Isaac Hale Beach Park (Pohoiki)
Pahoa, HI
Isaac Hale Beach Park, known locally as Pohoiki, sits at the edge of Puna's active lava zone, where the 2018 Kilauea eruption actually built a brand new black sand beach just offshore from the park's longtime boat ramp. Surfers and boaters have used this spot for years, and the new sand only added to what was already one of the busiest local hangouts on this coast.
A genuinely active local hub for surfers and boaters, made more interesting by a beach the volcano built within living memory, though facilities are basic and the area still bears visible signs of the 2018 eruption.
How we score beachesWalk the short trail past the boat ramp to reach the new black sand beach the eruption created. It didn't exist before 2018, and most visitors still don't realize it's there.
A free county lot serves the boat ramp and park and can fill on weekends with boaters and surfers.
A flat, mostly paved path connects the lot to the boat ramp and older beach areas. Reaching the newer black sand beach involves a short walk over uneven lava rock.
Isaac Hale Beach Park allows leashed dogs, the same as most Hawaii County beach parks.
Puna stays wet in every season, among the rainiest parts of the island, with the most consistent surf here in winter.
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