Isaac Hale Beach Park
Isaac Hale Beach Park is an oceanfront park on Pohoiki Bay in the Puna district of the Big Island of Hawaii, United States. Known for its strong currents and large waves, the bay was part of a fishing village for centuries. It was one of a few places on the southeastern shore of Hawaii for ocean access.[1] The park used to be known for good snorkeling, the 2018 lower Puna eruption covered most of the coral and safer swimming area. The park was expanded and modernized in 2006.[2]
| Isaac Hale Beach Park | |
|---|---|
 Ocean access area in 2009 before eruption | |
  | |
| Coordinates | 19°27′27″N 154°50′28″W. |
It is located at the intersection of Pohoiki road and the Kapoho-Kalapana road (Hawaii state route 137).
The park is named in honor of Private Isaac Kepo‘okalani Hale. During the Korean War, Hale served in the United States Army's 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. He was killed in action north of the 38th parallel on July 12, 1951. Hale is a Hawaiian surname, pronounced HAH-leh.
2018 lower Puna eruption
Lava flows from the 2018 lower Puna eruption covered part of the park's shoreline.[3] The lava never completely covered the park, and when the eruption wond down in early August, the front of the lava was still a few hundred feet away from the boat ramp. The boat launch is now partially buried under a new black sand beach that extends along Pohoiki Bay and impounds a geothermal pool accessible from the park.[4]
See also
References
- DeMasters, Tiffany (August 20, 2023). "5 years after Kīlauea eruption Puna still waiting for restored ocean access, park repairs". Big Island Now. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
- "Isaac Hale Beach Park". County of Hawaii Parks and Recreation.
- 2018 Lava Event (Map). Hawaii County. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
- "Pohoiki black sand beach". Love Big Island. Retrieved October 3, 2018.