Linda's Guide to the Big Island: Black Sand Beach

Back on Hwy 137, continue south along the oceanfront. Definitely worth a stop is Ahalanui Warm Spring for a dip in the protected swimming hole. There are often vendors selling Hawaiian soda here, which provides nice refreshment on a hot day. Just remember to put your can in a recycle bin when you are finished.

Continue down Hwy 137 to Kaimu Black Sand Beach, which is basically at the end of the road. Park your car and head along the trail over the lava field to the beach. The trail is well marked in red lava crush among the black of the lava field. At the end of the 5-10 minute walk you find a stunningly beautiful black sand beach.

It is too rough to swim here, as the surf is treacherous, but is worth the walk to visit one of nature’s newest creations. A local resident began the movement to plant the coconut trees and encouraged the community to help in the redevelopment of the beach. In generations to come, the beauty and shade of these trees will provide respite to locals and visitors alike.

To visit this beach, you likely parked along the end of the road. Reward yourself with a walk up to Verna’s café where you can indulge in some ice cream and/or many lunch-time eats. My favorite was the local plate, which had mounds of chicken and shrimp in a yummy sauce on rice, with a small salad on the side, which was enough for two people who also shared a large scoop of ice cream ☺.

From there, continue back to the intersection for Hwy 130 and proceed north back towards Pahoa and Hilo (continue on Hwy 11 to Hilo).

Southpoint

Black Sand Beaches

Hilo Town

North of Hilo

Botanical Gardens

Puna District

Volcano

Kona Coffee

Drive Hilo to Kona

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