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Nahuku Thurston Lava Tube
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Lava Tube
Current access: The new entrance bridge and the rainforest loop are open. Nāhuku is open 24 hours, with cave lighting from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Bring a flashlight or headlamp outside those hours, and watch for low ceilings, standing water, and other tripping hazards. Check the NPS Nāhuku page before you go.
Located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube) is one of the main attractions for visitors as they explore the park. Like veins leading from the central 'heart' of the volcano, lava tubes direct molten earth toward the ocean.
As the lava flows, the outer crust begins to harden while the inner lava continues to flow. Once the flow stops, the tunnel formation remains. Nāhuku formed about 500 years ago. The tube is named for Lorrin Thurston, a newspaper publisher who played an instrumental role in creating the park.
You will take a short trail through lush vegetation replete with tropical ferns and singing honeycreeper birds called ʻapapane. Cross the entrance bridge, and you enter the dark world of a lava tube. The loop returns to daylight on the other side. Restrooms are available near the trailhead. Parking at Nāhuku is extremely limited, and Kīlauea Iki Overlook provides an alternate trailhead.
If you want to experience a lava tube that is even more spectacular and much less visited than Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube), consider a Volcano Tour offered by the Volcano Van.
