The first lava cave I've ever gone through was in New Zealand, Rangitoto Island. It was a bit more challenging than this little lava tube. This was the second lava tube I've ever gone through, and it was quite easy and short. Easy that families and kids walk through it like nothin'! Inside, the trail is pretty flat and wide in some parts. The ceiling height isn't very high, but also wasn't too low that you'd have to duck down all the time. We came here on a rainy day, so there were a few small puddles we had to go around. The trail was lit up with lights along the path as well. So you won't really get lost. But I still ended up turning on my cell phone light just for safety. Walking through it was just basically making a big U shape from one end to the other. There wasn't a lot of people walking with us, compared to what others have reviewed. I guess we came at the right time. From the parking lot to the entrance (starting right), the paved trail headed downward to the lava tube was very green and very tropical. I was excited just being surrounded by all the plants and nature in general. After the lava tube walk, the greenery was a bit more open and woodsy as we looped back to the parking lot. We finished this walk in about 15 minutes. And although short, we all found it enjoyable from start to finish. read more

Thurston Lava Tube - Frontage - Parks Near Me

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We explored the Thurston Lava Tube, a short 0.4-mile loop that took around half an hour. We had an elderly person with us, and while the approach to the tunnel is on the steep side, it was manageable with support. Inside the tube it was darker than expected, but you could still navigate without a flashlight. The trail through the forest has mini placards about native plants that offered both interesting info and natural rest spots. A great, memorable experience for anyone with limited mobility who still wants a taste of adventure. read more

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This was a great stop in the National Park. Great experience seeing one of the carverns made from old lava. It was nice that there were some lights in the Lava tube to help guide the way. The floor was pretty wet and it was cold inside. The Hike was not too long. It was less than a moderate hike as well. the experience to go through a lava tube 10/10 The trailhead to get into the Kīlauea Iki crater is right across the street from the trailhead of the Lava tube. So it may be difficult to find parking. There is over flow parking at the view point prior to this parking lot. but it is a hike to get there. If you miss this parking lot you won't be able to U-turn for a while. Also there is a lot of pedestrians walking near by so please Slow Down in the area. read more

Easy and interesting stroll in a lit lava tube. Part of our visit to Volcanoes National Park during the federal government shutdown. We appreciated that the lava tube remained lit despite the federal government shutdown. read more

The Thurston Lava Tube is a nice side detour if you are visiting the Volcanoes National Park. A natural lava tube located a few miles from the Volcanoes National Park entrance is an easy 30 min side detour, but be wary of the limited parking as you go there. If you pass the limited parking, you have to drive another few miles down a twisting road and then circle back past the Lava Tube , drive another few miles and then turn around and then come back. The venue itself is a short walk down to the tube, and then an 1/8th mile walk and then back out. The best place to take a picture actually is before you get into the tube before the entrance. Pictures in the tube are hard to get and don't come out well. Again, a nice visit if you have some spare time of about 30 minutes. read more

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Very crowded , little to no parking Beautiful scenery, steep switch backs leading into the lava tube. The lava tube is pretty short but well lit from 8-8pm Can do this portion under 30 minutes Temp is a little colder then outside temp -we didn't need jackets Overall our family enjoyed the quick stop read more

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One of our favorite stops while visiting Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and should definitely be included in your itinerary. We were lucky enough to get some of the limited parking at the trailhead to the lava tube, and it's about a 0.4 mile roundtrip hike from this point. It's an easy hike, and you'll get to walk through a beautiful rainforest to the lava tube. For such a short, easy hike, there's a lot of beautiful nature packed into it. We did the hike after dark (so I don't have a context for the daytime), but it is incredible at night. They have some lights set up in the tube, and it really gives it an ethereal feel. Gives you pause to think about how this magnificent piece of nature was created more than 500 years ago from lava flow. There is stagnant water on the ground as well as water dripping in from above, so just be careful as you walk. If you're going to do this after dark, even though it's an easy hike, I'd recommend having a light source (even just the flashlight on your phone) to help out for the walk. They do have nice, clean bathrooms at the end of the trail that I'd recommend taking advantage of. Overall, this is quick must-stop during your visit to the park. read more

