“Brew Your Best Cup”- Coffee Brewing Workshop
Heavenly Hawaiian Coffee Farm • Farm • Holualoa, Island of Hawaii • Hawaii
Puna – The Resilient, Volcanic Frontier
From Leilani's Logbook: I've walked on land younger than my daughter here, felt the earth's warmth through my shoes, and witnessed the stubborn, beautiful resilience of life pushing through new lava. Puna isn't a destination—it's a living process of creation and renewal.
Puna: Where Earth Creates Itself
Puna beats with the heart of creation itself. This is where Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes, does her work. Where artists and off-grid dreamers build lives in the spaces between lava flows. Where community spirit runs as deep as the volcanic roots beneath your feet.
The 2018 eruption changed everything and nothing. Entire neighborhoods like Kapoho disappeared under lava. Hundreds of homes, gone. But the people? They stayed. They rebuilt. They created new gathering places around new thermal ponds that formed when the lava stopped flowing.
The new volcanic cone, Ahuʻailaʻau, stands as a monument to this power. You can see it from miles away, a reminder that this land is always becoming something new.
Living Volcanic Landscape
🌧️ Climate Profile
- • Tropical Continuously Wet
- • Jungle-thick rainforest growth
- • High humidity and regular rain
- • Lush vegetation where lava allows
🌋 Volcanic Activity
- • Active lava flow zone
- • New land formation ongoing
- • Dramatic black rock coastline
- • Ahuʻailaʻau cone (2018 eruption)
Drive through Puna and you'll see the full story of volcanic creation. Dense rainforest gives way to stark black lava fields. The coastline is almost entirely new rock, jagged and dramatic, proving that this land never stops creating gifts.
Must-Do Experiences
🎨
Pāhoa Town
The district's funky heart with galleries, cafes, and shops. Bohemian artist community vibe.
Bohemian 🛒
Makuʻu Farmers Market
Sunday cultural gathering with 60+ vendors. Fresh local produce and island crafts.
Cultural 🏖️
Kehena Black Sand Beach
Steep-sided cove where dolphins often play. Dramatic black sand formed by volcanic activity.
Beach ♨️
Pohoiki Hot Springs
New 2018 lava-formed beaches and thermal ponds. Nature's newest gift from the eruption.
Volcanic🌳 Lava Tree State Monument
0.7-mile loop through ghostly tree molds from 1790 lava flow. See how quickly lava can preserve and destroy.
🥭 Roadside Fruit Stands
Freshest tropical fruit you'll taste. Try lilikoi (passion fruit), rambutan, and local poke bowls from farm to table.
Travel Pono in Puna
🛍️
Support Recovery
Eat, shop, and buy locally in Puna. The community is still rebuilding from 2018 eruption impacts.
🌋
Respect Sacred Land
This is Pele's domain. Don't take lava rocks. Show reverence for ongoing creation.
🏪 Local Businesses to Support
Pele's Kitchen, Puna Chocolate Company, and local fruit stands. Your support helps this resilient community thrive.
Practical Information
🎒 Essential Packing
- • Light rain jacket
- • Sturdy closed-toe shoes (lava terrain)
- • Water shoes for tide pools
- • Mosquito repellent
- • Cash for markets and stands
🚗 Getting There
- • 30-45 minutes south of Hilo
- • Narrow, winding roads
- • Limited public transportation
- • Car essential for exploration
🏨 Accommodations
- • Vacation rentals (most common)
- • Local B&Bs with character
- • Unique eco-centers
- • Limited hotel options
⚠️ Safety Notes
- • Check volcanic activity updates
- • Stay on marked trails
- • Lava rock is sharp and brittle
- • Ocean conditions can change quickly
💡 Local Tip
Visit Makuʻu Farmers Market early (Sunday mornings) for the best selection. Bring small bills and reusable bags. Ask vendors about seasonal fruits you've never tried!
🌋 Quick Info
- Risk Zone:LFHZ 1–2
- Best Base:Hilo
- Vibe:Bohemian • Volcanic
🎒 What to Bring
- Closed‑toe shoes
- Water shoes
- Rain jacket
- Mosquito repellent
