A Rare Lava-Formed Black Sand Beach and How To Get There
With their luxurious white sands and tropical beauty, the beaches of the Big Island are world-famous. The more well-known spots like Hapuna Beach and Mauna Kea draw big crowds and are a bit touristy. But for a more adventurous and secluded beach day, there is nowhere quite like Isaac Hale Beach Park. Also known as Pohoiki Beach, it is one of only a few black sand beaches in the world, formed by lava flows from the massive 2018 eruption of nearby Kilauea.
During the drive from Volcano Village Estates to Pohoiki, which is only 50 miles away, you will tour through the Puna district, where lava flowed actively for several months in the summer of 2018. You will turn off Highway 11, take Highway 130, and then take Highway 137, which hugs the coastline to Isaac Hale Beach Park. Along this route, you will even drive over sections of the lava flow in several places! After the eruption ended, road crews worked diligently to restore access along several stretches of road, including rebuilding the road on top of hardened lava. Every member of the family, young and old, will surely love this volcanic scenery and adventure along the way.
Lava Flows Create a Surreal and Beautiful Beach Landscape
As lava traveled downhill from the steep slopes of Kilauea, gravity pulled it towards the ocean. When the lava eventually reached the water’s edge, its intense heat created explosive chemical reactions with the much cooler seawater, resulting in the shards of shattered lava that covered Isaac Hale Beach Park in black sand. Along one edge of the cove, hardened lava fields stand tall at over 10 feet high in some places. Just standing next to such recent lava flows is awe-inspiring as they tower over the landscape.
A once-popular boat launch is now cut off from the water by the black sands, but locals are hoping to begin work soon that will restore access to the boat launch. Due to the lava-inflicted damage, there are limited facilities currently (there are porta-potties but no running water). But on the plus side, there are fewer crowds, and the vast stretches of black sand offer up an incredible place to spend the day exploring with the whole family.
A Perfect Picnic at Isaac Hale Beach Park
As you plan your fun-filled excursion to the black sand beach, we offer a convenient picnic lunch package that has everything you need to satisfy everyone in the family. Call ahead and reserve this picnic lunch to be delivered to your room for the day of your choice, and in it, you’ll find local wine and tropical juices, a delicious sandwich, various snacks, and a cookie. Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options are also available. Also, all of it comes in a Volcano Village Estates cooler bag that you can keep and take home as a memorable souvenir.
As you dip your hands and feet in the warm and stunning black sands, setting up in the shade under the swaying Hawaiian palm trees, it will be a picnic that the whole family will remember forever.
Reserve your stay and explore the black sands of Pohoiki with the whole family!
