Keawaiki Bay Lava Trail

Keawaiki Beach is a beautiful black sand beach lined by tall picturesque palms on the Big Island's western shore. The best part about visiting this bay is that accessing it via a rough trail through a lava field keeps the crowds away and you'll likely find yourself sharing the wide cove with only a handful of other people.

You'll need to look for the parking area, an unsigned asphalt and gravel pullout along Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway, and park adjacent to the road. From here, a small foot path can be seen leading over some of the lava and boulder barriers and onto a driveway easement leading toward a large private property that sits above the shore. There are several barriers to vehicles, but walkers are welcome here. The first part of the hike is on the flattened gravel path. During this time you'll pass the Kings Highway Foot Trail, a hiking trail that traverses much of the island's west side.

Before reaching the boundary fencing for the property, a single track foot path will be visible forking off toward the right, where it will skirt the property alongside its fence. This part of the hike is significantly slower, as you'll need to be careful of your footing through the sharp lava shelf. 

Upon reaching the black sand cove, a left turn will take you along the rocky black sand beach, heading toward the palm-lined coast. The property fronts much of the shoreline, but once you pass it, there are a few shady areas beneath the trees. Walking a little further along the water will take you to a collection of tide pools at low tide.

Be wary of strong surf, but during calmer conditions, this beach has some good snorkeling.

Enjoy the postcard environment. The total hike is about 1.6 miles roundtrip, and this is what keeps Keawaiki from being crowded.

There are no amenities of any kind anywhere along the hike, and no lifeguards present on the beach. The is relatively short, but also a little slower since the lava single track can be a bit of a technical walk.