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Visiting Puna and want to know what some of the must-see spots are? Let us tell you about a historic and popular place called The Puna Red Road! It is located along the coastline of the lower Puna district on the Big Island, and travels for about 15 miles. Definitely a must see. Why? Well, keep reading.
The Puna Red Road, also known as the Kapoho Kalapana Road, is absolutely beautiful and very scenic. You will find oceanfront views, lush forests and a tree canopy that forms a natural archway over the road. Check it out and experience living like you are in hobbit land!
This stretch of the Kapoho Kalapana Road is known by locals as the Red Road. “But where is the red?” you might ask. Good question! When this road was created originally, the pavement was made of red cinder rocks, giving it a red appearance. Although the road has been modernized and now paved with black asphalt, the name “red road” stuck. And locals still call it by this name today.
This scenic drive hugs the lower Puna coastline as it curves its way to Kalapana. At times you might feel like you’re on a rollercoaster ride! In some places, the road curves so close to the ocean that you can almost feel the saltwater spray from the waves crashing over the rocks!
But remember: make sure to watch out for oncoming cars, as the road is only around a lane and a half wide.
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