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Thurston Lava Tube
Volcano in Hawaii (The 'Big Island'), Hawaii
Good-for-Kids Rating
BabiesToddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Volcano
Hiking
Scenic Landmark
Roadside Landmark
Sightseeing Tour
Thurston Lava Tube Description
This hike, a 1/3 of a mile loop down a paved pathway and several uneven sets of stairs through a native Hawaiian rainforest, which includes ferns of all sizes and ohia lahua trees, takes you into a lighted dripping lava tube, formed hundreds of years ago when scalding lava cut a tunnel through the rock. "I like how bits of water dripped from the top," says one happy 8-year-old hiker. "The tube is giant except for where the grown-ups had to stoop!" If you only have time for one walk in Volcanoes National Park, go on this one.
Kid Tips
Babies: Although there are stroller accessible hikes in the park, this is not one of them. Park the buggy and carry the kid.
Toddlers & Pre-K: The tube is lighted but the dark tunnel may be too intense for some small souls.
Pre-Teens & Teens: Taller ones have to crouch under some of the low-hanging rocks.
Planning Notes
- Expect to get (a little) wet. There are standing puddles of water and lots of dripping inside the tube.
- If you want more of a challenge. After visiting the tube you can go on a 4.3 mile hike along the Crater Rim Trail that leaves from here.
- Make a pit stop. The facilities at the lava tube are less primitive than elsewhere in the park.
Just the Facts
Hours: Always open.
Fees: Free
Recommended Time: Less than 1 hour
