Puna
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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.
Regions of Island of Hawaiʻi
Take a memorable drive from Hilo to the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout to see scenic overlooks, waterfalls, botanical gardens and small towns.
Learn MoreThis friendly, small town is the gateway to the Waipiʻo Valley, and home to cute local shops and restaurants.
Learn MoreLocated on the northern Hāmākua Coast, the sacred Waipiʻo Valley was the boyhood home of King Kamehameha I and an important center for political and religious life in Hawaiʻi.
Learn MoreThe Hilo Farmers Market is one of the best open markets in Hawaiʻi, featuring fresh fruit, vegetables, plants and local crafts.
Learn MoreLiliʻuokalani Gardens is a beautifully landscaped, 30-acre Japanese garden featuring fishponds, pagodas and rock gardens.
Learn MoreʻAkaka Falls State Park features two amazing waterfalls, ʻAkaka Falls (442 feet) and Kahuna Falls (100 feet).
Learn MoreDowntown Hilo is the island of Hawaiʻi's biggest small town, featuring centuries-old wooden storefronts—many of which are on the National Register of Historic Places—housing a variety of sophisticated galleries, shops, restaurants and cultural sites.
Learn MoreIf you’re looking for a waterfall near Downtown Hilo, take a short drive west on Waiānuenue Avenue to Wailuku River State Park.
Learn MoreThis famous black sand beach is a great photo opportunity and is almost as popular with honu (green sea turtles) as it is with visitors.
Learn MoreOne of the state’s most famous attractions is a testament to the power of nature and a rare opportunity to see an active volcano.
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Learn MoreThe Puakō Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve is one of the most extensive petroglyph fields in Hawaiʻi.
Learn MoreHāpuna Beach on the Kohala Coast is one of the largest white sand beaches on the island of Hawaiʻi.
Learn MoreThe Pololū Valley Lookout offers a breathtaking view overlooking Pololū Valley, a black sand beach and the northeastern coastline.
Learn MoreVisit Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau and learn about early Hawaiian history at this National Historic Park, historic place of refuge and former royal grounds.
Learn MoreThe Keauhou resort area, just south of Historic Kailua Village in Kona, is where you can often spot manta rays and honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles).
Learn MoreHistoric Kailua Village is a lively seaside town in the heart of Kona home to shopping, dining and important historic sites.
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Learn MoreJust south of Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, is Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park. Explore this coastal park and discover how an early Hawaiian settlement survived on the rugged Kona coast.
Learn MoreThis seven-acre State Monument is home to unusual lava tree structures that rise up out of the ground.
Learn MoreVisit this charming artist community located five minutes from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Learn MoreOnce a historic town partially destroyed by lava, now a lava viewing area on the southeastern coast of the island of Hawaiʻi.
Learn MoreHāmākua Coast
If you’re driving along the Hāmākua Coast be sure to stop to explore some of its hidden gems, including taro farms, black sand beaches, splendid waterfalls and more.
Learn MoreHilo
The perfect place to explore local shops, a famous farmers market, beautiful beaches and dramatic waterfalls.
Learn MorePuna
See dramatic features such as lava trees and molds at Lava Trees State Park and swim in volcanically heated tide pools.
Learn MoreKaʻū
See an active volcano at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National park and learn how the Hawaiian Islands were formed.
Learn MoreKona
Bright blue water, abundant resorts, coffee tastings, and unique historical and cultural landmarks — your options are plentiful.
Learn MoreKohala
The island of Hawaiʻi is often called the “Golf Capital of Hawaiʻi” because of the renowned courses found along the Kohala Coast.
Learn MorePuna Highlights
Lava Tree State Park
This seven-acre State Monument is home to unusual lava tree structures that rise up out of the ground.
MoreVolcano Village
Visit this charming artist community located five minutes from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
MorePlan Your Trip to the Island of Hawaiʻi
Travel Pono Pledge
One’s love for the planet is an inseverable relationship. Please take the island of Hawaiʻi Pono Pledge and ask your friends and family to do the same.
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