Green Lake and Green Mountain, located near Kapoho, is one of the most picturesque places in all of Hawai’i. Green Mountain is a magnificent 400 year old crater containing one of only two natural fresh water lakes on the Big Island.

Swim and relax in the secluded spring-fed Green Lake surrounded by lush jungle foliage. Hike the Green Mountain’s diverse landscapes and indigenous forests to breathtaking vistas.

In the center of Pu'u Kapoho crater lies Ka wai a Pele or Green Lake as it is known today. It lies in the district of Puna, on the southeast side of the Island of Hawai‘I (Big Island). This is the most volcanically active area of the island with lush and varied vegetation.

Green Lake is located inside a crater on Green Mountain near Kapoho. It's a short trek up a gentle slope across private land and then a steep, rugged hike down inside the crater to a beautiful, deep, spring fed lake surrounded by lush jungle foliage. Elevation -- 3 feet above sea-level. Here is some interesting history about how William Ellis found Green Lake:

“July 15, 1823, Reverend William Ellis, along with other missionaries, Thurston, Bishop, Harwood and Goodrich and guides left Kailua-Kona on foot and at times by canoe to explore the Big Island and arrived in Hilo about six months later. The following are excerpts from "The Journal of William Ellis" by William Ellis as published by the Charles E. Tuttle Company, Inc.:

The area and lake are now privatly owned but you can pay a small fee at the gate and go exploring or take a guided tour. Be sure to buy some of the fresh, local fruit while you are there.

This is a sweet place that a lot of people never hear about. Well worth the drive to the coast. (about 8 miles from Pahoa)