Lava Tree State Park features unique natural formations called "lava trees" created when tree trunks are overtaken by lava. It is a smaller park with a paved walking trail and ample parking. We went on a Sunday on our way to the Maku'u Farmer's Market so the drive out was definitely worth it when you consolidate spots nearby. read more

Lava Tree State Park - Lava tree - Parks Near Me

Although, the park is a bit of a drive between the jungle and the aftermath of volcanic ash lies the famous lava trees formations after the hot lava scorched the land submerging with burned trees create these lava tree stumps. Over time the resilient jungle emerges from where the moisture collects. In the open parking lot are public restrooms and clearly market trail that loops around. The lush greenery reminds us how magical Mother Nature is. read more

Lava Tree State Park - Parks Near Me

See all

This park is a bit of a drive from Hilo/Volcano, but it's worth it. The park is full of lava trees which are basically lava formations that formed around trees and then the trees died. They're really cool to look at. There's a short loop around the park to walk and see them all. There's some picnic tables here and it would be a great place to bring lunch. It's usually pretty quiet. I wouldn't say this is something I would do multiple times (although I have been twice so that my husband could see it the second time), but it's definitely worth doing once. read more

See all

We've been to Hawaii several times, but this is the first time we came here. It's just a short little loop walk among the "lava trees". Most of the walk isn't really lava trees, it's just trees and flowers. There are perhaps four or five prominent examples of the lava trees. Which are kinda cool. If you are in Kona, or at least not in Hilo, this probably isn't worth a special trip to get here. But if you're in the area, it's worth a stop. Not crowded when we were here, short nature walk. read more

Yet another sightseeing spot on the Big Island which I had NO idea existed until we drove by it on our way to our rental house. Located just south of Pāhoa on Hwy 132. + Excellent park and although small, it offers fascinating specimens of lava trees created during a volcanic eruption dating in the 17th or 18th century. Very unique and interesting. + The paths are all paved and accessible by strollers and wheelchairs. + My children found the lava trees interesting, but they're 6 years old, so their attention span for these sorts of things is a bit small. What they especially liked, however, was the fact that there were numerous Pokemon Go characters to be found there. And if I understand the girls, there's a Pokemon gym too (???). + Large, covered area at the front/near the entrance to sit, chat or have a drink/snack. Two smaller covered seating areas inside the park, too. One is located at the top of some stone steps. Great for a photo op. + Restrooms. + Free. It takes less than an hour to view the entire park (even at Aloha speed), but definitely worth a stop if you're in the area. read more

See all

Lava Tree State Park may be a relatively long drive from Hilo, but the park is totally worth visiting! Plenty of lava trees and rocks in different formations to check out as you walk the loop. Relatively quiet location and also plenty of other plants to see along the way. Also good to stop for a quick lunch and snack break. read more

I have a rather childish sense of humor. So yes, if you were at the Lava Tree State Park on April 8th around 2:00pm, you likely saw my behind. There is one specific sign in the park that warns of "dangerous cracks in the park area." (Not the dangerous earth cracks sign, that one isn't as funny). I asked Pete to take a picture of me near said sign, then I proceeded to lift my skirt and flash my thong clad behind. I believe my bum may be on at least 10 cameras from Japanese tourists nearby...Don't worry. No children were present. I am a lady after all. If you are in the area, definitely check out Lava Tree State Park. I wouldn't necessarily drive out of the way to see if, but if you are in Hilo/Pahoa area, you might want to stop by for a nice walk. There is an asphalt trail surrounding the park, and they have done a good job maintaining the area. The area is lush and green and there is some beautiful vegetation nearby. But do bring the bug spray as Veronica mentioned. The park actually looks 100% better than when I went to it last in 2004. They have done a good job restoring it, so if you haven't been in a long time, it's worth a revisit. The park is filled with what I can only describe as phallic lava formations. They are supposed to be lava trees, but really, to my mind, they were a bit dirtier than that. Note: very clean flush toilets at this park. read more

See all

A flat 0.7 mile loop on a paved track takes you through what could be a garden in the jungle. The track takes you past a dozen or more of the lava trees which range from ten foot teal chimneys too little stumps. - There are three gazebos along the way for families to get out of the rain if required. - Little cell phone coverage but zero chance that you will get lost. - Signs talk about animals which we saw none of but we did see plenty of tropical flowers. read more

