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!

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! 🥰🌋

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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!

Really cool experience and a beautiful, easy walk. Parking was limited - we were lucky to get a parking spot on a Friday at 130 PM. Otherwise, you have to walk a bit from the overflow parking down the road. Bathrooms are a plus. Overall, highly recommend!

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.

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!

Got there at like 8.30am I think and had the tube to our self. Felt so cool being inside, great experience. Drove past later in day and it was packed, couldn’t get a carpark. Definitely go early if you have the time

Absolutely incredible experience. We went on a national parks day so it was free; however, you can easily spend a whole day here and get your money worth. The 4 mile trail is not that difficult. I would recommend going clockwise. Start at the entrance near the lava tube and take the trail all the way across the crater and back up where you’ll end near the lava tube. The first part of the hike is all downhill, then you’ll have a trek across the crater which is incredible… if you take this route you’ll have a short stretch which is pure incline, climbing up steps, but you won’t have the .6 mile constant incline if you did it the opposite direction. Also, if you start by the lava tube, you descend to the crater and have the most incredible views of the crater and the lush treeline behind it!

Incredible Experience at Hawaii’s Big Island Volcanoes! Visiting the Big Island's volcanoes was an unforgettable highlight of our trip to Hawaii. From the moment we entered Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, the sheer scale and beauty of the landscape left us in awe. The contrast between lush rainforest and stark lava fields is something you truly have to see to believe. We were lucky enough to witness the Kīlauea crater at night, and the glow from the lava was absolutely mesmerizing. The park rangers were knowledgeable and passionate, providing great insights into the geology, history, and cultural significance of the volcanoes. We also hiked the Kīlauea Iki Trail, which takes you right across a cooled lava lake—such a surreal experience! The steam vents, sulfur banks, and Thurston Lava Tube added even more variety and fascination to the visit. If you're planning a trip to the Big Island, this is an absolute must-see. Be sure to check for current volcanic activity and weather conditions, and bring sturdy shoes and water. Whether you're into science, nature, or just jaw-dropping scenery, the volcanoes will leave a lasting impression. Highly recommend

A must-visit spot! I recommend going both during the day and at night. Bring binoculars — you can actually see lava glowing between the cracks! Half of the fun starts in the dark ^^ Check out full view of the Kilauea Volcano: @threecontinents10

Visiting Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park was one of the most memorable experiences of my trip to the Big Island. There’s really no other place like it — where you can see steaming volcanic craters, walk through lush rainforests, and cross an actual lava field all in a single day. We started at the Kīlauea Visitor Center, which is a great place to get maps, check eruption updates, and talk to the rangers. The staff were friendly and full of good advice about which trails were open and how to make the most of our visit. From there, we did the Crater Rim Drive and stopped at several viewpoints — the views into Halemaʻumaʻu Crater were absolutely incredible. My favorite part was hiking the Kīlauea Iki Trail. It starts in the forest, then drops down into the crater where you actually walk across the solidified lava floor. It’s surreal — like stepping onto another planet. The contrast between the lush greenery above and the black rock below is something you’ll never forget. We also walked through the Thurston Lava Tube, which was fascinating, and explored the Sulphur Banks Trail to see steam vents and smell the volcanic gases (just a little!). The weather changes quickly here — one minute it’s sunny, the next it’s misty and cool — so it’s good to bring layers. Even though we didn’t see active lava during our visit, the whole park still felt alive. You can literally feel the energy of the Earth beneath your feet. It’s peaceful, raw, and powerful all at once. If you’re coming to the Big Island, don’t skip this place. Whether you’re into hiking, photography, or just want to witness the power of nature, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is a must-see. Just plan ahead, check the conditions, and give yourself plenty of time — you’ll want to soak it all in. ⸻ Would you like me to make it sound a bit more casual and traveler-like (like a post someone would actually leave on Google Maps after a trip)? the most memorable experiences of my trip to the Big Island. There’s really no other place like it — where you can see steaming volcanic craters, walk through lush rainforests, and cross an actual lava field all in a single day. We started at the Kīlauea Visitor Center, which is a great place to get maps, check eruption updates, and talk to the rangers. The staff were friendly and full of good advice about which trails were open and how to make the most of our visit. From there, we did the Crater Rim Drive and stopped at several viewpoints — the views into Halemaʻumaʻu Crater were absolutely incredible. My favorite part was hiking the Kīlauea Iki Trail. It starts in the forest, then drops down into the crater where you actually walk across the solidified lava floor. It’s surreal — like stepping onto another planet. The contrast between the lush greenery above and the black rock below is something you’ll never forget. We also walked through the Thurston Lava Tube, which was fascinating, and explored the Sulphur Banks Trail to see steam vents and smell the volcanic gases (just a little!). The weather changes quickly here — one minute it’s sunny, the next it’s misty and cool — so it’s good to bring layers. Even though we didn’t see active lava during our visit, the whole park still felt alive. You can literally feel the energy of the Earth beneath your feet. It’s peaceful, raw, and powerful all at once. If you’re coming to the Big Island, don’t skip this place. Whether you’re into hiking, photography, or just want to witness the power of nature, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is a must-see. Just plan ahead, check the conditions, and give yourself plenty of time — you’ll want to soak it all in.