Thurston Lava Tube - Thurston Lava Tube - Parks Near Me

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Very, very easy site to see. Parking about 50 feet away in slotted spaces. One small loop... down some stairs, through a decently lit tunnel, out the other side and back to the car. 15 minutes or so total. The lava tube (aka tunnel) is pretty neat. Cool rock formation and kind of sloppy wet ground. read more

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Parking can be a challenge but one can park at the Kilauea Iki Overlook and have a nice 0.5 mile hike to the Lava Tube. A short walk down the rain forest to where the lava once flowed. The lava tube is open 24 hours and lighted inside. There are some steps in and out of the lava tube but not difficult. Quite an amazing experience to walk through a lava tube in a rain forest. read more

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Parking here is limited so either come early or prepare to wait a bit. The entrance to the lava tube is across the street from the parking area. There are bathrooms located to the left. It is a fairly easy walk it took us less than 30 mins in and out. read more

Thurston Lava Tube - Parks Near Me

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The Thurston Lava Tube is a 500-year-old cave that was formed by a river of molten lava. I believe it's one of the better, more worthwhile attractions to visit while navigating around Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The Lava Tube is one of the first attractions you'll discover along Crater Rim Drive, a roadside stop located about 1.5 miles from the Kilauea Visitor Center. I think what was best about taking the short walk through here was the setting. Around the park you have a very remote and desolate volcanic landscape and then this cave is situated within a lush green rainforest. It was quite unusual to be immersed in such tropical surroundings, a pleasant contrast from the sights among the rest of Hawaii Volcanoes NP. Now...when I first saw road signs for the Thurston Lava Tube, I happened to turn into the Kilauea Iki Overlook parking lot which made it a 1.5-mile hike to and from the cave. And...along the way I got to view Kilauea Iki Crater from high above the walkway. Eventually I just had to cross the street on Crater Rim Drive and continue down a short ramp to the lava tube. But...what I realized is that when continuing along Crater Rim Drive, I could have parked a little further down the road at the Nahuku Parking Area (which was what most tourists were doing) and from there it was simply a 0.5-mile loop walk. So...no problem, I gave myself one extra mile to arrive at the Thurston Lava Tube, but it did give me an opportunity to view Kilauea Iki Crater in its entirety and take some decently photogenic pictures. The entranceway inside the cave was a cool moment to grab a picture. It felt like I was standing on a remote island in the middle of nowhere and far away from reality, which I appreciated. Walking inside the lava tube was okay. It was pretty dark inside though they do provide some guided floor lighting and handrails. Unfortunately, I never captured any "wow" moments from being inside the cave. And...after exiting I just returned back crossing over Crater Rim Drive and retracing my steps along the Kilauea Iki Overlook pedestrian pathway towards my car. Although I've been critical and disappointed with a lot of the sights, sceneries and landmarks throughout Hawaii Volcanoes NP, I believe this Thurston Lava Tube was a better representation of a more positive memory from my experience while exploring throughout the park. read more

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Honestly, the moment I heard that big island got lava tube, all the places I wanna visit in the island was temporarily gotten away. Why? Because when it is a 500-year old lava tube and there was once a flowing river of lava with a temperature that exceeds 2000 degree Fahrenheit you gotta be some sort of alien if that doesn't excites you. Upon entering it's a puzzle to me how this natural attraction formed even if there already hundreds & thousands of articles published on how lava formed as time goes by. Everyone who'll visit this will be stoked even if it only takes few minutes to walk through it. It's a bit cooler inside and if you are lucky to be walking through alone or with your few comrades you'll feel how the serene of the tube is and that how privilege you are to be able to experience it in reality. It is totally worth it! Always pay respect and feast your eyes on its beauty. Indulge the moment and appreciate how mama Earth formed a beautiful disaster for you to currently enjoy it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Mahalo for reading and happy juandering fellow yeeps! read more

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Who doesn't want to walk through a lava tube form hundreds of years ago, that used to be 2000 degrees? The direction to the lava tube is very clear. It is directly to the left of the entrance of the national park, and then signs everywhere. After we parked the car at the indicated parking for the lava tube, we hiked for a little bit, saw a large cool volcano crater, and saw people walking inside the crater. Surprisingly, the temperature was a little chill at 2pm, only because I was expecting it to be hot. At the end of the hike, there was another overflow parking lot, closer to the lava tube. So for those of you prefer to be closer, there is a closer parking. The lava tube itself is located in a tropical forest setting. Steep downhill to the entrance. The lava tube itself is short, took 10 minutes to walk through. It was dark and lighted faintly. Enough to see. Very nice. read more

