Kehena Black Sand Beach

One of the island's wildest-feeling and most isolated beaches is Kehena Black Sand Beach along the island's Puna coastline.

The beach which is enclosed by cliffs was created by a lava flow in 1955. Steps were carved into the steep cliffside leading down from the parking area opposite milemarker 19. When an earthquake in the 1970's caused the level of the sandy beach to fall, it left a drop from the lowest step to the sand. So those visiting Kehena should be aware of the steep and slippery trail leading down to the water from the parking.

The beach itself has a feeling of wildness. Completely surrounded by the jungle-capped cliffs, and with tides that can be hazardously strong during higher tides, there are no trash cans, showers, bathrooms or anything here. A cluster of trees provides shade at the further end of the beach, though if you catch it on a busy day, this part tends to fill up quickly.

Kehena is definitely worth a visit, as this tends to be an area of the island that doesn't see as many visitors as others.