Thurston Lava Tube [Suggest Edits]

Description

This short walk into a several-hundred-year-old natural tunnel of hardened lava gives you an intimate glimpse of a volcano's power. Also called Nahuku, this is the most easily accessible of the many large lava tubes on the island. Part of the path is lighted with electrical light, showing the multicolored mineral deposits on the walls. Another optional section is kept dark, but with your own flashlight or phone, you can venture about 50 yards into this more rugged area.

If possible, visit early in the day to avoid crowds and to have a more serene experience. Parking is limited.

These lava tubes form when a river of lava gradually cools at the edges and builds walls and a ceiling. The source of the flow eventually stops and once the liquid lava runs out downhill, the hardened tube edges remain.

Short Walk: Located just off the parking area, this tube is easy to access.

Family Friendly: Easy access and a painless way to teach some volcanic geology to the little ones. Take a break from the sun and the heat in this cool cavern.

Gem Type: Geologic Feature