Nāhuku Lava Tube
Historical landmark · Hawaii County ·

Nāhuku Lava Tube

Historical landmark · Hawaii County ·

Explore a cool lava tube, a unique volcanic formation

short walk
flashlight needed
volcanoes national park
parking challenge
stairs
lit tube
tropical forest
subterranean cave
Nāhuku Lava Tube by null
Nāhuku Lava Tube by null
Nāhuku Lava Tube by null
Nāhuku Lava Tube by null
Nāhuku Lava Tube by null
Nāhuku Lava Tube by null
Nāhuku Lava Tube by null
Nāhuku Lava Tube by null
Nāhuku Lava Tube by null
Nāhuku Lava Tube by null
Nāhuku Lava Tube by null
Nāhuku Lava Tube by null
Nāhuku Lava Tube by null
Nāhuku Lava Tube by null
Nāhuku Lava Tube by null
Nāhuku Lava Tube by null
Nāhuku Lava Tube by null
Nāhuku Lava Tube by null
Nāhuku Lava Tube by null
Nāhuku Lava Tube by null

Information

#52, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI 96718 Get directions

Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Information

Static Map

#52, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI 96718 Get directions

nps.gov

Features

•Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Last updated

Jan 29, 2026

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2026 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@travelleisure
28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

I Took a Family Vacation to Hawaii That Combined Relaxation and Adventure

"A dramatic lava tube within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park that illustrates how molten flows carve subterranean tunnels; visitors often expect glowing lava but instead explore a cooled tunnel formed centuries ago, with the reminder that active flows can reach temperatures up to about 2,000°F. The site is a common starting point for nearby hikes and provides an easy, tangible lesson in volcanic geology." - Flora Stubbs Flora Stubbs Flora Stubbs is the executive editor of Travel + Leisure. She has been a journalist for over 20 years, and a travel editor for over a decade. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/hawaii-big-island-family-trip-8728434
Nāhuku Lava Tube
@ashw
114 Postcards · 10 Cities
Nāhuku Lava Tube

Nat M.

Google
The tubes are an easy walk as the ground is relatively even. Once out of the tubes, we crossed the street and did a 4.1 mile down to the volcano floor, and back. The walk through the forest is pleasant ( and relatively cool in the morning hour). You will hear beautiful chirping from the native birds. We saw an apapane ( sp?). What a yreat! What an experience!

Jenna

Google
Lava Tube was so cool to walk through and see. The hike was a short loop. We were part of a tour and our guide got us there around 8am. There was no one else on the trail aside from our tour. Beautiful views, the lava tube itself was very cool to see, dark inside so careful where you step and if you're tall, remember to look up if you're walking close to the sides.

ovfdfireman

Google
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Volcano Tubes – An Unforgettable Experience in Hawaii Visiting the volcano tubes in Hawaii was truly one of the highlights of our trip, and I can’t recommend this stop highly enough. The entire hike leading to the lava tube is absolutely beautiful — a perfect blend of lush rainforest scenery, cool shaded pathways, and that peaceful Hawaiian atmosphere that instantly slows your pace and makes you appreciate every step. The trail is well-maintained, accessible to most visitors, and filled with vibrant greenery, birdsong, and the kind of natural beauty that feels straight out of a postcard. The real centerpiece, of course, is the incredible lava tube itself. Walking through it feels like stepping into another world. The cool air, the soft echo of footsteps, and the natural volcanic formations lining the walls make it a one-of-a-kind experience. The lighting inside is just bright enough to show the tube’s details while still preserving that mysterious, awe-inspiring ambiance. It’s amazing to stand inside a place formed by molten lava thousands of years ago and imagine the power that shaped it. Whether you’re a nature lover, hiker, or someone seeking a memorable adventure, the volcano tubes are an absolute must-see. As a Local Guide, this is exactly the kind of spot I love highlighting — unique, accessible, and unforgettable. Highly recommend!

Chris & Jahann B.

Google
While we were in Hawaii, we did a tour of the island for the day. This was one of the main stops. It was a sight to see. Seeing the park itself is a must if you are on the Big Island. If you are staying at a resort, like we did, strongly recommend the tours they offer, just make sure you see if the Lava tube in on the tour.

Jennifer C.

Google
Parking spaces were available around 9:30 am and when we hiked back here around 11 am it will as packed with many busses on the side too. The walk is pretty quick and it is a dark tube that gets lit up between 8 am and 8 pm but if you have trouble seeing in the dark or want to see more then bring your own flashlight. The walk is short but getting down to the tube can be steep for some. Be careful. It's a very short walk for the loop.

Deebnoff

Google
We went after dark so we had to use the flashlight from our phones up until we got to the actual tube. Very nice short walk. Beautiful scenery leading up to the very well lit tube. Walkable for little ones. I had my two second graders with me. Very cool experience to add to our volcano visit! 🥰🌋

Heather S.

Google
This is located in Volcanoes National Park. There's a paved walking path through the forest to the tube. The tube is lit, and there are stairs when you exit. Parking can be a challenge so make sure to plan ahead.

Maria A K.

Google
Volcano National Park is an amazing place to visit. Over flow car park by the entrance to Lava Tube offered great view of glowing lave coming out of main crater. Not to be missed.