Lava Tree State Park - One of the lava trees (stump) - Parks Near Me

A nice hour long stroll through beautiful lava "trees" (Lava that eats up a tree but stays in tree form.) It's a great stop over on your way into Hilo, if you want to get out and stretch your legs, or even for a picnic. When we arrived it had just stopped raining, and while it was damp, the birds were singing and I felt like I was in a different world. My almost 3 year old enjoyed running ahead on the trails (make sure you stress that they stay ON the pavement!) and there were benches under cover if you happen to get caught in the rain. The park wasn't just peaceful, it was informative. Signs doted the way telling us about different plants and I learned how a lava tree actually forms. Hard to find but totally worth the price (free) I would definitely keep an umbrella handy as you stroll this beautiful little park. read more

Lava Tree State Park - sign - Parks Near Me

Beautiful. It's a small park but expect to do some walking. Wasn't busy when I went. Nice stroll and a little bit of education. This park is in the Puna District. That means you're in the rainforest area of the Big Island. Expect rain, mostly rain. Maybe overcast. Maybe sunshine. Expect the most unexpected weather in Hawaii. It's a very clean park, so malama the aina (I think that means take care of the land in Hawaiian, haha). Around the park there are fences, when I was younger they didn't exist. There are cliffs or deep holes, IDK how you explain it and the fences keeps everyone from falling in. Haha. Free parking. Any type of weather is a great time to visit. It's just a beautiful hole in the wall park. read more

Lava Tree State Park - Parks Near Me

This is an amazing place to see how Mother Nature works her wonders. It's a small park so you can walk through it in a very short time. It is very interesting to see how the lava flows covered the trees. There are also trees that were blown down during the recent hurricane that hit this area. There are signs along the way to explain what you are looking at as well. The flowers growing here, especially the wild orchids, are spectacular. you can spend as much time as you want here. It's worth a stop but, you can judge for yourself if it's worth the time. I thought it was and will return on our next trip to Hilo. read more

See all

To get to the park take Highway 130 towards the town of Pāhoa. Pass the first intersection that takes you into Pāhoa and at the next intersection (the intersection with a traffic light) make a left onto Pāhoa-Kapoho Road (this is also Highway 132). Follow this road for about 3 miles until you see the park on your left. The trees in the park were created in a 1790 volcanic eruption. Lava flowed down the mountain rather rapidly and buried the trees in lava. As the lava began to cool, the lava hardened around the trees. The trees burned from the resulting heat of the lava, which caused vertical lava tube like structures to remain. They are rather phallic in nature and one can't help but laugh when you see them. There are many fissures within the park, which allowed the lava to drain downward and the area to clear of the lava. There is a rickety asphalt trail that surrounds the park. Make sure to stay on the trail, as the ground is somewhat unstable and there are many hidden fissures if you stray from the path. The path is broken and very uneven in many places. I downgraded this park to 3 stars for the mere fact that I got eaten alive here. I must have had 20-30 mosquito bites within a half hour, so make sure you have some bug spray if you are prone to mosquito bites. read more

Lava Tree State Park - Parks Near Me

A nice stop to take a stroll and walk around looking at these tree which are covered by lava? What we saw were basically trees so perfect for nature lovers :) Unfortunately the rain destroy our stroll along the park and we were soaking wet at the end... This place is good for a quick break but nothing much to do ! read more

Lava Tree State Park - Lava Tree ! - Parks Near Me

Reading about lava trees at the Jaggar Museum in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park made me want to see them. I didn't know where they were located in the National Park so I was excited to accidentally run across some excellent examples at this small and free park. Better than the tree molds at Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho, the park had a lava tree that fell like a tree, fossil-like impressions of the tree in lava, and real trees growing out of a lava tree that looked like a large Japanese bonsai setting. Located near the 5/3/18 lava fissure in Leilani Estates, the park is likely temporarily closed because it's inside the evacuation zone. Restrooms and lots of parking are available. Allow 30 minutes to visit. read more

Not thrilling, but interesting with views of lava covered ancient trees and in season flowers and other foliage. There are also a couple of places to sit and contimplate the view and life along the trail. read more

While on the Hilo side driving around looking for tidepools, we stumbled upon the Lava Tree State Park. What are lava trees, you may ask. Well Lehua trees grow throughout the island and they generally grow on areas that are made barren by the lava. Lava unfortunately then get their chance at the trees and cover them up when the volcano erupts. This creates the "lava" trees in that the trees are covered and burned but preserved in a tube like statue. This particular little park have these sentinel type structures everywhere you walk which are pretty cool because now there are lehua trees that are growing out of these lava trees. It's just a constant battle of one growing on the other. It's a really easy walk that is completely level and handicap accessible. Short walk and nice to be outside. It's free so if you're in the area looking for something to do, this is definitely a nice place to stop by. I see a lot of tours bringing guests to the area so definitely a place to visit! read more

