking adventure.

Leave no trace at the Nāhuku – Thurston Lava Tube

Following the “leave no trace” principle is crucial when exploring the Nāhuku Thurston Lava Tube in Hawaii, Big Island. The tube is a fragile ecosystem; even the slightest disturbance can upset the natural balance. Make sure you don’t leave any trash behind, and pack out everything you bring with you.

Bring photography equipment

If you’re interested in capturing the natural beauty of Thurston Lava Tube on Big Island near Kona, remember to bring your camera. You can snap some impressive photos of the lava tube in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, making your trip even more memorable. There are various points around the tube to take great pictures, so explore them all.

Explore the Thurston Lava Tubes!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers an incredible experience of geological wonders and subterranean adventures unique to this part of the world. The Nāhuku – Thurston Hawaii Lava Tube is a perfect example of the rich geological history that has shaped these incredible islands.

If you plan a trip to Hawaii, add the Thurston Lava Tube to your itinerary for an unforgettable experience. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and embark on a journey of discovery to the magnificent Nāhuku – Thurston Lava Tube in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.