An absolutely amazing visit! I was very lucky to be able to see one of the volcanoes erupting! The park was absolutely breathtaking even besides that! This is definitely a must for everyone who visits or even lives on the island!

Loved seeing the Volcano erupt! It’s an experience I will never forget. The national park is beautiful and would highly recommend you visit it.

Amazing to be able to get so close to an active volcano! Don't treat it as an amusement park but realize it's an act of nature that few can experience.

Nature at its most awe-inspiring — Kīlauea is an experience I’ll never forget! 🌋 Seeing Kīlauea during its 32nd re-eruption was absolutely breathtaking. The lava fountains shot more than 400 feet into the sky, glowing bright against the sky — a sight that words and photos can’t truly capture. From the crater rim trail and every viewpoint, you could feel the heat radiating and hear the roar of the eruption, a sound as powerful and unrelenting as Niagara Falls. It’s raw, humbling, and almost surreal to witness the earth creating itself right before your eyes. Standing there, you realize how small you are compared to the immense power of nature. Kīlauea isn’t just a stop on a trip to Hawai‘i — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime reminder of the planet’s living, breathing energy.

Amazing to be able to watch this volcano erupt and feel the rumble of the volcano in person.

Well it is what it is and it was magnificent. Missed an eruption by one day! Next time lol.

If you like heat. This is the place for you. A truly amazing but weird experience with so much black lava over many miles going to the ocean.

Pictures from visit in early February 2022 and late January/February 2023. Such a beautiful natural phenomena. When its really quiet, you can actually hear the lava bubbling on the surface

The earth is amazing and deadly. The crater hike is a must and would rate a moderate hike in proper gear. If you've done your research, go counter COUNTER CLOCKWISE on the hike as to cross the lava tubes at the end and crossing the highest part of the volcano will be easier as well. So if you see the tube early on your trek, I highly recommend to go back the 15 minutes. Parking is very limited for the hike, so come early like before 9am and you'll have no problem if it. Bring lots of water as there are no shade when your are on the crater part of the hike. We took about 3 hours to complete as we stopped and double backed on some parts of the trail. Once on the crater, follow the rock piles that creates a path across. Do drive to the visitor center as there are toilet facilities, park rangers that does a great overview of the park, and gift shop to commemorate your visit. If you have the time, there is a drive all the way to the Crater Rim Road all the way to the most southern tip. Leave at least 2 hours to do this.

Real volcano. Once in a lifetime chance. The area around the caldera (the crater) is breathtaking.

Nice drive, but on a cloudy day, you won't see much other than the inside of a cloud.

Drive to the end and back. Worth the scenic views and close to ocean. You get to see how the lava has engulfed the bay.

Wild sight

(Translated by Google) A vast lava plateau! You can really feel the earth. It was my first time seeing a rainbow that formed such a beautiful arch. I was so moved! (Original) 広大な溶岩台地！地球を感じられる。 こんなにもキレイなアーチを描く虹を初めて見ました。感動！

Love the beauty here. Lots of traffic.