Beaches :: Pualaa ~ Kehena Beach
From Pualaa to Kehena Beach, these are the beaches of Hawaii Big Island's Puna Coast. Read this "Star-Bulletin" article about beach safety in Hawaii.
Pualaa Beach Park
Puna, Big Island, Hawaii. This 1.3 acre park just opened recently, on the fourth of July, 1993. Despite its small size, Pualaa still sees visitors, many tourists flocking to the park's thermally-heated pool. The pool is overseen by a lifeguard, and is popular with watsu (a kind of water massage) enthusiasts, as well as with families with small children.
Location :: Along the red road, off of Kamu-Kapoho Road.
Access :: Kamu-Kapoho Road.
Services :: Restrooms.
Notes :: Pualaa is located on the site of an ancient fishing village that lay on the boundary of the ahupuaa of Leapaoo and Pualaa.
Isaac Hale Beach County Park
Puna, Big Island, Hawaii. Found on Pohoiki Bay at the juncture of Pohoiki Road and Kamu-Kapoho Road, this salt and pepper beach is easily spotted, made recognizable by a prominent boat launch, the only such wharf on the entire Puna coast. Additionally, Isaac Hale is a popular beach, one featuring good swimming when the water is calm. As it serves as both a beach and a wharf, Isaac Hale is often understandably crowded.
Location :: Pohoiki Bay, at the intersection of Kamu-Kapoho Road and Pohoiki Road.
Access :: Kamu-Kapoho Road.
Services :: Restrooms, picnic facilities, pavilions, boat launch. Drinking water is unavailable.
Notes :: While facing away from the sea, turn left and look for a small worn-down path leading away into the jungle. Follow the path to find a series of hot springs. The springs function as showers of sorts, and are used by both locals and tourists alike to wash away the sand and salt of a long day's swim.
MacKenzie State Recreation Area
Puna, Big Island, Hawaii. This thirteen acre park is named after A.J. Mackenzie, a forestry ranger widely regarded throughout the Puna district who was responsible for planting the grove of ironwood trees around which the park was developed. And though MacKenzie was killed in 1938, his name lives on. The coastline at MacKenzie is forged from black volcanic rock. Vicious wave action makes swimming dangerous. Even when beachwalking, be extremely careful, as freak waves can arrive out of nowhere. But MacKenzie is still worth a visit. A truly beautiful park, MacKenzie's ironwoods create conditions perfect for a family picnic, and the fishing is nothing short of excellent.
Location :: On Kamu-Kapoho Road, approximately two miles south of Isaac Hale Beach County Park.
Access :: Kamu-Kapoho Road.
Services :: Picnic facilities, camping (with state permit). Drinking water is unavailable.
Notes :: The park's reputation for muggings is unjust and undeserved. Very few thefts occur here during the day, but unfortunately, such is not always the case once the sun goes down. If camping overnight, keep a careful eye on your valuables.
Kehena
Puna, Big Island, Hawaii. Once one of the most popular beaches in the area, Kehena was once accessed by way of a picturesque stone staircase. Unfortunately, an earthquake rocked Kehena in 1975, destroying the staircase and lowering the beach by more than three feet. Kehena is no longer the tourist magnet it used to be, but it is still a quietly beautiful beach and well worth a visit.
Location :: Off of Kamu-Kapoho Road, approximately five miles south of MacKenzie State Recreation Area.
Access :: The beach is not visible from the road. Park at the scenic pulloff where other cars are parked. From the road, follow a well-worn path down to the beach.
Services :: None.
Notes :: Kehena consists of two major portions of sand. The trail from the road leads down to the larger portion where the beach is open to the sea and the wave action rough. Head north to the smaller portion, where the sand is black, the waves sparkling, and the shade trees plentiful. Because of it's relative isolation, Kehena is an especially popular beach with the nude sunbathing crowd.
