Thurston Lava Tube Nahuku
Walk through a 500-year-old lava tube surrounded by a lush rainforest in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Thurston Lava Tube Nahuku
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk through a 500-year-old lava tube surrounded by a lush rainforest in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
"Walking through the lava tube feels like stepping into another world — cool, mysterious, and full of history."
🎯 Limited Parking Alert!
Parking is very limited. Arrive early or late, or use the overflow lot if available. :car:
🔦 Night Visit? Bring a Light!
The tube is lit until 8 PM. After that, you'll need your own flashlight for a unique experience. :flashlight:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Lava Tube Itself
Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube)
Walk through a 500-year-old, naturally formed tunnel where molten lava once flowed.
Lush Rainforest Walk
Trail to Nahuku
Experience a vibrant, tropical rainforest before descending into the lava tube.
Ancient Volcanic History
Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube)
Understand the powerful geological forces that shaped this unique subterranean passage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Nahuku
Accessibility and What to Expect
some reviews mention steep stairs and uneven terrain inside the tube, making it less ideal for those with mobility issues or very young children. The loop is short, but the experience is impactful. Best Times
Insider Tips
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🎯 Limited Parking Alert!
Parking is very limited. Arrive early or late, or use the overflow lot if available. :car:
🔦 Night Visit? Bring a Light!
The tube is lit until 8 PM. After that, you'll need your own flashlight for a unique experience. :flashlight:
👟 Comfortable Footwear Recommended
The path can be uneven inside the tube. Wear sturdy shoes for a safe and enjoyable walk.
💧 Take Advantage of Restrooms
Restrooms near the entrance/exit are one of the few with running water in the park. :toilet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Limited Parking Alert!
Parking is very limited. Arrive early or late, or use the overflow lot if available. :car:
🔦 Night Visit? Bring a Light!
The tube is lit until 8 PM. After that, you'll need your own flashlight for a unique experience. :flashlight:
👟 Comfortable Footwear Recommended
The path can be uneven inside the tube. Wear sturdy shoes for a safe and enjoyable walk.
💧 Take Advantage of Restrooms
Restrooms near the entrance/exit are one of the few with running water in the park. :toilet:
🚶♀️ Easy Loop, Big Impact
The loop is a short, easy walk, but the experience of walking through a lava tube is unforgettable.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube) to be an incredible natural wonder, offering a cool and mysterious experience walking through ancient lava flows. While many enjoy the easy loop and the surrounding rainforest, some note that parking is very limited and the stairs can be steep, making it less accessible for some.
"Cool lava tube, not too busy! Would have loved to have seen it at night too. The loop is nice, stairs down and somehow you end up above it when you come out. Restrooms near the entrance/exit of the loop - one of the few with running water so take advantage!"
Steph Couvrette
"The lava tube is fun and a natural experience! How often can you walk over a hundred feet through a tube that carried lava, without bending over? It was "One huge lava tube". Once down to the lava tube an easy walk on the path to and from the tube with many plants identified.
Very limited parking! Not handicap or child friendly, with very steep stairs to the lava tube and uneven walking inside the tube."
Richard Chang
"Nāhuku Lava Tube – Big Island
An incredible natural wonder worth visiting! Walking through the lava tube feels like stepping into another world — cool, mysterious, and full of history. It’s an easy stop inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and a great way to experience the raw power of nature up close. Definitely a must-see on the Big Island!"
TANAWAT KAMNERDMANEE
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube) is located within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. Follow signs from the park entrance towards the Kīlauea Iki Trailhead, where the lava tube is situated.
Yes, it's well-signposted within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Look for signs directing you to the Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube) Trailhead.
While it's possible to reach Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park via tours or shuttle services, having your own vehicle offers the most flexibility to explore different areas like Nahuku at your own pace. Parking can be a challenge, so consider this when planning.
The most common access is via the short loop trail from the parking area. Some visitors also access it as part of longer hikes like the Kīlauea Iki Trail.
Public transportation directly to the lava tube is not available. You'll need to drive or arrange transport to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Thurston Lava Tube is located within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, which requires an entrance fee. The fee is per vehicle and valid for several days.
The park itself has hours, but the lava tube loop is generally accessible during daylight. It is lit until 8 PM (2000), after which you'll need your own flashlight.
No, once you've paid the entrance fee for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, there is no additional charge to walk through the Thurston Lava Tube.
Tickets are for the national park entrance, not specifically for the lava tube. You can purchase park entrance passes online in advance or at the park entrance stations.
The park and its trails, including the lava tube, are generally open year-round. However, always check the official Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park website for any temporary closures or alerts due to volcanic activity or maintenance.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
The loop trail around the lava tube is very short, often described as taking only about 5-10 minutes to complete.
While many find it family-friendly,
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes as the path inside the tube can be uneven. Layers are also recommended as temperatures can vary.
Yes, the main path through the lava tube is illuminated until 8 PM (2000). After that, you will need your own flashlight.
The path inside the tube is generally flat and walkable, but can be uneven in places. There are also stairs to access the tube.
📸 📸 Photography
The entrance and exit of the tube offer dramatic shots with the lush rainforest framing the opening. Inside, capture the unique textures of the lava rock walls and the illuminated path.
Yes, photography is allowed inside the lava tube. Be mindful of other visitors and use your flash sparingly to preserve the atmosphere.
The tube is lit until 8 PM, which helps with photos. If visiting after dark, a tripod and good flashlight will be essential for capturing clear images.
A smartphone with good low-light capabilities or a mirrorless/DSLR camera with a wide-angle lens would be ideal for capturing the scale of the tube and the surrounding rainforest.
Drones are generally prohibited in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, including at Thurston Lava Tube, to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check park regulations before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The rainforest walk leading to the tube is also a sensory delight. However, be aware that the stairs down into the tube can be steep, and the path inside is uneven, so keep a close eye on little ones. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
It's a great place to connect with the island's volcanic history. If you're looking for a longer hike, the Kīlauea Iki Trailhead is often accessed from the same parking area, offering a more strenuous adventure. 📸 Photographers
+1 The well-lit interior (until 8 PM) provides good conditions for smartphone photography, while a flashlight can create atmospheric shots after dark. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of Nahuku: A Lava Tube's Story
+1The tube itself is a testament to the immense power and dynamic nature of volcanic activity. Its Hawaiian name, Nāhuku, translates to 'the protuberances,' possibly referencing the lava drippings that once hung from its ceiling. Walking through Nahuku offers a tangible connection to these ancient geological processes, allowing visitors to experience a space shaped by fiery rivers of rock.
The tube is remarkably well-preserved and accessible, featuring a well-maintained path that allows visitors to walk through a significant portion of its length. The contrast between the dark, cool interior of the tube and the vibrant, humid rainforest outside is striking. This unique environment makes Nahuku a must-see for anyone interested in the natural wonders of the Big Island.
+1Navigating Nahuku: Practical Tips for Visitors
The path is generally easy to follow, with the main tube section being well-lit until 8 PM (2000). Parking is a significant consideration. The designated parking lot is small and can fill up quickly, especially during peak hours. Visitors are advised to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to increase their chances of finding a spot. If the main lot is full, there is an overflow lot available.
For those seeking a more adventurous experience, consider visiting after dark. With a flashlight, you can explore the tube in a completely different, more mysterious atmosphere.
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