Thurston Lava tube is a a 350-500 year-old lava tube at the summit of Kilauea Caldera in Hawaii Volcano National Park. Lava flowing from Kilauea are responsible for the formation of this lava tube. Lava tubes are formed by underground lava hardening on the outside of the flow while lava continued to flow within. This is a very efficient way for lava to flow without cooling very fast. The result is a hollow tube. Lava tubes can extend over many miles, though this one extends only 150 meters. This lava tube tends to be cool and damp inside, with lava stalagmites and stalactites. The area surrounding the Thurston Lava Tube is considered a rain forest.

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Island of Hawaii, HI 

Telephone:
Website: http://www.instanthawaii.com/cgi-bin/hawaii?Hikes.thurston
Cost: 0 USD per person
Hours:

General Directions:

To find Thurston Lava Tube take Highway 11 to Volcano and enter the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Once you pass the park gatehouse make the first left onto Crater Rim Drive. Continue on Crater Rim Drive 1.6 miles until you come to the Thurston Lava Tube and Kilauea Iki parking lot: park in the spaces to your right. The lava tube is across the road from you. Just cross the road and follow the paved walkway.

Tips:

• Bring a flashlight. Not for the claustrophobic.
  
• The entrance to the Thurston lava tubes are just a few steps away from where you park your car. Very convenient, thus this place can be crowded during peek tourist seasons.

Type: Sights & Activities
Tags: Hawaii volcano thurston lava tubes Tube