Thurston Lava Tube

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This centuries-old lava tube was first discovered in 1913 by a local newspaper publisher named Lorrin Thurston. It was opened to the public, and now anyone can stroll through this dimly lit natural cave, taking the very same path upon which a river of molton red lava traveled from Pu-O’o to the Pacific. Lava stalactites once decorated the ceiling of the stone tube but, alas, they’ve all been pinched by folks looking to take home a souvenir. The path leading to the lava tube is beautiful in itself, as it leads you through a dense, fern tree forest which is home to several species of tropical birds (like the brilliantly colored red apapane), so make sure to keep an eye and ear out for them.

Scenic • Hikes