Nāhuku Lava Tube

Historical landmark · Hawaii County

Nāhuku Lava Tube

Historical landmark · Hawaii County

#52, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI 96718

Highlights

Walk through a natural lava tube cave with rainforest views

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

nps.gov

@travelleisure

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

View Postcard for Nāhuku Lava Tube

Steph Couvrette

Google

Cool lava tube, not too busy! Would have loved to have seen it at night too. The loop is nice, stairs down and somehow you end up above it when you come out. Restrooms near the entrance/exit of the loop - one of the few with running water so take advantage!

Richard Chang

Google

The lava tube is fun and a natural experience! How often can you walk over a hundred feet through a tube that carried lava, without bending over? It was "One huge lava tube". Once down to the lava tube an easy walk on the path to and from the tube with many plants identified. Very limited parking! Not handicap or child friendly, with very steep stairs to the lava tube and uneven walking inside the tube.

TANAWAT KAMNERDMANEE

Google

Nāhuku Lava Tube – Big Island An incredible natural wonder worth visiting! Walking through the lava tube feels like stepping into another world — cool, mysterious, and full of history. It’s an easy stop inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and a great way to experience the raw power of nature up close. Definitely a must-see on the Big Island!

Adelle C

Google

I went on a Saturday and did not have any problems finding parking, but there is also an overflow lot. The lava tube loop is a very short walk, maybe 5 minutes altogether. We also accessed the Kīlauea Iki trailhead from this lot, which I would recommend if you have the time, and are feeling up for the 4 mile hike.

Alice Lumsden - Vee

Google

Just did a quick walk; do not wear flip flops here your feet will get wet! Hubby and kiddo both bumped their heads where some parts were low; it's pretty dark even with the lights so bring a proper flashlight; the mobile phone flashlights are pretty useless lol!

Review User

Google

Amazing experience! Very creepy after 6PM though, don’t come alone. Very short but it’s pretty fun to see the dark tunnel. If you look up you’ll see vines and it is very slippery so be careful. Literally no one else was there, you’ll most likely have it to yourself. Absolutely recommend if in area & coming during dawn.

Carlos Chilla

Google

Short but safe walk through a lava tube. Lit until 2000, after that, you will need flashlights. Best to do some reasearch to fully understand why lava tubes are awesome cave systems. Parking is very limited so you may have to time this area during low visiting hours.

Edward Eilers

Google

Great to experience walking through these impressive lava tube, nice hiking trails nearby with parking as well