What Are Hawaii's Lava Trees?

With the amount of volcanic activity throughout Hawaii’s treasured history, there are bound to be some natural marvels found among the islands. These crisp, almost petrified lava trees are one of the Big Island’s natural wonders. Here’s a guide to what they really are.

Lava flow

There is a certain formula to creating a lava tree and Hawaii has done it to perfection. The temperatures and environment are key.

During a volcanic eruption, like that of the Kilauea volcano which has led to the evacuation of 1,700 local residents, the lava flow will head downward, towards the water. As the sliding heat makes contact with a tree, something very interesting happens.

Red hot lava near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

If, and only if, the hotter lava is able to continue moving down and flow around the tree, the tree is protected from becoming obsolete. As this cools, it become a shell. And even with the inside wood burned to hollowness, these trees can stay standing for years, some even able to survive and continue their growth.

This image was taken during the Mauna Ulu eruption of Kilauea volcano in 1969-1971

Lava Tree State Monument

The best example of this marvel and a sight to absolutely see is just south of Pāhea on the Big Island.

Nearby Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, there is a rich forest growing where a path of lava passed many years ago. Among the 17.1 acres of greenery and wildlife, visitors are able to examine the bark textures and hollow trunks of the lava trees still standing today.

The lava came down from Kilauea in 1790, measuring about 11-feet deep. You can tell this by the height of the lava trees that are still upright.

Not only are they a fantastic specimen for learning about natural occurrences and the areas’ history, but getting the chance to take a long walk among them is, in itself, absolutely mesmerizing.

An inside view of a lava tree at Hawaii Lava Tree State Park

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.