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Puna
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1.
Ahalanui Park
Stop for a soak in the thermal springs.
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2.
Cape Kumukahi Lighthouse
Ask locals about this lighthouse's legend.
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3.
Kapoho Tide Pools
The snorkeling is great in these tide pools.
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4.
Lava Tree State Park
Hawaiian flora and fauna are abundant here.
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5.
Pahoa
The Wild West, Hawaiian style.
Map of Puna
The Puna District is a wild place in every sense of the word. The jagged black coastline is changing all the time; the trees are growing out of control, forming canopies over the few paved roads; the land is dirt-cheap and there are no building codes; and the people, well, there's something about living in an area that could be destroyed by lava at any moment (as Kalapana was in 1990) that makes the laws of modern society seem silly. So it is that Puna has its well-deserved reputation as the "outlaw" region of the Big Island. That said, it's a unique place that's well worth a detour, especially if you're in this part of the island anyway. There are volcanically heated springs, tide pools bursting with interesting sea life, and some mighty fine people-watching opportunities in Pahoa, a funky little town that the outlaws call home.
At a Glance
SIGHTS
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