Things to do nearNāhuku Lava Tube
Nāhuku Lava Tube is a remarkable underground tunnel in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, drawing visitors with its geological wonder, lush fern canopy, and eerie volcanic atmosphere.
Nāhuku Lava Tube, also known as Thurston Lava Tube, formed when the outer surface of a lava flow cooled and hardened while molten rock continued moving through the interior. Once that flow drained, it left behind a hollow tunnel roughly 10 to 20 feet high in places. The tube is estimated to be around 500 years old, making it a relatively young feature in geological terms, though it feels primordial the moment you step inside.
The walk begins in a sunken fern forest, a lush pocket of native hapu'u tree ferns and 'ohi'a lehua trees that frames the entrance dramatically. Inside, electric lighting illuminates the main passage, while a darker unlit extension rewards those who bring a flashlight. The walls display layers of hardened lava in rippled and ropy textures, and small drips echo through the chamber. Nearby, Kīlauea Iki Crater offers a striking above-ground companion to the underground experience.
Nāhuku is part of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and sits along Crater Rim Drive within easy reach of other landmarks. For anyone curious about the volcanic forces that built the Hawaiian Islands, it is an essential and accessible window into the earth.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Nāhuku Lava Tube
Visit early in the morning to beat tour groups and enjoy the entrance fern canopy at its quietest and most atmospheric.
Bring a light jacket or layer, as the interior of the tube stays noticeably cool and damp regardless of outside temperatures.
Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip, as the paved path can be slippery from moisture dripping off the ceiling.
Pick up a free flashlight loan at the tube entrance so you can explore the unlit far end of the passage beyond the electric lights.
Pair your visit with a short walk to Kīlauea Iki Crater nearby for a dramatic contrast between underground and open volcanic landscapes.
Top tours & experiences near Nāhuku Lava Tube
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park & Hilo Waterfalls Day Tour
Explore the Big Island’s volcanic landscapes and coast with a local perspective
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park & Hilo Day Tour
Explore volcanic landscapes, island history, and East Hawaiʻi scenery
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Kīlauea Guided Tour
Explore volcanic landscapes, local history, and island flavors on a guided Big Island day out
Hike Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park From Hilo
Hike Kīlauea Caldera and lava tubes with lunch and dinner included
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park & Hilo Highlights Tour
Explore lava landscapes and Hilo's coast with a certified local guide
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park 8-Mile Guided Hike
Explore volcanic landscapes with an expert guide, lunch, snacks and gear included
Guided Big Island Black Sand Beach & Volcanoes Tour
Black sand, volcanic landscapes and Hilo sights in one day
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Cultural Tour from Hilo
See Hawaiʻi’s volcanic landscape through local stories and cultural insight
Private Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Tour from Hilo
Discover volcanic landscapes and Hilo’s coast with a guide just for your group
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Day Tour from Hilo
Explore Hawaii Island with round-trip flights and lunch included
Full-Day Private Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park & Hilo Tour
Explore volcano landscapes and Hilo sights at your group’s own pace
Guided Kilauea Hike In Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Hike Kilauea lava flows and explore Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park with lunch included
Kīlauea Iki Crater Hike in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Cross a 1959 lava lake and explore a lava tube with an expert guide
4-Hour Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Guided Tour
Explore Hawaiʻi Island’s volcanic landscapes with local cultural insight
Private Custom Big Island Tour from Hilo
Create a guided Big Island itinerary around the places that interest you most
Full-Day Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Guided Hike
Hike Kīlauea’s 1881–2018 lava flows with lunch and dinner included
Kilauea Volcano, Waterfall & Black Sand Beach Tour from Hilo
Explore volcanic landscapes, rainforest, and Hilo’s coastline with a local guide
Private Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Tour From Waikoloa
Explore volcanic landscapes at your family's pace
Kīlauea Iki Guided Hike in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Cross a hardened lava lake and explore a lava tube with a private guide
ʻAkaka Falls & Volcanoes National Park Tour from Hilo
Explore ʻAkaka Falls, volcano landscapes, and historic Hilo in one day
8-Mile Guided Hike in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Explore Kīlauea Iki Crater and Thurston Lava Tube with a private guide
Fissure 8 & Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Tour from Hilo
Walk the 2018 lava landscape and explore Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Private Hawaii Volcanoes National Park & Hilo Day Tour
Explore the Big Island with a local perspective and a day tailored to your private group