Big Island East Shore Beach Park
Pohoiki Black Sand Beach
Add Isaac Hale Beach Park to your bucket list. Many flock to this gorgeous stretch of black sand beach every year, perfect for sunbathing, bodyboarding, or relaxing. Lay on the sand as you watch the huge waves crashing onshore.
Overview of Issac Hale Beach
A spectacular black sand beach known as Issac Hale Beach Park is off the beaten path on the northeastern side of Pohoiki Bay. A 2-acre oasis of dark lava rocks, Isaac Hale Beach Park, bears the name of a slain soldier of the Korean War. This beach experienced a majestic transformation in 2018. The lava flow destroyed hundreds of homes and structures throughout neighborhoods in the Puna district. Yet, it added acres to the island with its lava flowing into the Pacific Ocean. The Volcano eruption has created an entirely new beach out of the park’s infrastructure, sending molten rock into the sea to cool and form a stunning black sand beach.
Today, the beach offers visitors a chance to view Hawaii's natural beauty and enjoy an afternoon picnic or swim. Green palm trees frame this long stretch of sand. Thus, it makes for a calm and protected space. The coastline along this area of the Big Island is exceptionally rugged and barren.
Direction to Issac Hale Beach
The 2018 eruption of the Kilauea volcano covered part of Hwy 130 and Pohoiki Road with lava, but by November, They had cleared a new road between MacKenzie State Park and Pohoiki. The best way to get to Isaac Hale Beach Park is to follow Hwy 130 (if you start in Pahoa) to the end, turn left onto Hwy 137, and drive to its limitations at Pohoiki.
Essential Tips for a Great Issac Hale Beach Visit
Be aware of high surf advisories on this beach. The beach can be dangerous for swimming during periods of high surf. In addition, there are some rocks just offshore can make getting in and out of the water difficult in certain places. Finding parking at Isaac Hale Beach Park on weekends and holidays can be challenging. It is best to arrive early in the morning or at an off time like late afternoon.
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Fun times at Isaac Hale Beach
Issac Hale Beach Activities
Isaac Hale Beach Park has several lava tube caves for great exploring. Visit Honu Cave for a photographic opportunity; its black lava walls contrast beautifully with the bright green plants. Isaac Hale Beach Park offers a wide variety of water activities, including surfing, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddling.
Check out the tidepools: The beach's rocky point on the far left side offers excellent tide pooling opportunities. The tide pools are rocks full of water when the waves withdraw or when there is high tide. Many different types of fish live in these pools, and you can see them when you look closely into the pools or if they swim away from you as you approach them. You may also see sea urchins, starfish, and other critters in them. So definitely take the time to visit the Isaacs pools.
Geothermal Hot Pools: Tucked along the shoreline, you can find a lava tube that has collapsed into a natural hot spring. Fed by warm, volcanic water, the pools are perfect for soaking away a long day of exploring. The area rests close to the Kīlauea Caldera, the world's most active volcano.
Snorkeling: Snorkelling at Isaac Hale Beach Park is a priceless experience that You can't miss on any trip to Hawaii! The reef offers up-close views of beautiful tropical fish, Hawaiian green sea turtles ("Honu"), and a wide variety of coral and other marine life. Beware of coral heads close to shore!
SUP paddle boarding and kayaking: The summer months are the best conditions for paddling. Ocean conditions are calm. You can launch kayaks from the shore. The water is warm and clear to see the fish swimming under your board. The waves are small, and there isn't a wrong place to go out! The bay has many coves where you can explore
Take pictures of the landscape: Issac Hale Beach has a beautiful landscape that is great for taking pictures with family and friends. There are numerous lava tubes, trees, tide pools, sea stacks, and other features of interest. The black sand beach at Issac Hale Beach Park and the nearby coastal areas are popular locations to take photos.
Nearby Attractions and Sights of Issac Hale Beach
Wai'opae Tide pools (ponds near the ocean): Wai'opae tide pools are a series of tide pools near Isaac Hale Beach Park, about two miles from the Pohoiki boat ramp. This spot is perfect for snorkeling and exploring sea life up close. Popular animals include octopuses, sea cucumbers, shrimp, crabs, and colorful fish.
Volcanoes National Park: It is a fantastic sight for nature lovers. Established in 1916, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park encompasses two of the world's most active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. The park has a lot of lava tubes, rugged landscapes, volcanic craters, and much more.
Hilo Farmers Market: It is one of the best markets in Hawaii. It offers fresh fruits, vegetables, arts, crafts, and souvenirs.
Family Activities at Issac Hale Beach
Pohoiki offers exciting lava formations and good swimming, snorkeling, diving opportunities, and fishing from the shoreline. The water is calm in the bay, making it ideal for paddling around in a kayak or SUP board that requires no previous experience with either activity. In the spring, dolphins can be seen frolicking offshore, and in the summer months, it is not unusual to see humpback whales spouting.
