Isaac Hale Beach Park

Isaac Hale Beach Park is a rugged Puna shoreline park at Pohoiki Bay, with newer black sand, lava-rock coast, boat ramp history and strong ocean energy.

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Isaac Hale Beach Park, Big Island

Current note: The 2018 lava flow changed Isaac Hale Beach Park and the Pohoiki shoreline. A new black-sand beach formed, and the boat ramp area has gone through post-eruption restoration work. Older photos and descriptions may show the park before these changes.

Located on the eastern edge of Pohoiki Bay on the Big Island’s east shore, Isaac Hale Beach Park is a small two-acre (8,094 sq. m) park that can get busy. It is popular among picnickers, shoreline fishermen, surfers and boaters. However, swimming conditions can be poor here because of strong currents and waves.

The boat ramp area has long been important to Puna fishermen and ocean users. Local children have also used the boat ramp area as a jumping point into the water, though conditions and posted rules should always be checked first. The Pohoiki warm pond area is another known feature of the park, but the shoreline has changed since the 2018 eruption, so conditions can vary.

Water activities at Isaac Hale include fishing, surfing and bodyboarding. The waves are best in the center of the bay, but a rip current is often present here. Swimmers usually stay closer to the boat ramp area, but posted warning signs and lifeguard guidance should be followed. The beach is composed of black sand and pebbles, with lava rock and changing shoreline conditions around the bay.

Key Features

Rugged Puna shoreline park at Pohoiki Bay
2018 lava flow changed the park and nearby shoreline
Newer black-sand areas formed after the eruption
Boat ramp area remains part of the park's local ocean history
Warm pond side and shoreline pools may change with conditions
Black sand, pebbles and lava rock shape the beach surface
Strong currents and waves can make the bay hazardous
Center of the bay often has stronger water movement
Park remains important to Puna fishermen and ocean users
Visitors should read posted signs and judge the ocean carefully

Daily Activity Picks

Featured Big Island Activities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time should visitors allow?

Many visitors allow 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on whether they are only viewing the shoreline or spending time near the newer black sand, boat ramp area and warm pond side.

How did the 2018 lava flow change the park?

The eruption reshaped the Pohoiki shoreline, formed newer black-sand areas and changed how the old boat ramp and nearby warm pond area relate to the beach.

What is the shoreline like now?

Expect black sand, pebbles, lava rock, changing edges and a coastline that can look different from older photos of the park.

Why should visitors read the ocean carefully?

Pohoiki Bay can have strong currents, waves and rough water movement, especially near the center of the bay and around changing shoreline features.

What should visitors bring?

Bring shoes for black sand, pebbles and lava rock, plus water, sun protection and a flexible plan in case the ocean or shoreline feels too rough.