Aloha Loop - The Most Scenic Drives in America: 120 Spectacular Road Trips - page 240

16. Punaluu Beach Park
Rte.11passesthroughNaalehu—thesouthernmosttowninAmerica—beforeanglingnorth
to squeeze between the coastline and Mauna Loa's massive shoulder. Up ahead is one of
the region's best recreation spots, Punaluu Black Sand Beach, made popular by its black-
sand beach and sea turtles.
Kilauea's lava flows sometimes flow to the sea like a river. Visit at night and you may see fire and brimstone worthy of
Dante.
17. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
As Rte. 11 climbs between Mauna Loa, the world's most massive mountain, and Kilauea,
the world's most active volcano, the drama mounts with every passing mile. The Hawaiian
islands grew over millions of years as rivers of lava poured from their volcanoes, and the
spurts of glowing red lava that Kilauea coughs up remind us that the process continues
today.