Kaimu Beach Park

Located on the south side of Pahoa in the Puna district on the Big Island, Kaimu Beach Park - has three alternative names including Kaimu Black Sand Beach, The New Kaimu Beach, and Kalapana Black Sand Beach - is a long and narrow black sand beach.  Kaimu Beach Park is situated on the shores of Kaimu Bay.  In 1990, a river of lava flowed from the Kūpaʻianahā vent of Kīlauea Volcano, reaching the shoreline and burying the original Kaimu Beach under 50–70 feet of lava that obliterated the whole community of Kalapana and surrounding neighborhoods.  After more than 20 years, a stretch of sand is finally taking shape as the new land slowly shapes itself into the playground it once was.  The original beach had jet-black sand and towering coconut trees.  Committed locals have planted hundreds of coconut trees in order to bring Kaimu Beach back to its former splendor.  The name "Kaimu" means "a gathering by the sea" in the Hawaiian language.  Kaimu Beach Park does not have lifeguards or any other amenities, so plan your trip accordingly.  In addition, there is an Uncle Robert’s Awa Bar and Farmer Market near the parking area, that holds a farmer’s market and a party night with a local band on Wednesdays. 

Dogs are not allowed here, and the beach is open from sunrise until sunset. 

Kaimu Beach Park offers a few fun activities including hiking.  Visitors can take a short stroll through the Kaimū Beach Eco-Path that leads to barren lava fields and sharp lava rocks to witness the destruction and rebirth of volcanic activity.  If you are planning to go into the water near the beach, it is not a good place for swimming or snorkeling due to strong and unpredictable rip currents. 

Getting to Kaimu Beach Park is easy - the beach has a small free parking area located at 12-5038 Kalapana-Kapoho Beach Road, which is on the southern section of Highway 137.  The parking area is surrounded by several small restaurants and shops.  After parking, you need to walk south for around ten minutes to access the beach.

There are many attractions near Kaimu Beach Park.  Lava Tree State Monument is a public park that preserves lava molds of tree trunks that were formed in 1790 when a lava flow swept across a forested area.  This park offers many amenities including picnic tables, restrooms, walking paths, three covered pavilions, trash cans, a paved path, and disability access.  In addition, visitors can explore a seven-tenths-of-a-mile-long hiking trail that offers an interesting insight into the local biodiversity.  Mermaid Pond Trailhead features a small trail that leads to tide pools that were formed after 2018's volcanic eruption devastation.  It offers several fun activities including tidepooling, picnicking, and sunbathing.  It is important to note that it can be dangerous to enter these tidal pools during high tide, so be cautious.  If you are looking for another attraction near Kaimu Beach Park, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to two active volcanoes: Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the world's most massive shield volcano.  The park features magnificent volcanic landscapes, including the Thurston Lava Tube, which is easily accessible by a one-and-a-half-mile hike through a rainforest, and a 500-year-old lava tube that was carved out by lava exceeding temperatures of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.  In addition, there are many other amazing spots within the park, including the Halemaumau Crater, the Crater Rim Drive, the Kilauea Visitor Center, and 150 miles of hiking trails throughout this gigantic park.  Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve.

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants near Kaimu Beach Park. Luquins Mexican Restaurant is an upscale restaurant that serves amazing nachos, burritos, quesadillas, tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, sandwiches, burgers, steaks, shrimp, seafood, and poultry dishes.  Kaleo’s Bar & Grill serves delicious Hawaiian-inspired dishes including salads, pastas, burgers, sandwiches, seafood, steaks, and desserts.  Pahoa Fresh Fish serves incredible seafood, shrimp, tempura, sandwiches, tacos, nachos, salsa, wraps, burritos, and crabcakes.  If you are looking for another good and affordable restaurant near Kaimu Beach Park, the modestly priced Boogie Woogie Pizza serves delicious pizzas, calzones, salads, burgers, hotdogs, spaghetti, and smoothies.

If you are looking for a hotel near Kaimu Beach Park, there are many great nearby options.  If you are looking for an upscale hotel, the 4-Star At The Crater’s Edge is 57 minutes away by car and offers a few amenities including a hot tub, a garden, and a golf course.  A more affordable hotel is the 3.5-Star Aloha Crater Lodge and Lava Tube which offers several amenities including a hot tub, a garden, and complimentary breakfast.  Another moderately priced option is the 3-Star Volcano Village Estates which offers a few amenities including complimentary breakfast and nearby restaurants.  If you are looking for another good and affordable hotel near Kaimu Beach Park the modestly priced 2-Star Pele’s Breath offers a few amenities including complimentary breakfast.