This is a pretty walk around the lava trees. Some of the trees are still standing and huge ones have fallen over and torn from the roots yet you can see new growth on the branch's. I enjoy seeing life coming back after natural disasters happen, if you enjoy that kind of stuff you will appreciate the trip here. There are signs marked to stay on the paved path- the trees are tender in the area and can fall. This is a quick thing to see if you don't have much time. It was empty when we came in the middle of the day. We stopped to see this on our way back out from Pahoa-Makena black sand beach it was along the way. read more

See all

This place is super hard to find!! It has a very small sign that tells you that this is the Lava Tree State Park. Other than the small small sign this place is pretty great! When I went there it was dry so it was an easy mile hike. While on this hike you can see local trees and flowers. You can also see petrified trees. It was really cool to see this park. To be completely honest theres really not much to say about this place. It's manicured very nicely. It's also a pretty place to take a hike. If you need to use the bathroom they also have a nice bathroom there. While your in the area go check out Isaac Hale Beachpark and see the natural hot tubs. read more

Trees. A lot of trees. That was my first thought when I passed by the entrance by accident (the entrance sign is a bit inconspicuous), veered around by my friend's advice, and drove breathless to the parking lot. Sure, the east side of the Big Island is green green green, but with lava trees? Yes way. Lava Tree State Park isn't as jaw-dropping as Volcanoes National Park, and you can easily go through this park in about an hour. But it's free and loaded with enough trees for your oxygen needs. They won't really shade you from the blasting sun though, so hit that sunscreen. The lava trees are the highlights. Hug a stumpy one, or if you have a juvenile mind, snicker at the taller ones (they really are phallic-looking). Just don't break them (of course). Watch your step though; the paths can be full of cracks. Other than that, this park is a good stop if you're on your way to the black-sand beaches. read more

What's better than lava? Not much, but lava-covered trees come pretty close. This is a good stop when you're on your way to see the lava flows at Kupaahu. The park is free and easily walkable in 20 or 30 minutes. It was uncrowded, oddly beautiful and, as Heather observed in her review, maybe just a little phallic. The park is free, quiet and unique. A lava flow came through here ages ago and somehow preserved some of the trees, encapsulating them in lava. So the remnants of a forest stand here, most of it of course burned to a crisp. Lush vegetation has filled it in over the years, with long vines reaching down from the trees. If you're ambling around this corner of the island, it's a worthwhile diversion. read more

This is a really nice little park. Like other Hawaiian state parks, it doesn't take long to see what has to see, but what it does have is really neat. The park seems to be really well maintained, too. If you budget a half-hour for your visit, you'll be pretty close. read more

Unique geological features, "Lava Trees" from an eruption centuries ago, give this place an otherworldly feel, and everywhere you look there are orchids and ginger and a thousand shades of green. The trail is easy (ADA accessible the whole way) and there are even a couple of small Ohia pole Pavilions with benches where you can sit and take it all in. Easy parking, clean restroom, beautiful drive to get there. read more

See all

It's hard to find actually. I wouldn't make this a priority for your trip if you have limited time. I believe there are other areas with these lava encased trees. When I came it was closed for construction because I believe the hurricane that came through here downed some trees. There is a small parking lot. Google maps takes you beyond the entrance so just follow the road signs when you get close! read more

I was nervous when looking at the address location as being "just off the freeway, difficult to find" that I wouldn't be able to find it either. Not only can you just type in the gps "lava tree" and it comes up. But the place is well marked with big signs. Small park with a paved parking area and restrooms. The park has a short loop trail about 1/2 mile. There's 85 formations in the park but only 40 visible from the trail. The trees left were over taken in the 1700-1800 century by the volcano. The eruption had the lava flow through the forest and captured the trees inside preserving it. It was interesting to stop and visit if you have extra time and are in the area. I wouldn't make this a priority on the list. Compared to all the lava flow and craters in volcanoes park, this seems less impressive. But I still enjoyed the quick walk for my toddler, the history and rest stop. read more

See all

Peaceful little walk. Loved the wild chickens running about. Didn't like the bugs...will wear repellent next time. LOVED the drive to get there. Very interesting place. It is a very short walk around the park and they don't let you leave the path. While this is fine, I found it a very SHORT trip. So if you're driving a long way to get there you might be a bit disappointed. If it's on your way somewhere then I recommend a stop here...it won't take long. read more

