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Here are the best Puna beaches:
Kapoho Tide Pools (Kapoho Bay)
| Introduction | The Kapoho Tide Pools are a series of large interconnected thermal tide pools, which sometimes extend up to 200 yards out into the ocean. Some of the pools are on private property, where the residents use them as "natural" hot tubs. Usually the pools are not crowded and calm. The Kapoho tide pools are excellent for sunbathing and deep enough for swimming and snorkeling. |
| Type | Thermal tide pools |
| Location | At the 9 mile marker on Kaimu-Kapoho Road (Red Road) turn left onto Kapoho Kai Road. Then take the next left on Kaheka and a right on Waiopae. The pools stretch for 1 mile along the coast. |
| Facilities | None |
Ahalanui Park
| Introduction | Even though the thermal pool in Ahalanui Park has a little connection to the ocean, it is not a tide pool. It is entirely spring-fed. Fish sometimes access the pool from the ocean and the water is clear, which makes is a good spot for snorkeling. It is usually not crowded, free of admission and has a lifeguard on duty. There are shady and grassy areas and a nice ocean view from the pool. |
| Type | Thermal spring pool |
| Location | Just past the 10 mile marker on Kaimu-Kapoho Road (Red Road). |
| Facilities | Restrooms, picnic tables, BBQ grills and free parking. |
| Notes | The pool is accessed via ladders. |
Pualaa Beach Park
| Introduction | Pualaa Beach Park is a fairly new park (1993). Due to its size of only 1.3 acres, this park is sometimes a little bit overcrowded. It is probably the only safe swimming spot on the Puna coast. It is basically a big heated tide pond right next to the ocean. |
| Type | Thermal tide pool |
| Location | Kaimu-Kapoho Road (Red Road). The beach park is well marked. |
| Facilities | Showers, Restrooms |
| Notes | This park is perfect for families with small children. |
Isaac Hale Beach Park
| Introduction | Isaac Hale Beach Park is very popular, because it has the only boat ramp on the Puna coast. It is only good for swimming and snorkeling when the water is calm, but probably the best surf spot on the Puna coast ("Pohoiki surf break"). There are grassy and shady areas. |
| Type | Salt & Pepper beach |
| Location | Pohoiki Bay, at the intersection of Kaimu-Kapoho Road (Red Road) and Pohoiki Road (near the 11 mile marker). |
| Facilities | Restrooms, picnic facilities, pavilion, boat ramp. |
| Notes | On the right side of the beach (looking out on the ocean), there is a small path that leads to a series of Pohoiki hot springs ("warm ponds" with about 98 degree waters). |
Kehena Beach
| Introduction | Kehena Beach (also sometimes called Dolphin beach) used to be a very popular beach on the Puna coast. An earthquake in 1975 lowered the beach by several feet and destroyed the staircase that was leading down to the beach. Kehena Beach is a well-shaded beach (coconut and ironwood trees) that is usually very quiet. There are plenty of vacation rentals with an ocean view close by! |
| Type | Black Sand Beach |
| Location | A trail is leading from Kaimu-Kapoho Road (Red Road) down to the beach. As the beach is not visible from the road, look for parked cars approximately five miles south of the Mac Kenzie State Recreation Area (near the 19 mile marker). |
| Facilities | None. |
| Notes | Kehena Beach is a clothing-optional beach. The currents are sometimes very strong and every year swimmers have to be rescued. Caution is advised. |
Kaimu Beach
| Introduction | The old Kaimu beach was probably one of the most famous black sand beaches in the world, but was covered by about 20' of lava between 1990 and 1992. Local residents have started replanting new coconut trees in old tree molds (when lava cools around a tree). New ferns, palms and other plants are starting to pop out of lava cracks. |
| Type | Black Sand Beach |
| Location | The new Kaimu beach is about a mile from the dead end of Kaimu-Kapoho Road (Red Road). |
| Facilities | None. |
| Notes | Due to strong current and unpredictable wave action swimming and even standing in ankle deep water is not advised. |
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