The state Department of Land and Natural Resources began construction Friday on improvements at Lava Tree State Monument near Pahoa.

The accessibility improvements will include alterations to the parking, improvements to restrooms, a pathway to the picnic pavilion and signs.

The park features a loop footpath seven-tenths of a mile long through various formations of lava molds of 'ohia tree trunks created from a 1790 lava flow that swept through the forested area.

The monument will be open during construction.

The project will cost $220,904, and construction is scheduled for completion in August.