We spent the morning at the tide pools. Before that, we stopped along the way at this state park. We thought the lava trees were very interesting, something my kids had never seen before. The Good: - Easy to find just off the main road to the southeast. Well-marked entrance. - The walk around the park is short, but lush and green. - There are plenty of examples of the lava trees, some short and squat, others tall. - There is a restroom at the parking lot before you go in the park. The Not So Good: - Honestly, I don't see anything not good. The park is small and rather "unexciting" meaning there is not much else to do except look at the lava trees. But the experience was still good. Bottom Line: If you are passing by, take 30 minutes or so and stop and take a walk among the lava trees. Signs tell you how the formed. These are another formation made by the active volcanos that make up this island, so it is worth the time. read more

Cute place. Very pretty. Free, can't beat that price! Although I found this place rather interesting I don't see it as being a destination to drive all the way out to only for just this. It happened to be in an area we were headed to anyway and needed to waste some time so we stopped there. I'm happy we did but I feel I'd be disappointed if I drove all the way out there just for this park. We were the only people there at the time. It was very peaceful! If you are bringing small children with you, keep a close eye on them. Although beautiful this place could be dangerous. read more

I went to this park to kill time before a flight back to Honolulu. Ok, kill a TON of time. This park was fairly easy to find in the Puna district of the Big Island. The trail was paved and looped around. I'd say it took less than 45 minutes to make it all the way around. The history of the lava trees is pretty cool. The park is worth checking out if you are in that area. Take some pics, send them in Instagram. read more

Lava Tree State Park - Parks Near Me

See all

Great place for a peaceful walk but not a must see for tourists. The lava trees were neat to see but probably wouldn't do it again because of the distance from the highway. read more

See all

Interesting place to visit with unique lava features that have cooled around existing trees. Nature is amazing!!!!

really nice, bring a picnic, enjoy the drive with the canopy of trees, see the huge crack in the earth and a few of the lava trees. didn't do the whole walk though - figured it was just more lava trees. i agree though, you feel like a dinosaur might come out of the ferns or something. very land of the lost feeling. read more

Loved this little park. It is a short loop to go all the way around and the shade makes it a perfect spot to stroll in the heat of the day. The lava trees are magical and the whole experience made me feel like a dinosaur was waiting just around the corner. They also have some nice chickens in the parking lot and a good clean restroom. read more

Maybe not a 5 star spectacle, but a beautifully kept botanical garden featuring lava trees where I was expecting only devastation and mosquitos (lucky our repellant application was recent). This can't be beat for the price (free) - not as large and varied as Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, but made their $15 admission a little hard to swallow. read more

The park itself had a nice, short, shaded walk, and the lava tree structures were fascinating, but honestly the best part about the visit for me was the scenic drive up from Pahoa! read more

Perfect for my 75 year old parents. Meticulously maintained concrete pathway with nicely manicured grounds, good signage, and quaint little temple pavilions to rest in off the path. Parks worker monitoring the parking lot. Much improved from the first time i visited back in the '90's. We enjoyed it. read more

Interesting diversion, easy to get to and no admission fee- what's not to like? The "trees" look like someone poured concrete into molds- not amazing until you really think about how they were formed and marvel at Mother Natures creative destruction. A 45 minute walk will take you around the whole place but you can see trees in the first five minutes if you just want to stop for a quick peek read more

This is totally worth the drive, as it was one of the highlights of this area. Gorgeous flora. Bathrooms. What more could you want? I walked the loop twice. read more

This place was honestly a let-down. The images on their website make it out to be a really cool place, but it's really just a lot of the same. A couple of trees with lava rocks growing on them, a few lava rocks sitting around, and a whole lot of overhyping. At least there's no admission fee because this place isn't worth spending a dime to go to. I'd say just stop through for about 15 minutes so you can see what a lava tree at least looks like them you can head out. read more

We drove from Hilo mostly to see Lava Tree and were disappointed. Travel books had said that it was amazing and a total must see. Unfortunately it really just looks like towers of tall lava. Though the park was clearly kept after which was nice but not worth the drive. Don't plan on spending more than a half hour. I wouldn't make this a must see on your trip if you are on a time crunch. The coastline and towns around the state park are beautiful though. read more

Park was underwhelming. Nice walk, but short and not much else to see. The lava trees are neat, the infographics are informative, but don't plan to spend more than 30 mins there. The turn-off can be easy to miss; only a small 3' x 4' hand-painted sign marks the entrance. read more