Pros & cons
PROS
- Geology-in-action scene: walk on land created by the 1990 flows.
- High payoff views for minimal effort.
- Community coconut plantings add a striking contrast to the lava field.
CONS
- The “beach” is unreliable—sand may be scoured away for weeks.
- Facilities and access can vary; restrooms and parking may be closed without notice.
Park at the large lot by the Kaimu–Kalapana (“Uncle Robert’s”) market area at the end of the road; the signed Kaimu Beach Eco‑Path begins beside the lot. No parking fees.
No safe swimming; powerful surf and currents. Edges can be cliffy and undercut with sneaker waves. Uneven, sharp lava; full sun exposure. Services vary day to day, and restrooms may be locked. Respect the area and avoid walking on recent lava flows.
Overview
This is a quick, easy walk over young lava to the site of Kaimū’s “new” black-sand shoreline—land created when Kīlauea’s 1990 flows buried old Kaimū Beach and Kalapana under tens of feet of lava. Expect big ocean views and a front-row look at geology in motion. The sand here comes and goes with the surf, so some days it looks like a beach; other days it’s just rugged rock.
Distance and Difficulty
Plan on roughly 0.5 miles total out-and-back, about 5–10 minutes each way on a mostly flat path. The tread is red cinder over uneven, sometimes sharp pāhoehoe lava. It’s an easy walk by distance, but wear real shoes for the footing.
What You’ll See
You’ll cross young lava with pockets of community-planted coconut palms reclaiming the flow field, then reach a cliffy, wave-battered coastline. If sand is present, it’s very young—constantly ground from lava by relentless surf. Reaching the waterline may require short, rough down-climbs in spots; look for gentler ramps rather than hopping ledges.
Getting There and Services
Drive to the Kalapana end of the road and park at the large lot by the Kaimū–Kalapana/“Uncle Robert’s” market area; the signed path (often called the Kaimū Beach Eco‑Path) starts right by the parking. No parking fees. Services can be hit-or-miss—reports note the lot open some days and closed others, and restrooms may be locked. When the nearby market is running (often Wednesday evenings), vendors may be around; don’t count on it.
Safety Notes
Do not swim here. Surf and currents are hazardous, and waves can move boulders along the shore. Stay well back from wet or undercut rock and cliff edges, and watch for sneaker waves. The route is fully exposed—no shade—so bring water, sun protection, and sturdy footwear. It’s not a good after-dark outing.
Best Times to Hike
Go early or late for cooler temps and softer light on the lava textures and coastline. Sunset can be gorgeous from above the shore; head back before dark. Pair this short walk with the scenic Red Road (Route 137) drive, or continue your black-sand theme at Pohoiki/Isaac Hale if you’re exploring the coast.
Where it starts
19.3566, -154.9682Near Kaimu–Kalapana New Beach Trail
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayKaimū Black Sand BeachYoung black‑sand shore born from 1990 lavaParking · Scenic Viewpoint
0.3 mi awayUncle Robert's Night MarketLively Wednesday market of music, food, and community at road’s endFood · Restroom
1.2 mi awayStar of the Sea Painted ChurchTiny lava-saved church with hand-painted murals and quiet alohaParking · Restroom
3.6 mi awayKehena Beach TrailShort, steep scramble to a moody black-sand cove with a free spirit.Moderate · 0.4 mi · 30 min
3.7 mi awayKehena Black Sand BeachSmall black sand cove with dolphins and a Sunday drum circleParking · Scenic Viewpoint
8.7 mi awayMacKenzie State Park Coastal TrailShort, rugged sea‑cliff ramble on the old King’s Highway.Moderate · 3.5 mi · 2.5 hr
8.7 mi awayOld Puna TrailFlat, muddy walk to secluded Hā‘ena (Shipman) Beach via old roadEasy · 5 mi · 3 hr
10.8 mi awayPohoiki Black Sand Beach TrailShort stroll over new lava to a raw, wave-battered black sand shoreEasy · 1.1 mi · 30 min
