Thurston Lava Tube - Hawaii

Formed about 350-500 years ago by eruptions, collapses and flowing lava, Thurston Lava Tube is located in the rain forest ecological zone of Hawaii where the abundant rainfall contributes to the lush growth of forest canopy trees and under-story vegetation. Visitors to Thurston Lava Tube can take the short 20 minute walk down a paved trail as it descends into a pit crater, through a short section of a lava tube, and then loop back to the starting point. The walk gives a close-up look at an Hawaiian rainforest, the lava tube and the local flora such as large Metrosideros polymorpha roots growing through cracks in the layers of basalt, alien weeds like Fuchsia Paniculata Knotweed, and the orangey flowers of the hybrid iris montbretia. Do be careful when walking the trail when wet, as it can be slippery. To get to Thurston Lava Tube take the Crater Rim Drive.