Exploring Puna: Discovering the Majestic, Primeval Tree Tunnels of Puna

by Donald B. MacGowan

Puna Tree Tunnels Graphic From Photo by Donald B. MacGowan

There are many wondrous, enigmatic and fascinating attractions on the Big Island of Hawaii, some better known than others, many out of the way and generally off the beaten track.  Tour Guide Hawaii has produced an encyclopedic collection of the most up-to-date information, presented as short GPS-cued videos, in an app downloadable to iPhone and iPod Touch that covers the entire Big Island, highlighting the popular and the uncrowded, the famous and the secluded, the adventurous and the relaxing.

Tree Tunnels of Puna

Albizia Tree Tunnels along Highway 132 Near Lava Trees State Monument in Puna, Hawaii: Photo by Donald B. MacGowan

One of the many great charms of Puna are the majestic, towering tree tunnels shading the roads in primeval beauty, accented by jungle undergrowth of guava, ginger, tree ferns and climbing philodendron.  Along some sections of highway, giant monkeypod trees canopy the highway, in other places albizia, palm or hala trees arch over the roadway, giving the traveler an other-worldly sense of adventure.

A favorite bike tour of many on Hawai’i Island is the round tip from Pahoa, to Lava Trees State Monument and back through the tree tunnels.

The Gracefull Arches of the Tree Tunnels in Puna Hawaii: Photo by Donald B. MacGowan

Tree tunnels exist on many roads in Pahoa, but are especially well-developed along Highway 132 between its intersections with Highway 130 and Highway 130 as well as along Highway 137 between Isaac Hale State Park and the village of Kalapana.

Tree Tunnels of Puna Hawaii: Photo by Donald B. MacGowan

To see the new iPhone/iPod Touch App, please visit http://www.tourguidehawaii.com/iphone.html. The best of Tour Guide Hawaii’s free content about traveling to, and exploring, the Big island, can be found here. For more information on traveling to Hawaii in general and on touring the Big Island in particular, please also visit www.tourguidehawaii.com and www.tourguidehawaii.blogspot.com.

Tree Tunnels Near Isaac Hale Park at Pohoiki Bay, Puna Hawaii: Photo by Donald B. MacGowan

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All media copyright 2009 by Donald B. MacGowan. All rights reserved.