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Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Hawai'i Volcanoes National ParkLava flows on the road burning the asphalt.
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Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Thurston Lava Tube

Crater Rim Drive Tour - Stop #10

As you drive the 1.3 miles from the Pu'u Pua'i Overlook, the forest becomes increasingly lush. Soon you arrive at the Thurston Lava Tube on your right.

A 20 minute 1/3 mile walk though a tree fern forest and lighted prehistoric cavelike lava tube awaits you. This is an excellent place to stop and listen to the birds. Watch carefully and you may see the red apapane feeding among the equally red ohi'a blossoms.

This lava tube was discovered in 1913 by Lorrin Thurston, a local newspaper publisher. At that time the roof of the tube was covered with lava stalactites, but those soon disappeared to souvenir collectors.

 
As you walk through the tube consider that several hundred years ago a river of red lava rushed through. And that lava currently travels from Pu'u O'o to the ocean in a labyrinth of lava tubes much like the tube you are walking through. Watch your head in the tube - there are some spots with a low ceiling!
 
 
Lei made of `a`ali`i and native ferns.  

Did You Know?
`A`ali`i (Dodonaea viscose) is an important shrub with many traditional Hawaiian uses. Its hard and durable wood makes a fine spear. Seed pods are fashioned into beautiful lei, while its red capsules can be boiled to make dye.

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Last Updated: August 11, 2008 at 17:30 EST