Kaimu Black Sand Beach~Kalapana

Kaimu, the new black sand beach, is at the end of Hwy 137 where a 20 minute walk takes you through spectacular colorful lava fields. The lava flow in 1990 engulfed the historic Hawaiian fishing village at Kalapana and the famous black sand beach along with two residential subdivisions with 182 homes. The path to the shore gives new life to the area where coconut trees are planted by locals and visitors. Marvel at the contrasts of sparkling black sand, white ocean foam, blue-green waters, and new green vegetation. The molten lava destroyed a Hawaiian heiau (temple), swallowed a public highway, and a highly photographed black sand beach thus creating a new coastline. Kilauea’s Pu'u O'o lava flow is a short distance away with the plume of steam visible as the lava continues to flow into the ocean.