Kalapana
Kalapana is a former fishing village in the Big Island's Puna District, known for its dramatic transformation by lava flows from Kilauea. Once home to black-sand beaches and Queen's Bath, Kalapana is now a surreal lava field with a newly formed beach and a few remaining homes.
Kalapana, Big Island
Kalapana, located in the Big Island's Puna District, was once a thriving fishing village. Located near it was Kaimu Beach, one of the largest and most popular black-sand beaches on the Big Island, as well as a famed spring-fed pool on lava rock known as "Queen's Bath." Today, Kalapana is one dark ocean of solidified lava.
It all began in 1983, when Kilauea erupted and the lava started to flow towards this area. This time, however, the lava didn't come close to Kalapana yet, but flowed downslope to the west of it. But in 1990, from April to December, the flow changed direction and swallowed up much of Kalapana. Only a few residential properties survived. Residents watched as the lava destroyed their homes, burying everything under 30-75 feet (9-23 m) of molten rock.
When the lava flow threatened to destroy the Star of the Sea Painted Church, residents moved it away to safety. Just an hour later, the ground where the church once stood was buried. The lava destroyed almost the entire village, as well as Kaimu Beach. Many local residents took it with relative ease and instead of being upset about their loss said that Pele (Hawaii's volcano goddess) is reclaiming the land.
Today, a few families still reside in this barren ghost town in buildings that were spared. They have no water and no access to electricity and move in and out of the town using four-wheel drives. Although access to the town has been cut off, there is a bed and breakfast, as well as makeshift tents of rangers who monitor the traffic of visitors who tour the site. The dead end of the highway, which has been cut off by the lava flow, is now a tourist attraction. There are a few booths selling photos, gifts and ice cream.
Though the lava destroyed Kalapana's beautiful black-sand beach, it created a new one. There is a short path that leads to it. When exploring the area, be careful and observe the warning signs. The land is still unstable and may cave in.
Key Features of Kalapana
- Historic destruction: Much of Kalapana was buried by lava during the 1990 Kilauea eruption
- Lost beaches and sites: Kaimu Black Sand Beach and Queen's Bath were both destroyed
- New black-sand beach: A newly formed beach now lies beyond the lava field
- Star of the Sea Church: Moved just in time before lava consumed its original site
- Tourist draw: Visitors come to see the lava-covered highway and unique volcanic landscape
- Resilient community: A few families still live off-grid in the area without public utilities
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Kalapana?
Kalapana was largely destroyed in 1990 by lava from Kilauea volcano, which buried homes, roads, and its famous black-sand beach under molten rock.
What is the Star of the Sea Painted Church?
This historic church was saved from destruction by being moved hours before lava reached its original location. It's now preserved nearby and open to visitors.
Can you visit the new black-sand beach?
Yes, there is a short path across the lava field that leads to a new black-sand beach formed by the lava flow. Be cautious and follow warning signs.
Is it safe to walk on the lava field?
Some areas are accessible, but the land may be unstable. Stay on marked trails and heed posted warnings to avoid potential collapse or injury.