Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will temporarily close portions of the popular Thurston Lava Tube, also known as Nahuku, and its rainforest loop trail for maintenance work.

Sections will be closed for two weeks starting Sept. 5, when crews will replace the electrical conduit and lighting system with new, energy-efficient lights. The back section of the lava tube will be closed first. After that work is completed, crews will close the front section.

Visitors will still be able to explore open sections of the lava tube during the light replacement project. Park officials advise the public to bring a flashlight or use the flashlight feature on their smartphone. Area restrooms will remain open.

The lava tube is near the Kilauea volcano summit off of Crater Rim Drive. The lava tube was formed more than 550 years ago after a magma source was exhausted, leaving a long, hollow tunnel behind. The surrounding native rainforest is home to endemic plants, birds and insects.