Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku)

The Basics

The Thurston Lava Tube, also known as Nahuku, is one of several points of interest located along the park’s Crater Rim Drive. From the parking area, a 15- to 20-minute walk leads down through a fern forest to the cave-like tube. The tube features on just about every guided tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, as well as circle island and volcano-themed tours of the Big Island.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Thurston Lava Tube is a must-visit for first-time park visitors and anyone with an interest in volcanology.

• Watch your head: There are some low spots within the 600-foot (183-meter) tube.

• Bring a flashlight to take a closer look at some of the cave’s natural features.

• Be sure to wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.

• The Thurston Lava Tube is not wheelchair accessible, though there are accessible restrooms in the parking area.

How to Get There

The easiest way to reach the lava tube is to drive. The parking area and trailhead leading down to the tube sits 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) past the park entrance on Crater Rim Drive. From there, a short trail (0.3 miles or 0.5 kilometers) leads to the tube entrance.

When to Get There

Since the Thurston Lava Tube is one of the most accessible, and therefore most popular, natural features within the park, it’s a good idea to head there first thing in the morning to explore the tube with fewer people.

Other Attractions of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

If you’re visiting the national park independently, there are several notable points of interest you won’t want to miss. Smell the sulfurous gases of the volcano at Sulphur Banks, breathe in the warmth at the Steam Vents, take in the lunar-like landscapes of Devastation Trail, hike across the floor of Kilauea Iki crater, and watch the glow of the active volcano from the Jaggar Museum observatory.

Ways to explore

The Thurston Lava Tube is one of several points of interest located along Hawaii Volcanoes National Park’s Crater Rim Drive. From the parking area, a short walk leads down through a fern forest to the cave-like tube, which is roughly 600 feet (182 meters) long. You can bring the kids—it’s lit from 8am to 8pm to give cave-venturers surer footing.

This epic lava tube features on almost every guided tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the island’s “circle” tours, and nearly every volcano-themed tour. It’s popular for a reason.

Accessibility

The tube is not wheelchair accessible. Though sections are boardwalked or have railings, the terrain is uneven, and there are stairs.

Age limits

Up to parental discretion

What to pack

National parks pass, water, snacks, and a flashlight (especially outside of 8am-8pm when it’s lit)

What to wear

Sturdy footwear, rain gear

Not allowed

Don’t touch the walls or the tree root systems as you navigate the passage.

Amenities

Free limited parking, restrooms

Address

The Thurston Lava Tube is inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (entrance fee required) off Crater Rim Drive, not far from Volcano Village. Unless you’re with a tour, you’ll want a rental car.

Driving

There is extremely limited parking outside the Thurston Lava Tube. Unless you’re lucky, you’ll probably park at Kilauea Iki Overlook. From there, it’s about a .75-mile (1.2-kilometer) walk to the lava tube.

Public transportation

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park doesn’t have a shuttle service. A tour is your best bet if you don’t have a rental car. You could hail a taxi or a rideshare to the lava tube, but you’d be on foot for the rest of your park visit.

Best times to visit

If you can, visit before 9am. You might get on-site parking that way, and the crowds will be more manageable.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are often less crowded than weekends, though it’s more about time of day than the day itself. For this one, be an early bird.

Best months to visit

There’s no bad month to visit the Thurston Lava Tube, but April, May, September, and October are shoulder-season months.

Special events

The Experience Volcano festival in late July is a nice complement to any park visit, showcasing the area’s culture, people, and traditions.