This is a short, scenic loop drive to see some neat lava tree molds. Lava trees form when fast-flowing lava moves through a forest and completely surrounds moist trees. The tree burns up on the inside as the lava cools on the outside, resulting in a lava shell left in the shape of the tree.
While you are in the area, we recommend doing the short hike at Kipukapuaulu which is just a little ways past the Lava Tree Molds loop on Mauna Loa Road.
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