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Bring flash lights at night! We arrived at night around 9 PM to visit the park. Decided to check out the lava tube. Driving there was pitch black and going into the cave was a bit creepy too. It wasn't too long of a loop. It will take at least 15-20 minutes to be done. Neat place! read more

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This is an attraction made by nature that is amazing to visit. You start at the overflow parking lot on a trail down into a tropical rain forest. The trail is concrete and can get a little steep at times. There are hand rails for support if needed. From the parking lot it takes about 5 minutes to reach the opening of the lava tube. What you are entering is essentially a cave with an exit. A tunnel bored through by lava centuries ago. The path inside is still a solid surface and the ceiling is high enough that one should be able to stand without issue. While there are lights in the tube it us still fairly dark and hard to see. It takes about another 5-10 minutes to pass through the tube before you pop out on the other side. What goes down must come up so the trail from the d it to the car is an uphill climb. There are some steps at the very beginning. If you have time, enjoy the different species of plants that you pass as you exit. It's about 10 minutes back making the whole trip about 30 total. The lava tubes are not only one of the shorter walks you will experience at the park but maybe one of the most scenic. It is a park must! read more

Thurston Lava Tube - Through the tube - Parks Near Me

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I checked out this lava tube at the end of the Kilauea Iki Trail hike. It's conveniently placed about 1.3 miles away from the end of the hike loop. Just go into the parking area, cross the street and it's right there. The loop took about 20 minutes and was just amazing to see. It was nice that there were lights inside, however you may want to bring a flashlight if you want to avoid puddles. It was a great way to take a break from the ongoing hike. read more

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Who doesnt want to check out the lava tube....one if the highlights if the Volcano National Park. Parking for the lava tube is limited to about eight cars. Best bet is to park above at the kiluea trail .5 mile hike. Very beautiful through the rain forest with lots of lookouts and photo ops along the way. The lava tubes just reopened a week ago after being closed just less than a year. Stability issus i suppose. The tube is basically a cave about 75 yards long. It has lights Inside but they are shut off after 8pm. So bring a flashlight and good walking shoes. Its really impressive for what it is and the walk to and from is so beautiful. read more

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Quick little walk through a lava tube. Its well lighted and has a even walkway. You have to traverse a small switchback to get down to the tube itself. It's one way you pop up in a shady glen with a nature walk back towards the restrooms. Parking is limited here, arrive early. read more

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For a two hour self-tour of the lava tubes, this spot is primo! I've never been under a rainforest, but can appreciate the underground tube, as water drips onto me, and the puddles accumulate more and more, as the rain falls. No worries about flooding, as much is protected by the forest canopy and this tube appears to be the largest among the various lava tubes available. There is just a 1/2 mile hike that offers views of the large crater left behind an ancient volcano, which appears to resemble a moonscape, being barren and capped off for the time being. Native plants are explained along the trail with magnificent views of the crater below. If you only have a few hours near Hilo, try to visit this natural lava tube. read more

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The Thurston lava tube reopened a little over a week ago. We biked over to check it out but there was a constant stream of people so we went back after dinner at Volcano House restaurant. The tube is open 24/7 and the lights are turned off at 8pm. We decended down the pathway, me complaining how cold I was, too full from dinner, can't see in the dark, etc., with hubby rolling his eyes. When we reached the entrance, it was surprising how warm it was inside, albeit a little drippy. It was really an interesting walk, just the two of us inside. When we reached the exit and headed back up, we were freezing again. Definitely worth inspecting, night visit recommended. Remember to bring a torch or turn on your mobile light so you can see where you are walking. read more

Thurston Lava Tube - what it looks like in the tube at night when you turn off your light and don't use flash - Parks Near Me

My husband loved this place. We parked in overflow and might have enjoyed more hiking. I would say it is a "must see".

