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Lava Tree State Monument facts for kids

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Lava Tree State Monument
LavaTreeStateMonument.jpg
Lava molds of tree trunks in Lava Tree State Monument
Lava Tree State Monument is located in Hawaii
Lava Tree State Monument
Lava Tree State Monument
Location in Hawaii
Location Pāhoa
Governing body State of Hawaii

Lava Tree State Monument is a public park located 2.7 miles (4.3 km) southeast of Pāhoa in the Puna District on the island of Hawaii. It preserves lava molds of the tree trunks that were formed when a lava flow swept through a forested area in 1790.

Park Information

Features

A 0.7-mile (1.1 km) footpath forms a loop through the park. Like all Hawaii state parks, there is no charge for parking and entry. Facilities include restrooms, picnic tables, and 3 covered structures to provide refuge from the rain or sun. It is open daily during daylight hours only, since there are no lights on the path. No camping, and no mountain bikes are allowed in the park. There are no water fountains at the park; bring your own water. Although there is a paved path, tree roots have lifted and separated parts of the path so toddlers and the elderly may need assistance.

Directions

From the Hawaii Belt Road (State Route 11), take Highway 130, known as Keaʻau-Pāhoa Road, toward the town of Pāhoa. Bypass the first intersection that would take you into Pāhoa by staying to the left. Continue to the traffic light where Pāhoa Bypass Road, Keaʻau-Pāhoa Rd and Pāhoa-Kapoho roads meet. At this intersection, make a left onto Highway 132, Pāhoa-Kapoho Road. Continue for about 3 miles (4.8 km) to Lava Tree Road on your left. The park is located on your right, about 150 feet (46 m) down Lava Tree Road.

History

The land was once part of the extensive ranch of William Herbert Shipman. Although ancient Hawaiians knew the molds were from a lava flow, one of the first to propose that they were from former trees was Rufus Anderson Lyman.

It was closed in May 2018 due to the eruption of Kīlauea when lava flows approached the park.

Gallery

  • Hawaii Lava Tree State Park SAC02

    Path

  • Hawaii Lava Tree State Park SAC03

    Lava Trees

  • Hawaii Lava Tree State Park SAC04

    Shelter

  • Hawaii Lava Tree State Park SAC05

    Lava Trees

  • Hawaii Lava Tree State Park SAC06

    Lava Trees

  • Hawaii Lava Tree State Park SAC07

    Lava Trees and path

  • Hawaii Lava Tree State Park SAC09

    Inside view of lava tree with moss

  • Hawaii Lava Tree State Park SAC10

    Large lava tree that fell and broke apart

  • Hawaii Lava Tree State Park SAC11

    Lava tree

  • Hawaii Lava Tree State Park SAC13

    Lava formation inside one of the lava trees

  • Hawaii Lava Tree State Park SAC14

    Plant life

  • Hawaii Lava Tree State Park SAC15

    Plant life

  • Hawaii Lava Tree State Park SAC16

    Orchid growing in the wild

  • Hawaii Lava Tree State Park SAC19

    Plant life near deep cut in the ground

  • Hawaii Lava Tree State Park SAC23

    Plant life with morning dew

  • Hawaii Lava Tree State Park SAC26

    Plant life and moss growing inside trunk of lava tree

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