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.
Regions of Island of Hawaiʻi Island of Hawaiʻi
Onomea Bay

Puna Highlights

A unique lava tree formation surrounded by lush greenery with people walking in the background at Lava Tree State Park.

Lava Tree State Park

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

The Volcano Art Center, a rustic wooden building with a grassy lawn, located in Volcano Village.

Volcano Village

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

Children playing near the waves on a black sand beach in the Kalapana area on the southeastern coast of Hawaii.

Kalapana

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