
Puna
Puna
South of Hilo on the island of Hawaiʻi’s easternmost tip lies the Puna district and town of Pāhoa, known for its free-spirited vibe. Many locals believe that Puna is Pele’s workshop, where the volcano goddess continually creates and recreates the very land we live on. Indeed, this dynamic area stretches from Kīlauea’s summit east to the sea, including lava features, black-sand beaches and more natural wonders forged by the power of volcanoes.
Stop off at Pāhoa, a former mill town with an inviting boardwalk housing eclectic shops and eateries; if it’s a weekend, detour to the roadside Makuʻu Farmers Market and stock up on roasted macadamia nuts and local produce.
Puna’s most dramatic destination is Kalapana. In 1990, lava from Kīlauea engulfed Kaimū and Kalapana. While there is no accessible black sand beach any more, you can visit Uncle Robert's ʻAwa Bar and Farmer's Market. You can also see remnants of the flow that covered Kaimū.
Stop off at Pāhoa, a former mill town with an inviting boardwalk housing eclectic shops and eateries; if it’s a weekend, detour to the roadside Makuʻu Farmers Market and stock up on roasted macadamia nuts and local produce.
Puna’s most dramatic destination is Kalapana. In 1990, lava from Kīlauea engulfed Kaimū and Kalapana. While there is no accessible black sand beach any more, you can visit Uncle Robert's ʻAwa Bar and Farmer's Market. You can also see remnants of the flow that covered Kaimū.

Puna Highlights

Lava Tree State Park
This seven-acre State Monument is home to unusual lava tree structures that rise up out of the ground.

Volcano Village
Visit this charming artist community located five minutes from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

Kalapana
Once a historic town partially destroyed by lava, now a lava viewing area on the southeastern coast of the island of Hawai‘i.
