Thurston Lava Tube reopens today

NPS Photo / J. Wei
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The Thurston Lava Tube in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has reopened after being closed more than year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thurston Lava Tube, also called Nahuku, is once again open to the public starting today, although the trail through the tube is now one-way only in order to reduce social distancing conflicts within the tube.

“We are excited to again share the incredible experience of walking through native rainforest into a lava tube that was formed during a Kilauea eruption more than 500 years ago,” said HVNP superintendent Rhonda Loh.

The tube is open 24 hours a day, but is only illuminated from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visitors are advised to be aware of potential hazards within the tube, such as low ceilings and trip hazards, and to wear masks when coming into close contact with other visitors.