Portions of the Thurston Lava Tube will close for about two weeks starting Sept. 5 as the lighting system is replaced.
Portions of the Thurston Lava Tube will close for about two weeks starting Sept. 5 as the lighting system is replaced.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will first close the back portion of the tube, also known as Nahuku, including stairs and the north section of the trail. During that time, visitors will be able to access the front section of the tube via the bridge entrance, but will have to 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.
Visitors are asked to bring their own light source. The park says cellphone lights are adequate. The nearby restrooms will remain open.
According to the park, the new energy-efficient lighting system will increase visitor safety by illuminating the interior, and protect the cultural integrity of the cave by inhibiting growth of non-native plant species.