Cape Kumukahi Black Sand Beach

Cape Kumukahi is the easternmost end of the Big Island and an area that was covered in lava from the Kapoho Lava Flow of 1960. The Lower Puna Lava Flow of 2018 took over where the old flow left off by filling in Kapoho Bay and covering most of the land around it. While the area at the cape is pretty stark, you’ll find an historic light tower, ample solitude, and one of the newest black sand beaches on the island. The only catch is that now you have to hike about four miles round-trip.

The black sand beach at Cape Kumukahi has formed since the 2018 lava flow in an area that was mostly a jagged lava rock shoreline. This new east-facing beach is about one-third mile long and has no shade. The old gravel roads directly behind the beach still remain, but the access to those roads were covered up therefore making it a “hike-in only” beach until the state replaces the vehicle access.

The intersection of Pahoa Kapoho Road (Hwy 132) and Government Beach Road (Hwy 137) has been reconstructed since the recent lava flow. This restores relatively easy access to Cape Kumukahi Road for foot traffic. Now it’s a two-mile long hike from the intersection to the new beach.

The Cape Kumukahi light structure isn’t a typical lighthouse. It’s a lattice/skeleton steel tower with a platform near the top that elevate the light to around 125 feet above the ground. The light tower was completed in 1934 and has been painted white to make it easier to see. It was somehow spared during the 1960 lava flow which came within mere feet on all sides of the base. The lightkeeper’s home and the other Coast Guard buildings were destroyed however. After that lava flow was over, the Coast Guard brought power lines to the light to automate it. Visitors can walk around the tower, but not get on it or go up it.

Getting to the trailhead is a long drive from just about any starting point on the island. See our map for the trailhead. Park near the intersection of Hwy 132 and Hwy 137 (now just a bend in the road) and climb eastward up over the lava. If it’s not foggy you should see the white light tower in the far distance. Follow a very rugged trail (ATV track) over the new lava toward the tower. Soon you’ll find the old level dirt road which heads straight to the light tower. From there, walk due south toward the ocean on a gravel road and you’ll find the new black sand beach to your right. It’s difficult to loop back to the access road so going back the same way you went in is the best plan.

Address

Government Beach Rd & HI-132
Pahoa, HI 96778

Park Name

Cape Kumukahi US Coast Guard Reservation

Other Names

Cape Kumakahi Light Beacon

Owner

Public

Pet Details

No signs discourage dogs on this hike or beach

Fees

Free parking

Activities

Hiking, Beach Exploration, Beachcombing

Amenities

Lighthouse Tower, Black Sand Beach