Lava Tubes- Lava tubes are formed when outer crust of a river of molten lava starts to harden. During this the liquid lava beneath the surface continues to flow. And after the lava has been drained a hard shell remains. And when molten lava is visible through openings in the ground they are called skylights. The Thurston Lava Tube is the most well known and is believed to be created about 500 years ago.
Crater Rim Drive- The park is open 24 hours a day all year round. Because of the dynamic nature of the two active volcanoes in the park, conditions can change rapidly. On the drive there will be many cool cites like the Thurston Lava Tube to check out so bring the following: tennis shoes, raingear/jackets, hats, bottled water, snacks if you would like.
Follow these stops to guarantee a fun trip.
Follow these stops to guarantee a fun trip.
- Start your tour at Kilauea Visitor Center
- Go to the Jaggar Museum
- Kilauea overlook
- steam vents, steaming bluff and haakulamanu
- Kilauea Iki overlook
- Nahuku- Thurston Lava Tube
- Pu'u Pua'i overlook
- Devastation Trail
- Hike to Keanakako'i crater
Kilauea Iki Trail- You start by hiking down to the crater in the rain forest, or you can start at the lava tube. There are many native plants and animals that you will see, also there are many steam vents. This is a 4 mile hike, and remember the lava lake was created in 1959.