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Highway 132 East Hawaii

808-974-6200

Situated in the Nanawale Forest Reserve, this park is a graphic depiction of the long-term effects of lava. Hundreds of years ago, a fast moving flow of hot lava hit this patch of wet 'O'hia trees. The lava forever encased the structures leaving behind vertical, hollow, lava tubes where each tree once stood. Trails traverse the park but some of the best lava-tree specimens are at the entrance to the park. A large chasm is also located near the park entrance. This gash in the earth's crust was created during the explosive eruption of 1790. The ground is very uneven throughout this park reminding visitors how unstable and fragile this island is. These ghostly structures are now covered with moss surrounded by lush, tropical foliage and huge monkeypod trees.

Lush tropical foliage now covers most of the devestation from earlier volcanic flows. Interior view of the hollow, lava tree shows impressions of the tree bark. Numerous holes in the ground are actually the base of an old, lava-encased tree. An opening in the side of a lava tree shows how the bark of the tree made it's everlasting impression in the molten lava.

Useful Information:

Open daily from dawn to dusk

FREE

30-60 minute hikes traverse the park

Wear sturdy shoes and walk slowly and carefully as the terrain is very uneven

Restrooms

Picnic tables



DIRECTIONS:

Go south on Highway 130 out of Pahoa. Then turn east on Highway 132. The Park is 2 1/2 miles down this highway on the left.