On Highway 130 in Puna, just south of the town of Pahoa, is Lava Tree State Park. The park has a beautiful circular path through the Puna tropical jungle growth and tree molds created from a lava flow are visible all along the walk.
The lava trees were formed from fast flowing lava encounters a large wet tree. As the flow drains, it leaves lava encrusted around the tree. The tree burns up, leaving a hollow lava tree.
The lava trees are covered with mold. The pathway winds around the park making it easy to spend 30 minutes to an hour wandering around.
A covered area allows brief escape from the rain.
Ferral chickens strut around the park.
Papaya trees have found their way into the park.
A canope of trees covers part of the park with loud bird songs.
The park has a big parking lot (with pot holes) and bathroom facilities.
