Thurston Lava Tube

Thurston Lava Tube, also known as Nahuku, is a naturally formed lava tunnel inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, carved out thousands of years ago when the outer crust of a lava flow solidified while molten rock continued moving beneath. The tube itself is lit inside, giving you an otherworldly scene of rough black basalt walls curving overhead, with ferns and moisture adding texture to the entrance and exit portals. Those portals are your best shots, framed from inside looking out into the dense rainforest canopy, where the contrast between dark rock and bright green foliage creates a natural vignette. A wide-angle lens works well here to capture the full arch of the tunnel. Overcast days are ideal since the soft, diffused light balances the dark interior with the bright exterior. Bring a tripod for sharp exposures inside the tube and arrive early to avoid crowds. (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii, United States)