Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube)
Volcano, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes
A 500-Year-Old Lava Tube Beneath Rainforest
Nāhuku (the Thurston Lava Tube) is a lava tube you can walk through near Kīlauea Iki Overlook. The park rates it moderate and gives 1.5 miles round trip from Kīlauea Iki Overlook, and the tube is lit from 8 AM to 8 PM daily. The page suggests going before 9 AM or after 5 PM to avoid crowds, says a new bridge was installed in August 2026, and warns visitors to enter at their own risk because of rockfall, low ceilings, standing water, tripping hazards and low light. Visitors are asked not to touch the walls or hanging roots.
Park entry is $30 per vehicle (or $15 per person on foot), cards only. As with the Kīlauea Iki Trail, the NPS pages did not show current eruption status, air quality or day-by-day closures, so check nps.gov/havo before going.
Why Roamwise recommends this
A short, family-friendly walk that pairs well with Kīlauea Iki — if the park confirms it is open.
Best for: families, a quick volcano experience, a rainy-day stop.
Insider tip: go before 9 AM or after 5 PM, wear shoes with grip, and bring a small flashlight even though the tube is lit.
- Hazards / conditions:
- Rockfall, low ceilings, standing water, tripping hazards and low light inside the tube.
- Safety notes:
- Current eruption status, air quality and storm closures were not shown on the NPS pages read — check nps.gov/havo before going.
- Best arrival time:
- Before 9 AM or after 5 PM
- Cost:
- Park entry is $30 per vehicle or $15 per person on foot or bike (ages 15 and under free); the park takes cards only. (checked October 2026)
Reviews: Google MapsYelp
Local tips
- •Park fee $30 per vehicle or $15 per person on foot
- •cards only.
- •Tube is lit 8 AM–8 PM
- •go before 9 AM or after 5 PM for fewer people.
- •Enter at your own risk: low ceilings, standing water and uneven footing.
- •Don't touch the walls or hanging roots.
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