Kaimu Black Sand Beach Hike (New Beach)

Even if you don't end up swimming at the beach, this is a great adventure to see a black sand beach! You will leave the lush vegetation of Kalapana behind and hike on the hard black igneous rock for the remainder of the trail. Years ago, lava flow destroyed the area, burning everything in its path including the town of Kaimu, but with the lava flows also created the New Beach, which is where this trail leads you. Nowadays you can see small sprouts of coconut and palm trees growing that were placed by locals and visitors trying to restore the beach. There is an easy trail to the black sand beach (New Beach) that really doesn't lose that much elevation. The black trail makes you feel like you are on a different planet. The trail begins in the parking lot area of the small community of Kalapana on the big island. There are a few shops and places to eat if you didn't pack a lunch. You will leave the lush vegetation of Kalapana behind and hike on the hard black igneous rock for the remainder of the trail. The black sand beach is located about .35 miles away from the parking lot.