Portion of lava tube and trail to close temporarily ADVERTISING Portion of lava tube and trail to close temporarily Portions of Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku) and its rainforest loop trail will be closed starting Tuesday for approximately two weeks while
Portion of lava tube and trail to close temporarily
Portions of Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku) and its rainforest loop trail will be closed starting Tuesday for approximately two weeks while park maintenance workers replace the electrical conduit and lighting system.
During the repairs, visitors will be able to explore the open section of the lava tube, which is one of the most popular destinations in the park. Visitors are advised to bring their own light source (cell phone lights are adequate). The nearby restrooms will remain open.
The new energy-efficient lighting system will simultaneously increase visitor safety by illuminating the interior, and protect the cultural integrity of the ana (cave) by inhibiting the growth of non-native plant species.
The back portion of Nahuku will be closed first, including the stairs leading out of the lava tube and the north section of rainforest trail. Visitors will be able to access the front section of the lava tube via the bridge entrance, and return the same way. Once work is complete in the back portion, work on the front section will start and visitors can access the rear portion of Nahuku via the north trail and stairs.
