Kehena Beach

Kehena Beach is a narrow Puna black-sand beach off Highway 137, reached by a steep rocky trail and known for strong surf, dolphins and a clothing-optional scene.

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Kehena Beach, Big Island

Located in the Big Island's Puna district, Kehena Beach is one of the few unofficial "clothing optional" beaches in Hawaii. It is a long, but narrow black-sand beach, which local residents also call Dolphin Beach because of the frequent appearances of spinner dolphins in this area.

The beach was formed in 1955 when lava flowed down the sea cliffs and into the ocean here. At the eastern end of the beach, one can still see the tip of the lava flow (which is now a rocky point of land) that created the sand.

In 1979, when a strong earthquake shook the Puna district, Kehena Beach dropped almost 3 feet (91 cm). The concrete stairs that led to the beach broke off and now hang more than 10 feet (3 m) above sea level.

The beach is well-shaded by coconut palms and ironwood trees, which make up the backshore. Swimming is possible here when the ocean is calm only because the beach is exposed to the open ocean and during times of high surf, strong rip currents and undertows can occur. That's why there have been quite a few near-drownings at Kehena in the past.

Also, since this beach has many pebbles on the ocean bottom, they can easily get stirred up in the shorebreak during times of heavy surf, which can cause painful skin abrasions to people entering the water.

So when the surf is up, it is best to stay out of the water and maybe have a picnic on the beach, which is accessible from the Kehena lookout. This part of the coast is near Pahoa, and ocean activities such as bodyboarding and fishing depend heavily on conditions.

Key Features

Narrow black-sand beach on the Puna coast near Highway 137 mile marker 19
Steep rocky trail leads from roadside parking down to the sand
No restrooms, showers, drinking water or lifeguards are available at the beach
Strong surf and currents can make ocean entry dangerous
Emergency response can take longer because of the trail down to the beach
Kehena is widely known for a clothing-optional beach scene
Spinner dolphins are sometimes seen offshore
The beach is exposed to open Puna coast wave energy
Black sand and lava-rock cliffs give the shoreline a dramatic volcanic look
Kehena is a beach to approach with preparation, ocean awareness and comfort with the local scene

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Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the trail down to Kehena Beach?

The trail is short but steep, rocky and uneven. Visitors should be comfortable climbing down and back up before heading to the sand.

Is Kehena Beach a clothing-optional beach?

Kehena is widely known for a clothing-optional beach scene. Visitors should expect that possibility before deciding whether the beach fits their group.

Why can the ocean be dangerous at Kehena?

The beach faces open Puna coast surf, with strong currents, sudden surge and waves that can break hard close to shore.

Are dolphins seen at Kehena Beach?

Spinner dolphins are sometimes seen offshore, which is why some people call Kehena Dolphin Beach. Visitors should watch from shore and avoid approaching them in the water.

What should visitors bring to Kehena Beach?

Visitors should bring drinking water, sunscreen, shoes or sandals for the trail, and anything else needed for a short stay because there are no beach services below.