Lava Tree State Monument

Lava Tree State Monument preserves a strange landscape: the stone casts of ohia trees engulfed by a lava flow long ago. As the flow surged through the forest, moisture in the trunks cooled the lava around them, forming hardened shells. When the flow drained away, the trees burned out, leaving tall hollow columns scattered through the woods. A short loop trail winds among them in a shady setting of ferns and old trees.

The path is about three-quarters of a mile and takes roughly half an hour. It is mostly flat, with some roots and damp patches. Informational signs explain the geology, and birdsong fills the air. The park is small but atmospheric, and combines well with other Puna sights.

Bring repellent, as mosquitoes thrive in the damp forest, and wear closed shoes. After rain the ground can be muddy. The park has restrooms and picnic areas, and sits near the town of Pahoa. Stay on the trail to protect fragile formations.

The Puna district has seen significant volcanic activity in recent decades, so check local conditions before driving, and respect closures. Combine a visit with Hilo, Akaka Falls or the Volcanoes park for an east-side day.

The monument is a quiet counterpoint to the more famous attractions. Interpretive signs explain how the formations came about, and a smaller path leads to a few of the tallest examples. Some columns are over ten feet high, and cracks in the ground are reminders of the volcanic forces that shaped the area. Walkers can spot ferns and young ohia trees taking root on the lava.

Because the park is small, it makes a good short stop for those on their way to or from the Puna coast. Nearby, you can find roadside fruit stands and small cafes in Pahoa, a town with a distinctive boardwalk-style main street. Combine this with a visit to a hot spring or tide pool if conditions allow, and check local advisories on road conditions before you set out. A relaxed visit takes under an hour, so it fits easily into a larger day on the east side.

Bring a camera with a macro option; moss and ferns on the lava trunks make attractive close-ups. Early morning gives the softest light and the fewest mosquitoes.