Visit Pohoiki Beach: Isaac Hale Beach Park and some cool hot ponds in the Puna coastlne

Pohoiki Beach is the new black sand beach created from the lower east zone eruptions of 2018 that destroyed a large area of lower Puna but in the process created an expansive black sand beach at Pohoiki. The new black sand beach is part of the Isaac Hale Beach park in Puna and there is a newly created graveled road that passes through the lava fields that devastated the surrounding areas in lower Puna.

Going on a scenic road trip through lush parts of the Red Road and into the harsh new lava rock fields and into Pohoiki is such a contrast of environment and ever-changing conditions here on the east side of Hawaii island.

Direction to Pohoiki Beach and Isaac Hale Beach Park

From Pahoa, drive down Hwy 130 to the junction at Hwy 137 (past the painted church) and drive down all the way to the end and crossing the new graveled roads through fresh lava fields. Follow the signs and make a right into Isaac Hale Beach park and drive to the parking lot area by the bay. The GPS system and internet are very weak or not functioning in the area so plan accordingly on getting directions

Check Google Maps of Pohoiki here for more details.

History of Pohoiki beach and Isaac Hale Beach park

This area was a very popular place for locals, fishermen and families to hang out, with an old boat ramp, large grassy areas, playground and full facility and services set up as part of the Isaac Hale Beach park. 

The recent lava eruption in 2018 devasted a large part of lower puna with over 700 homes burned to the ground all the way to the ocean.

The eruption isolated this part of Pohoiki and Isaac Hale Beach park until a new roadway was built on the newly formed lava fields so locals and visitors can enjoy a day out in the new beach and the hot pond pools.

Another new roadway direct to Pohoiki is planned along with new plumbing and dredging the boat ramp area to bring it back to some form of its original state.

Why Visit Pohoiki and Isaac Hale Beach Park?

Pohoiki and Isaac Hale Beach Park were spared except for the bay which actually filled up with the new black sand that filled out the boat launch and bay that was very popular with locals, surfers and boaters in the area.

Surprisingly, the lava abruptly stopped right at the entrance of the boat ramp and parking lot area (you can see the lava formations at the northern edge of the beach park). During this time frame over 13.7 miles of lava covered the lands around lower Puna and 1.3 miles of actual new land was formed into a peninsula. A black lava sand beach filled in the area around the old boat ramp and bay area of Pohoiki to many of the extended bays or Pohoiki and created this new expansive beach park with thermal ponds.

It’s impressive to see how the lava stop abruptly at the black sand beach edge and also enjoy the hot ponds that were created in the area and a fun spot to enjoy the warm to hot ponds that change with the tides.

Pohoiki Beach after the lava eruption

After the lava eruption died down, the County quickly made an effort to build a new gravel road above the lava fields to the new black sand beach in order to avoid the constant and dangerous trek from visitors on the coastal trails leading to Pohoiki.

After the temporary fix of a graveled roadway to the beach park, the county installed lifeguard stations to provide for safety measures with the public swimming or surfing in the area. There is currently no running water for drinking or showers, but there are port a potty in the parking lot area and water is being planned on getting piped back into the park area.

The main boat ramp is now a large hot pond that is used by locals and tourists but please note that testing the waters here is not done regularly so precautions so be taken.

Check out this video of Pohoiki Beach and visit to the hot ponds

Activities at the Pohoiki

The beach area is open to the public and you can still do the following (talk to the lifeguards to access if swimming is doable when you visit).

Sunbathing and beach combing and checking out the lava field on the north side of the beach.

Swimming (experienced) can be done on more calm days with no major rip tides

Explore the labyrinth on the beach area

Enjoy some shore fishing – this is a popular activity along the coastline depending on the tides

Surfing (only experienced surfers), there are good surfing breaks in the area and you can ask the lifeguards what areas to go to.

Tip – check with the lifeguard stations on daily conditions before you enter the ocean here which is rough and pounds on the beach areas

Explore the Hot Ponds

Hot ponds – there are at least five hot pond areas around the beach park including the boat ramp which is the largest hot pond. These all vary in degrees of hotness and depth of the pond areas, including the tide schedules.

** Since there are no water sources for exit and circulation, the ponds are not safe for anyone with cuts or wounds and advise is to shower off after going into any of the warm ponds.

Check out the hot ponds of Pohoiki beach below

Before you go details to visiting Pohoiki Beach

Daily Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Maintenance Closures: The park is closed for maintenance every third Thursday of the month

Lifeguard services are available to answer any questions you may have.

Limited picnic tables and covered pavilions are provided.

There are port a potties located in the parking lot area, if the parking lot is filled you can park further out in the old park area of the park

Water advisory and quality

Note – there is no running water and shower / bathroom facilities at the beach park outside of Port a potty’s closer to the parking lot areas.

There are five thermal warm ponds newly created with no circulation, enter at your own risk and the county does not maintain or disinfect the ponds, look for advisory that is posted at the lifeguard station.

Beware of dangerous shore breaks on the beach, talk to the lifeguards on duty for any updates on swimming or surfing on the beach area.

Only consider swimming (expert level) if the coastline is calm and ask the lifeguard if it is safe to enter.

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Looking for hiking venues in Puna?

There are a few short and easy hiking places to explore the gorgeous Puna coastlines, forests and unique areas of the district below.

Hike to Ha’ena (Shipman Beach)

Botanical garden and hike around Lava Tree State Park

Hike the Kings road and cliffsides at MacKenzie State Park

Explore and hike the new Kapoho black sand beach

Red Road Hawaii – Kalapana Kapoho road – This Hawaii Life

Further reading for Puna area attractions

Explore the new Kapoho black sand beach with no name

An entire guide to visiting the Puna District of Hawaii

Visit the botanical garden and historic Lava Tree State Park

Enjoy the colorful interiors and history of the Painted Church in Kalapana

Explore old and new Pahoa Town

Visit the Sunday Maku’u market outside Pahoa

Visit the gorgeous cliffs at MacKenzie State Park

Have you visited Pohoiki Beach?

Enjoyed your visit here or any other tips to share? Please share on the comments below.

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Author Bio – Noel Morata

Noel Morata is a freelance photographer/journalist and travel and lifestyle blogger. Having lived in Hawaii for over 15 years, I’ve explored all the historic and cultural sites, tried delicious traditional food, fusion and local style dishes and learned a lot about growing and sustainability.

Hawaii for me is ever changing and I visit many of these places regularly for inspiration, changes that may occur, seasonality and cultural practices. I hope to share with you all the fascinating things and places I’ve learned grown appreciation for and hope that you will find the information helpful to visiting the islands.

I take visitors and guests to visit Pohoiki on occasion and love to see ongoing changes to the landscape and wild nature in the area. It’s definitely worth seeing if you are in Puna.