Work to replace lava tube bridge to begin at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Work to replace the deteriorating bridge into Nāhuku Lava Tube in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park starts this week.

Construction begins Thursday, April 23. However, the lava tube will remain open, but entrance and exit will be on the east — or “exit” — end only.

The rain forest trail, stairs that lead to the trail and about 50 feet of the lava tube entrance beyond the bridge will also be closed during the upgrade.

A completion date at the end of June is anticipated for the bridge replacement project.

Nāhuku, also known as Thurston Lava Tube, is a one of the most popular features in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

The lava tube was formed about 500 years ago during the ʻAilāʻau eruption of Kīlauea volcano.

Parking is extremely limited at Nāhuku. It is recommended visitors explore the lava tube before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. for the best chance of getting a parking spot.

The lava tube is open 24 hours but only lit between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Flashlights are recommended outside those hours.