Hawaii

Isaac Hale Beach Park (Big Island) - Hot Springs in Hawaii

01/27/2018

Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island is one of the safest places in the world to observe lava.

There are also hot springs around it.

Notice

Due to damage from the 2018 Kilauea volcanic eruption, this article may differ from the current view.

Ocean Entry

Volcanic eruptions are usually explosive and extremely dangerous, but Kilauea is said to be relatively safe due to the low viscosity of the lava.

Lava Waterfall, Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii

Dhilung Kirat - Lava Waterfall, Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii (2017)
CC BY-NC 2.0

In the case of Hawaiian eruption, the lava spewed from the crater often forms tubes that flow underground, so it is generally the coastline where you can observe the lave up close.

During periods of high volcanic activity, you may encounter this Ocean Entry.

A pool surrounded by lava

About 12 miles northeast of the possible ocean entry point is the village of Pohoiki.

Trailhead

Near the shore is a small park called Isaac Hale Beach Park, which is not only a surfing spot but also a place where you can take a boat tour to see the lava from the sea.

Go past the red house and enter the jungle.

Seashore2

Before that, I found a puddle of water on the rocks, so I put my hands on it.

Seashore1

It's warm!

The surrounding ground is heated by the geothermal energy of the Kilauea Volcano.

Trail

Only five minutes into the rainforest, I found a natural pool that looked black, reflecting the color of the lava.

Pool

The water temp was about 95 degrees F, which was lukewarm.

There was a slight mixture of seawater, but I could also smell the mineral smell typical of hot springs.

Soaking 01

At the far end of the pool, there was a lava cave-like structure where lava and seawater had once collided.

Looking back, the only thing that could be called a product of civilization was my undressed clothes.

Scenery from the Pool

Since 1960, when the middle of the town suddenly cracked open and lava erupted, warm water has sprung up here.

Seashore2

It will only be a matter of time before this land becomes filled with lava again in the grand flow of time that shapes the earth.

Capybara
Capybara
There was a big eruption a few months later.
It was just a matter of time.
Alpaca
Alpaca

Summary

Isaac Hale Beach Park, Pahoa, Hawaii, U.S.

My rating

Type: Undeveloped

Rule: Clothing required

Chemical use: No

Water temp: Up to 95 degrees F

  • Writer

Hot Springer Ken

A hot spring enthusiast based in Japan. Toured over 300 North American hot springs while working in Texas from 2016 to 2022. For updates, visit X or Instagram!

-Hawaii
-, ,