Kehena Black Sand Beach (Puna Coast)
Kehena Black Sand Beach is one of the Big Island’s most striking and memorable shorelines — a beautiful, rugged black sand beach set against the backdrop of the lush Puna coast. Its dramatic dark sand was created by volcanic activity when lava once flowed into the sea here in the mid-20th century, and the result is a setting that feels both remote and vibrant, with the sound of pounding waves and the wide sweep of the Pacific meeting the shoreline. Wikipedia+1
Overview
Because Kehena sits below the road on a cliff, access involves a steep, rocky trail down and back up, and the terrain is uneven and rugged. It’s not long, but it does require good shoes and careful footing; if you’re uncomfortable with uneven terrain or aren’t interested in the clothing-optional aspect, it may be a place to admire from above rather than make your beach stop. HawaiiBeaches.com
The ocean here can be inviting at times, but it’s also exposed to strong shore break, rip currents, and open-ocean swell, so swimming can be challenging and should be approached with caution. HawaiiBeaches.com
Kehena’s intimate scale, local atmosphere, and dramatic scenery make it a rewarding stop on a Puna coast exploration, and it pairs beautifully with other nearby natural attractions. It’s especially well suited as a detour on the way to MacKenzie State Recreation Area, offering a contrast of secluded beachscape and rugged lava shoreline that many travelers find unforgettable
Unlike the more famous black sand at Punaluu, Kehena’s dramatic scenery, intimate cove, and soft, deep black sand give it a claim to being arguably as beautiful — and for many locals, even more compelling — than the better-known tourist beaches. Love Big Island
Kehena has a long history as part of the Puna coast’s alternative and free-spirited culture. Beginning in the 1970s, the area around Pahoa and Kehena became associated with an open, relaxed lifestyle, and Kehena Black Sand Beach gradually became known as one of the island’s unofficial clothing-optional beaches. While nudity is technically not legal under Hawaii law, the beach’s tolerant local culture and decades-old tradition have made clothing-optional sunbathing and swimming part of the beach’s character — and it’s something visitors should be comfortable with before planning a stop. Hawaii Activities+1
The beach is primarily used by locals, and this is especially true on weekends — it can be extremely busy on Saturdays and Sundays with people coming from around Puna to enjoy the coast and the vibe. Tripadvisor