The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of State Parks will close the Lava Tree State Monument starting Monday to continue park improvements including tree hazard mitigation. Due to the use of heavy equipment and the falling of tree branches, the park will be closed during this period to ensure the safety of park users and visitors, according to a release issued Friday afternoon. Work is expected to be complete by June 21.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of State Parks will close the Lava Tree State Monument starting Monday to continue park improvements including tree hazard mitigation. Due to the use of heavy equipment and the falling of tree branches, the park will be closed during this period to ensure the safety of park users and visitors, according to a release issued Friday afternoon. Work is expected to be complete by June 21.
Arborist Service and Big Island Tree Service will be involved in these activities and the project cost is approximately $41,350.
“We appreciate the community’s understanding during this time, as the closure is necessary to ensure the safety of our park visitors,” said Dean Takebayashi, Hawaii District Superintendent.
The 17-acre park is an excellent example of a forest of lava trees along a 0.7-mile loop trail. This unusual volcanic feature is the result of a lava flow that swept through this forested area and left behind lava molds of the tree trunks.
Park facilities include restrooms, picnic tables, and trash cans but no drinking water. The park is located off Pahoa-Pohoiki Road (Highway 132), 2.7 miles southeast of Pahoa. It is open daily during daylight hours.