Thurston Lava Tube

Another question for my upcoming BI trip. On our trip to VNP, we probably won%26#39;t be doing any hikes across lava, but are planning to see the Thurston lava tube. Will good hiking sandals be sufficient, or does this require closed shoes? Hate to lug the hiking boots just for one trip.

Thurston Lava Tube

You can go through Thurston Lava Tube with sandals. Be careful though as there is water dripping from the ceiling in a couple of places. So the floor will be slippery.

You can also see some of the steam vents with sandals on as they are not far from the parking areas.

Sneakers would be a lot better though.

Thurston Lava Tube

Thanks!

well, we all did it in flip-flops, but we%26#39;re dumb that way. We only put on real shoes if we absolutely have to.

That said, when one wears flipflops all the time one develops a certain radar about protecting the toes that you don%26#39;t have if you%26#39;re used to closed toe shoes, and stubbing is always possible.

The hardest thing with Thurston is avoiding the mob. Are you planning on seeing the unlit portion?

The reason I like wearing slippers all the time around Hilo is that it%26#39;s pretty frequent that I run into a situation where I have to step in water ... and as you know it%26#39;s a pain to end up with wet shoes and socks. Rubber slippers are quick dry.

I feel you. Although I%26#39;m a Bay Area native, both my parents are from Honolulu and I acquired some of their habits. I consider putting on flip-flops (vs. bare feet) an imposition!

We%26#39;ll be drving up from Kona, so I imagine won%26#39;t be hitting the Tube till later in the day. Yes, I%26#39;d like to try the unlit portion- bringing along a couple of my Surefire flashlights just for the hike.

well then, if you watch where you%26#39;re stepping, which you will anyway, you can do the lit portion in slippers for sure, but I%26#39;ve never remembered to bring the flashlight so I%26#39;m not sure how uneven the unlit portion is, hopefully someone else can inform you.

You have to climb over some boulders a few times in the unlit portion, and obviously, it is really hard to see (even with flashlights). I wouldn%26#39;t want to do it in sandals.