New Places to Explore in Puna? (Kilauea, Pahoa: neighborhood, construction, living)

[DeirdreDedra]

I keep getting notices from the Island of Hawai'i Visitors Bureau saying: "The Island of Hawai'i expanded it's coastline from Kilauea's lava flow. Come see the new views."

I know about many the places that have been covered by Madame Pele. But don't know anything about the reconstruction of roads or access in the area. Puna is one of my favorite places to visit, and for multiple reasons we were not able to spend time there in the last few years before the lava flow in 2018. I am wondering if any of you know what the situation is now that the flows have stopped for months. Any recommendations or ideas of what the new normal is now? We will be back in July and would love to respectfully visit accessible new land, as well as return to the beautiful places that may still be along Red Road. Thanks!

[Grassyknoll]

There's a new black sand beach adjacent to the Pohiki boat ramp. Not sure how road accessible it is though.

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

The new road to Pohoiki will be opening soon. Can't remember, but I think within a week or two.

[Grassyknoll]

Originally Posted by Dreaming of Hawaii

The new road to Pohoiki will be opening soon. Can't remember, but I think within a week or two.

December 6th

[Amadrid]

We traveled along Government Beach Rd in October after it was recently repaved. It was a beautiful drive but we had to turn around at the road block at Papaya Farms Rd. I believe that road block is not there any longer.
We also drove along Hwy 132 out of Pahoa towards Lava Tree State Monument but we were only able to go a little more than a mile before we came up to the road block and had to turn around. Again, that one may not be there any longer.
Best of luck in your adventures.

[hotzcatz]

Friend of mine went into Leilani the other day to see the lava, but he went in with a Leilani resident. He said that wasn't open yet to the general public. He also mentioned it was amazing and kinda awful, as well as awe full.

[DeirdreDedra]

Thanks guys! My heart breaks for the people and animals that were affected by the lava flow. And, I can't wait to be in the Puna area again. It's been too long!

[hotzcatz]

Met some tourists the other day who said they'd been to the 'new black beach'. They'd said there were lifeguards although they said they thought that was more to keep folks out of the water since it was a steep beach with a possible undertow. But, that's just from a non-islander point of view, it may look a lot different through other eyes. Also, it may not be the new beach in Puna, sometimes tourists get areas confused. But, it sounded hopeful that the area may be available to use again.

[Arktikos]

Originally Posted by hotzcatz

Met some tourists the other day who said they'd been to the 'new black beach'. They'd said there were lifeguards although they said they thought that was more to keep folks out of the water since it was a steep beach with a possible undertow. But, that's just from a non-islander point of view, it may look a lot different through other eyes. Also, it may not be the new beach in Puna, sometimes tourists get areas confused. But, it sounded hopeful that the area may be available to use again.

Yes, it's somewhat steep both out of water and in, so I'm afraid it will never be a good swimming beach.

Lifeguard said the murky water hides rocks underneath that are no fun to bang up against, as he displayed bruises on his legs. Still, there were a couple guys boogie boarding it on the south end when we were there last week. Inland there are couple ponds of water closed off by the flow that weren't being played in.

It's a long drive in either way you go, and the folks living along Pohoiki road are not happy at all about the increased traffic in their neighborhood.

[trinity1111]

Originally Posted by Blind Cleric

Yes, it's somewhat steep both out of water and in, so I'm afraid it will never be a good swimming beach.

Lifeguard said the murky water hides rocks underneath that are no fun to bang up against, as he displayed bruises on his legs. Still, there were a couple guys boogie boarding it on the south end when we were there last week. Inland there are couple ponds of water closed off by the flow that weren't being played in.

It's a long drive in either way you go, and the folks living along Pohoiki road are not happy at all about the increased traffic in their neighborhood.

Is there any sand to lay out and get sun ?