Beautiful area and such a fun experience for the whole family. A must stop when visiting VNP. read more

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Now a big wonder but interesting to see how volcano eruptions cause this tube to be made. Great hike to tube. It's not so long and doesn't takes time but must visit inside National park. It's just within 2 mile from entrance but parking is limited so go early to avoid crowd. read more

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Fue uno de los lugares que quería ir a conocer cuando supe que visitaríamos Big island. Apesar de que sufro de claustrofobia en ningún momento sentí pánico ya que La caminata adentro del tubo no dura mucho solo alrededor de 5 minutos. Ademas es bastante amplio y tiene luz. Fue una gran experiencia read more

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The Thurston Lava Tube is a nice stop while in Volcanoes National Park. Though the parking lot is not big you usually don't have to wait too long since the walk is fairly short. You have to walk down then up some steps so this is not good for anyone with serious mobility issues. It is a cool place for photos. read more

Hey, who knew that the lava tube had its own Yelp page? I went underground with my gang back in late 2016, just about a year before the big eruption happened. The tube was closed for a bit but I think is open now and I'm assuming wasn't damaged by all the earthquakes that occurred in early 2018. EXPERIENCE: The tube is located near the park's entrance. There are a few on-street parking spots. Head up a small hill and you're smack dab in the middle of a tropical forest. The pathway meanders down through lush vegetation and ends up at a looming tunnel in the ground. The tube is lit, the floor is uneven and puddled with water from the dripping ceiling above, and takes about 3 minutes to walk through. There's not much to see inside in the form of stalagmites, stalactites or even creatures. Just imagine that hot molten once flowed through the tube you're walking in over 5 centuries ago. You pop out of the other end and circle back up to where you started. Definitely not recommended for those with walking disabilities. OVERALL: Compared to the eerier and more rustic lava tube in Hana on the island of Maui, the Thurston Tube is more "commercialized" with its lit path and higher foot traffic, but still is highly recommended to see. read more

Would you pay $20 to go inside a cave? No way Jose. But millions of visitors do that every year, paying $20 for a week of visits to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Thurston Lava Tube. We came on a Friday afternoon, when school was still in session, but there were still bus loads of tourists disembarking from the parking lot, alongside the road. Speed limit down to 15mph, as blind curves in both directions before seeing the parking lot, across the road from the site. We park the car, and hike about 200 yards in an asphalt paved pathway deep down through a rainforest, me in my women's baby blue thin crisscross strap Chacko sport sandals. Seems like we are hiking next to a stream, with tall ferns everywhere -scene out of Jurassic Park! At night carry a flashlight, as you would not want to do a face plant on the steep stairs at the start of the walk. The tube is dimly lighted, with electrical connections running the 100 yard length. I'm 5'7" but anyone taller would have to bend over to avoid getting bonked on the head! Step marks on the walls show where the molten lava flowed through this tube of hardened lava. No fossils of any humans or animals caught in the flow, who would have been rendered unconscious by the poisonous gases, before being vaporized by the 1000 degree lava. That's what I call burned to a crisp. No drip marks in November, and no puddles today. However we are in a rainy part of the island, and on a wet day it would be dripping from the ceiling, enough to give you a bad hair day. At the end of the tube are stairs leading to the surface. Part of the tube is cordoned off, due to instability. Just like in a coal mine, except here there are no pillars of wood to keep the tube from collapsing. Eventually the tube will collapse due to vibrations from minor earth trembles, from the volcano, not from fracking like in Oklahoma! There are lava tubes where there are volcanoes. Lava Beds National Monument in California has the largest concentration of lava tubes in the world. Others include Oregon's Newberry Volcanic Monument, and Washington State's Ape Cave. So Hawaii is by no means alone, and doesn't have a monopoly on lava beds. Hawaii does have Kazumura Cave, world's longest and deepest lava tube in the world, 40.7 miles long, 101 entrances, 3164 feet deep, on the eastern side of Kilauea. If you want to see that cave, you have to pay for a guided tour sponsored by the landowner. Pay to play, just like in our nation's capital. read more

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Nice short hike through a lighted lava tube. It's wet in there, but just turn on your flashlight to avoid the puddles!

