Sheila
Feb 6th, 2008

Thurston Lava Tube in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Thurston Lave Tube at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

When you’re exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, don’t miss seeing Thurston Lava Tube. (A lava tube is a cave-like tube that lava flows through underground. It’s kind of like a pipe that the lava produces in order to move underground.) The photo above shows the entrance into Thurston Lava Tube. The park has placed lights inside the tube for you to explore the size and shape of the lava tube.

While you’re here, take a few moments to admire the giant Hapuu ferns in the rainforest setting. It’s an amazing lush green contrast from the barren fields of black lava that you see so predominately inside the park.

You’ll find Thurston Lava Tube just off Crater Rim Drive inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

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6 Responses to “Thurston Lava Tube in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park”

  1. # Evelynon 06 Feb 2008 at 2:34 pm

    I so want to go visit this thing! I’ve seen some home videos about this place and it’s so cool! If it weren’t actively volcanic around there… :)

  2. # Joe Philipsonon 06 Feb 2008 at 2:59 pm

    Wow Cool! Thanks! I’m going to the Big Island in a couple of weeks… I Definitely want to check this out.

  3. # Bobbieon 06 Feb 2008 at 4:20 pm

    Thurston Lava Tube definitely is a not-to-be-missed highlight in Volcanoes National Park. The walk to see it is not difficult, and is definitely worth it — for the wonderful rain forest and all the birds there as well as for the lava tube itself.

  4. # Sheilaon 09 Feb 2008 at 5:26 pm

    @ Evelyn - I hope you get there sometime soon. It really is neat to see. I have to say that even though lava hasn’t flowed through Thurston Lava Tube in many, many years, my heart did beat a little faster just knowing that there was active lava within in a few miles away.
    @ Joe - I’m sure you’ll snap some amazing photos of the Big Island when you go.
    @ Bobbie - I agree it’s not to be missed. I love all those ferns, plants and mosses growing in that area. It’s peaceful there, especially if you can catch it when there isn’t a tour bus there.

  5. # Marthaon 21 Apr 2008 at 10:25 am

    This is was one of favorite places on the Big Island. We never miss visiting the tube and the fern grotto. We are returning to the island in July and look forward to the peaceful walk.

    To those who have not been before - bring a flashlight with fresh batteries.. The tube is in two pieces. The second half you will need your flashlight as the tube has NO LIGHT souce. It can be disorienting.

  6. # Sheilaon 21 Apr 2008 at 12:48 pm

    Hi Martha - thanks for your first time comment at Go Visit Hawaii. Mahalo for adding the tip on bring a flash light for the second half.

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