Lava Tree State Park

Half way between Kilauea crater and the sea, about 2 miles/3km from the sea amid a devastated volcanic landscape, is one of Hawaii's most unusual natural phenomena - ohia trees encased in lava.

The Lava Tree State Park was formed in 1790 when a fast-flowing stream of lava engulfed a forest of ohia trees to a height of 13ft/4m. The lava cooled around the trees and formed a hard outer shell. At about the same time, fissures appeared underground, caused by several earth tremors, through which the still-liquid lava could drain away. Today fresh tall trees have grown up, providing a unique contrast to the petrified stumps which are the sole remnants of the old engulfed forest and making a visit to State Park a very worthwhile experience