Puna, Hawaii

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The affordable housing prices have led to an enormous increase in developments in Puna, and have made this district the fastest growing area on the Big Island. In the last 20 years the population has grown by nearly 20,000 people and it is estimated that Puna will have a higher population than Hilo by 2020. However, between 2002 and 2006 the price of houses more than doubled and the price of vacant land increased over fivefold, as increasing numbers of people from outside the district (often from the mainland U.S.) bought into the last affordable market in the state.

However, homeowners insurance is notoriously difficult to secure in Puna, squarely because the whole of Puna is located in Lava Flow Hazard Zones 1, 2 and 3. In particular, the entire Kîlauea rift zone region is in Zone 1, and the entire southeastern slope is in Zone 2. Most home insurance companies will not cover homes in Zone 1 or 2 at all, and all of the companies that do provide insurance for these homes are located in Hawaiʻi. Indeed, most of the volcanic destruction of private property in Hawaiʻi since the 20th century has occurred in Puna, including the destructions of Kapoho, Royal Gardens, Kalapana and Kaimû.

The climate could be called mild tropical climate with an abundance of rain, especially in the northern parts and areas of higher elevation. The terrain is characterized by gentle slopes with no defined waterways. Although rainfall is occasionally very heavy (one storm in 2003 brought 36 inches (90 cm) of rain in 24 hours), flooding is rare due to the slope and porosity of the volcanic rock. The vegetation ranges from rainforest to desert shrub and coastal strand. Large areas of native forest are present in the Wao Kele o Puna and Kahauala tracts.

Besides visiting the active Kîlauea volcano and the currently active vents of its southeastern rift zone, one of the most interesting sites of the Puna district is the heated tide pools, in which ocean water is naturally heated through geothermal energy.

The first geothermal well in Hawaiʻi tapping volcanic steam for energy was drilled in 1976 in the Puna district.

Popular Puna Spots

Some of the more popular places to visit in the lower puna area include Ahalanui Park known locally as the "warm ponds", Pohoiki Beach and surf spot, Lava Tree Park, Champagne Ponds, and the east side lighthouse.

Ahalanui park is a naturally heated, partially man-made pool open to the public. It offers bathrooms, BBQ grills, covered patios and lifeguards. For more information visit Hawaii Web Ahalanui Park.

Issac Hale Park, commonly known as "Pohoiki" is a popular surf, swim and boating spot with the locals. It can be a dangerous spot because of the strong, rough tides and tourists are often discouraged by the waves as well as the "local" crowd that hangs out and camps there. There is an emergency phone available but no security and poor cellphone service.

Lava Tree Park can be found along highway 132 about 2-1/2 mile past Pahoa on the left hand side. Lave Tree Park is named for its unique lava rock structures that were created when hot lava rushed over a patch of trees and cooled to form hollow upright pillars where the trees once stood. It is open to the public and is equipped with restrooms and benches. Those who have trouble walking should be careful as the ground is mostly uneven throughout the park.

The Champagne Ponds and the lighthouse are on the eastern most tip of the island and it takes a bumpy ride to get them. The Champagne ponds are across the lava rocks from the lighthouse and require a 4WD to get there but the ponds are warm and usually populated with a few friendly honu(sea turtles).

Notable people from Puna

• Joseph Nawahi, Native Hawaiian legislator, newspaper publisher, and painter