Isaac Hale Beach Park

Isaac Hale Beach Park is a rugged oceanfront park in the Puna District, known for its black sand shoreline, boat ramp, and volcanically heated Pohoiki Warm Pool. Though not ideal for swimming due to strong currents, it's a popular spot for fishing, surfing, picnicking, and exploring unique geological features.

Isaac Hale Beach Park, Big Island

Editor's Note: Due to a lava flow that occurred on June 5, 2018, part of this beautiful beach was unfortunately destroyed. This page contains information prior to this event.

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 and is often times quite crowded. It is popular among picnickers, shoreline fishermen, surfers, campers and boaters. However, the swimming conditions are poor here due to strong currents and waves.

There is a boat ramp which fishermen use to launch their boats (this is the only boat launch area in the entire Puna district). Local children can also be seen here using the boat ramp as a jumping point into the water. The Pohoiki Warm Springs, a small hot pond, is another attraction in this beach park and is surrounded by lush vegetation. To get there, walk for about two minutes (about 150 yards / 140 m) along the shoreline trail that begins to the right of the boat ramp. The pool is volcanically-heated and is located in a lava sink.

Water activities that are possible at Isaac Hale, besides fishing, include surfing and bodyboarding. The waves are best in the center of the bay, but a rip current is often times present here. Swimmers usually stick to the area around the boat ramp (and disregard the no swimming sign that stands here). The beach itself is composed of black sand and pebbles, but most surfers and swimmers use the boat ramp as en entry/exit point to the ocean.

Key Features of Isaac Hale Beach Park

Volcanically heated warm pond: The Pohoiki Warm Springs is located just a short walk from the boat ramp.
Historic lava impact: Portions of the beach were altered during the 2018 lava flow, reshaping the coastline.
Black sand beach: Rocky and pebbly shoreline popular for photography and coastal walks.
Fishing and boating hub: Only boat ramp in the Puna District, frequented by local fishermen and boaters.
Surfing and bodyboarding: Strong waves attract surfers, though swimmers should be cautious due to rip currents.

Reviews and Comments:


I found the park beautiful and well kept . I was disappointed when I tryed to take my family ebeach combing and it was just after 10 pm , I was approached by the security officers who were parked in there cars at the playground and told the park is closed to visitors at 10 pm and we would not be allowed beach access . I asked if I could access if I were going fishing and was told no the park is closed at 10 . I thought as long as we wernt drinking or making any trouble that it wouldn't be a problem , I was mistaken and it seemed as though my question had offended the security and was felt as though I had done somthing wrong . I'm not sure who the state of Hawaii contracts there security from but they need to be trained and perhaps learn Aloha !
Family guy , Fri May 13, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

♨️Where is the Pohoiki Warm Pool located?

The warm pond is just a two-minute walk (about 150 yards) from the boat ramp, located along a shoreline trail to the right.

🚫Is it safe to swim at Isaac Hale Beach Park?

Swimming is not recommended due to strong currents and rocky conditions, though locals sometimes swim near the boat ramp.

🚣Can I launch a boat here?

Yes, the park features the only boat ramp in the Puna District, regularly used by local fishermen and tour operators.

🏕️Are there camping facilities?

Yes, there is a designated camping area, and the park also includes pavilions, restrooms, and showers.

🌋Was the beach affected by lava?

Yes, in June 2018, a lava flow entered Pohoiki Bay and reshaped the coastline, adding new black sand and changing the beach landscape.