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Pahoa, Big Island, Hawaii: Lava Tree State Monument

1790 volcanic eruption from Kilauea encased a bunch of trees in molten rock, leaving these craggy nubs and spires.

Address:
Kapoho Rd, Pahoa, Big Island, HI
Directions:
Take Hwy 130 to 132 and go 3 miles in. Entrance to parking lot is on the left. 7 mile trail loop, some paved.
Hours:
Gated after 4:30pm (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
808-974-6200
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Visitor Tips and News About Lava Tree State Monument

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

Lava Tree.

Lava Tree State Monument

The road to the park is open, as is the park, after a 7 month shutdown.

[Cristin, 01/31/2019]
Lava Tree State Monument

The active volcano has shut down every single road to this attraction.

[Jazzy Bleu, 07/09/2018]

Lava Tree.

Lava Tree State Monument

I read in a guidebook that in 1790 a volcanic eruption from Kilauea overwhelmed a forest of trees, encasing the trunks in stone when the molten rock hardened. I thought, "Great, a bunch of boring holes in a wasteland."

Au contraire. It was eerie and awe-inspiring; the Pompeii of forests. First off, the forest has regrown and towers above you, dripping with giant vines and flowers. The ferns alone are the size of small sheds. The trees the lava encased must have also been enormous, because the lava shells are still imposing, standing like chimneys after a house fire, all shaped like sculptures. It's free, it's amazing, and it's really by the side of the road.

[Peg Boettcher, 02/20/2010]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor CenterMauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center, Keaau, Big Island, HI - 14 mi.
Raelian UFO Peace ParkRaelian UFO Peace Park, Volcano, Big Island, HI - 18 mi.
Tsunami Clock of DoomTsunami Clock of Doom, Hilo, Big Island, HI - 20 mi.
In the region:
Volcano Steam Vents, Volcano, Big Island, HI - 24 mi.

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