When the volcano erupts, a large amount of magma flows slowly from the crater to the surrounding terrain, and the surface cools faster after contact with air, and the lava flows harden when the surface of the lava flows below are still flowing, the lava channel forms. After the lava flow inside dried up, the outer shell of the surface remained, retaining it to form the lava tube that is now visible. From the crater, continue clockwise along Crater Rim Drive to reach an intersection, there is a path eastward in a tropical rain forest, and at the end is the mouth of the Thurston Lava Tube hole. There is only a small section of the hole with lights and a flashlight is required behind.