Check out these black sand beaches in Hawaii.
Calling all black sand beach lovers!
Last year we wrote about the formation of Hawaii’s newest black sand beach, Pohoiki, after the 2018 Kilauea eruptions. Following these eruptions, some of the island was off-limits and Volcanoes National Park even closed. But, that’s all over now, and a year and a half later Hawaii’s newest black sand beach is more beautiful than ever!
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Pohoiki is located in Isaac Kepoʻokalani Hale Beach Park. The park, AKA Pohoiki Beach Park, closed in Spring 2018 when lava flowed over the Highway and made it impossible to access. Since then, a new road has been constructed and, last December, Hale Beach Park reopened complete with its new black beach.
Here’s what the beach looks like today:
What can you do at the beach?
Visitors are welcome to swim at their own risk but should be advised there are strong dangerous shore breaks with strong currents and no lifeguard on duty. The park is an extremely diverse natural area that includes a recreation area, several thermal ponds, a (new!) black sand beach, and is a popular surfing spot.
Park information:
- Located at the intersection of Pohoiki road and the scenic Kapoho-Kalapana road (route 137) in the Puna District of Hawai’i Island.
- Park hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Enter thermal ponds at your own risk. The Department of Health reports that these ponds are not disinfected and, due to the risk of bacterial infections, the public should not enter these ponds if they have open wounds.
- The future of the beach remains uncertain. Black sand beaches like this often wash away after a few years because no new sand provided. Visit while you can!
What other black sand beaches can you visit on the Big Island?
- Kehena Beach. This beach is well-known for attracting nude sunbathers, even though the practice illegal in Hawaii. When waters a calm, schools of spinner dolphins can be seen from the shore. This is what gave the beach its nickname, Dolphin Beach.
- Kaimu Beach. Once the most famous black sand beach on the island of Hawaii, Kaimu Beach has since been covered by many feet of lava flow. It’s also a risky place to swim with strong currents and rip tides. Locals, however, are working to restore its natural beauty and appeal, planting coconut trees and flowers in hopes of reviving the area.
- Punaluu Beach. Punaluu is the most well-known black sand beach in the world. Just south of Hilo, Green and Hawksbill sea turtles sun themselves on this beach, plus if you’re lucky, you’ll spot other native wildlife. But, be careful, here the ocean floor is rocky, making it a little dangerous for swimming.
If you’re looking to explore the big Island and black sand beaches in Hawaii, lodge with us at Kilauea Hospitality Group! We’re nestled just three short miles from the entrance to Volcanoes National Park in the pristine Hawaiian rainforest. To learn more about our Volcano Hawaii accommodation options, visit our Properties & Rooms page. You can also visit our Activities page to learn more about fun things to do once you’re here.