Kalapana Hawai'i - Pahoa

Despite some negatives which may persuade some from visiting, in my opinion the positives outweighed them and this was one of the more unique and cool beaches we visited. Pros: -a black sand beach, which are common in this area, but not all over the islands -really cool views from the roadside entrance, the hike down over the lava rock, and then the beach -with this beach being below a cliff edge, the beach backdrop is large palms, vines and other tropical foliage covering which you dont typically have at most other beaches on the islands -ability to swim, snorkel, boogie-board and spearfish all at one beach -a variety of people young and old; even a group that comes to hang out and beat their hand drums, adding to the location 's exotic, The Beach movie vibe Cons: -nude beach, with 10-25% of the people there nude during our visit, so might not be the best beach for kids -limited roadside parking, so depending on how crowded it is, may have to park a bit away from the trail entrance -a steep and rocky hike down to the beach, but short 5min), so may not be the best for toddlers/babies, elderly or those with any kind of issue with that type of terrain -people smoking weed, so the smell is in the air a positive or negative depending on your preference) Even if youre not going to stay for a swim or a drum, and you can make the hike down, the uniqueness of this beach makes it a good stop.

A Beautiful black sand beach that's remote enough for clothing optional swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. The people at the beach were friendly and no one cared if you were clothed or not. Everyone was relaxed and having fun. It's a little bit of a steep hike from the road and not recommended for small children or physically challenged.

Beautiful black sand beach for a freeing experience. Watch out for the sunburn. Great way to spend a morning and early afternoon. Anything goes here...

This black sand beach within walking distance to our vacation rental was a delight. Clothing optional made the experience exotic. We were a bit dismayed however that on our first visit nearly all attendees were nude, but on our second most remained clothed. Regardless, we always found the atmosphere entirely non-judgmental. Surf is strong with huge beach breakers, so exercise caution! You can still swim though by timing the swell with a quick entry and exit without getting slammed. Vendors selling fruit and hand-made baskets hats hang out roadside above.

Definitely a nude beach with a crazy drum circle on Sundays. It was quite and adventure with our 2 year old and all the gear as you hike down; luckily the drum beat led the way. Since it is taboo to take pics on a nude beach I hid the camera away and took in all the sights and sounds. It was one of those life experiences and chilling in the water with the music rocked, literally. Lots of lava rocks and fish to see on this black sand beach. Make sure to lock your cars as we saw a couple of odd folks, thinking they may have been drug dealers for the beach event.