Nice short little stoll through some really beautiful scenery. Very easy walk, can easily be done in flip flops! read more

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The quarter mile path to the Thurston Lava Tube is beautiful, serene, and tropical. Before you start walking though, you should remember to bring a flashlight with you since the lava tube is dimly lit. You can't walk too far into the lava tube since the path is blocked off (possibly for repair/safety reasons). Like others have mentioned, it can be difficult to take time to appreciate the beauty of the cave since there is a constant flow of tourists squeezing in and out of the tunnel. It's a nice place; however, I would recommend checking out other local lava tubes (eg Kaumana Caves) to truly enjoy what Hawaii has to offer. read more

Thurston Lava Tube - Short quarter mile path to the Thurston Lava Tube. - Parks Near Me

This must be where creators' of theme parks come for inspiration! Researching about the Big Island, I had to come and see the lava tubes for myself. There is nothing like it in California. The entrance is a man made walkway that leads right into the lava tubes. Prior to entering, there is so much vegetation contrasting from the inside of the lava tube. The trail is sandy with little puddles. I wore open toe sandals and my feel did not get soaked. It is amazing, especially since it was naturally made. The yellow tinned lights add an eeriness to the walk. There are some vines hanging from the ceiling that are pretty cool. Tip: - Watch out for the ceiling. In certain parts of the trail, it can be very low. There are some parts of the tube that are very dark, but it is so grand that it was difficult to stop walking because I wanted to see what else there was. The trail is short and there is another set of stairs that lead to another lava tube. However, on my visit, it was closed off. This natural attraction is a must! It is not tiring at all. It is a nice break from the sun! This section of the Volcano National park is one large circle. Following the path from the main road then through the lava tube and then the forest will lead back to the beginning. Pay a visit, it will not be a regret! read more

Thurston Lava Tube - IG: @pachichai_wanders - Parks Near Me

The Thurston Lava Tube is located in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It is a definite MUST SEE if you are there. The park is located on the southeast corner of the island and approximately 45 minutes south of Hilo. This lava tube was discovered in 1913 by Lorrin Thurston, a local newspaper publisher. The lava tube is said to be about 500 years old and the cave was formed when an underground channel of molten lava drained from its cooled walls forming a massive, hollow chamber. Visitors can walk through the lit cave (which is actually quite large with a lot of head room) and a tropical rainforest awaits you at the end of the tube. A very cool experience - highly recommended. read more

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This was my favorite part of Volcanoes National Park. You definitely have to see it to believe it. What it is... big cave like structure formed by flowing lava. When the lava stops flowing these tubes are formed. Apparently these constitute quite a bit of the island's foundation. The rainforest surrounding it is beautiful. Lots of native flowers and birds chirping away. Some of the people on our bus opted not to take the trip. Yes, the stairs down look pretty daunting but don't worry... you don't have to go uphill on the way back. It's actually a pretty easy walk. Loved it. read more

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A must see in the national park! 10-20 minute walk. Well marked, however tunnel is dark and we had to use our cell phone lights to help navigate, even though the tunnel has lights already in it. read more

Super cool and unique! If it's your first time at the park (or just haven't seen it already) you have to check it out! read more

Thurston Lava Tube - Inside the tube - Parks Near Me

This was one of the first stops for my friend and I as we were traveling around Volcanoes National Park, but I have to admit that it was probably a bit of a disappointment for both of us. This tube seemed pretty short, though I guess it's interesting enough to see. The pathway to get there was nice to walk through and I loved seeing all the ferns surrounding the areas outside. The lava tube itself is well lit, but I just thought there would be something more novel about the experience. If you visit the park and only have a limited amount of time? I would say it's fine to pass up this experience. Honestly, the most memorable part of going through the lava tube for me was when my friend and I came out the other side and he went "Wait... was that it..?!" Caution: It was raining on and off on the day we went to the park, and it was a bit misty when we went to the tube. The area can be slick, so definitely be aware of that possibility and prepare accordingly. Bug spray probably wouldn't hurt either. read more

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What a time. We had a blast checking out and learning about this lava tube and all it's history. I will say that from where we parked, there was not the best signs to show us that we had passed it or arrived, so I'm glad we didn't get lost. Highly recommend though! read more

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It's closed, been closed for at least a year as of September 2019. Ask a ranger about other free and open ones once you're in the park. Wish I could remember the name for you but I can't. read more

This was a lot of fun to walk through. We went during the day. We didn't need a flashlight. I highly recommend it. We went through it twice. It was such a unique experience to go through this. I'd love to see it in the dark. read more

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Tons of people; many more than in other, far more interesting spots in the area. It really just amounts to a short walk in the dark through a tunnel. You might as well be headed for the subway--in both cases, watch where you step! read more