Partial trail closure extended at Thurston Lava Tube

Repaving the exit trail at Thurston Lava Tube

NPS Photo/Tom Foster

News Release Date: August 14, 2015

Contact: Jessica Ferracane, 808-985-6018

The exit trail leading out of Thurston Lava Tube will remain closed another week while workers repave the trail, following the replacement of an old electrical line.

The lava tube will remain open, and the trail that leads into it will be used as both exit and entry. The paving project will repair the entire exit trail (about 700 feet), is scheduled to be complete by Fri., Aug. 21.

The closed area extends from the far end of the lava tube towards the restrooms. The restrooms will remain open. Escape Road, from Highway 11 to Thurston Lava Tube, will continue to be closed during the repaving project.

Thurston Lava Tube, or Nāhuku, is one of the most popular features in the national park. Visitation is consistently heaviest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. To reduce congestion in the parking lot and lava tube, visitors are encouraged to enjoy it in the early morning or late afternoon. 

The park regrets any impact to visitors and residents. Dates and times are subject to change, and the public will be notified if changes are necessary. 

-NPS-