North Kona

The North Kona district is characterized by vast lava fields, dotted with turnoff points to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Most of the lava flows here originate from the last eruptions of Hualalai, in 1800 and 1801, although some flows by the resorts hail from Mauna Loa. The stark black lavascapes contrast spectacularly with luminous azure waters framed by coco palms and white-sand beaches. Some of the turnoffs will take you to state parks with parking lots and bathrooms, while others are simply a park-on-the-highway-and-hike-in adventure.