Puna
Hawai'i's eccentric side
Puna features some of Hawai'i's most eccentric people, and prettiest roads. From the kooky hippie village of Pahoa to the calm and clear Kapoho tide pools, Puna is worth at least a day of exploring.
Puna is about a 45 minute drive from Hilo, but it's actually quite a nice bike ride (about 3 hours). One weekend I decide to go camping and explore the area.
Nature taking back the roadside in Puna
Puna, Hawai'i (March 29th, '08)
Makenzie Campground
Puna, Hawai'i (March 29th, '08)
A camouflage stick bug on my bicycle at the Makenzie campground
Puna, Hawai'i (March 29th, '08)
The former Hawai'ian town of Kalapana was buried by a devastating lava flow in 1990. Molten lava hardened and shattered upon reaching the ocean, leaving a new beach of black sand. In memory of those who lost their homes in the flow, hundreds of people have planted coconuts on the new beach, giving promise of a tropical grove in years to come. The current active lava flow is accessed from Kalapana, and the plumes of steam caused by hot lava entering the ocean can be seen from miles away.
Coconuts at the new black sand beach
Kalapana, Hawai'i (March 17th, '08)
Planting our coconut at the new black sand beach
Kalapana, Hawai'i (March 17th, '08)
Mum and Dad lend some support to help the coconut grow
Kalapana, Hawai'i (May 21st, '08)
The new black sand beach with the active lava flow in the background
Kalapana, Hawai'i (May 21st, '08)
The three active lava areas from the public viewing area
Kalapana, Hawai'i (March 29th, '08)
Lava Tree State Park
Deep in the lush tropical forests of Puna you find a different kind of "tree", the "lava trees", tubes of lava formed around living trees during an active flow. The Lava Tree State Park features some amazing lava trees as well as a rich tropical garden of native and introduced plants.
A forest of lava trees
Lava Tree State Park, Hawai'i (March 17th, '08)
Checking out a lava tree
Lava Tree State Park, Hawai'i (March 17th, '08)
Inside a lava tree
Lava Tree State Park, Hawai'i (March 17th, '08)
Mum and Dad check out some massive leaves
Lava Tree State Park, Hawai'i (May 21st, '08)
Tropical flowers
Lava Tree State Park, Hawai'i (May 21st, '08)
Tropical flowers
Lava Tree State Park, Hawai'i (May 21st, '08)