by Donald B. MacGowan
Pohoiki Surfer at Isaac Hale Beach Park Puna Hawaii: Graphic from Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Pohoiki Surfer at Isaac Hale Beach Park Puna Hawaii: Graphic from Photo by Donald B MacGowan
There are many wondrous, enigmatic and fascinating attractions on the Big Island of Hawaii, some better known than others, many out of the way and generally off the beaten track. Tour Guide Hawaii has produced an encyclopedic collection of the most up-to-date information, presented as short GPS-cued videos, in an app downloadable to iPhone and iPod Touch that covers the entire Big Island, highlighting the popular and the uncrowded, the famous and the secluded, the adventurous and the relaxing.
Isaac Hale Beach Park at Pohoiki Bay
Isaac Hale Beach Park and Pohoiki Bay, Puna Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan_edited-1
A lovely black sand beach with an expert surf break, Isaac Hale Beach Park is one of the very few real beaches and boat ramps in Puna District; as such this park sees a lot of traffic. It is also the site of the best surfing and some of the wildest snorkeling and scuba diving in Puna.
Pohoiki Hot Spring at Isaac Hale Beach Park, Puna Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan_edited-1
If you do get in the ocean here, go in left of the boat ramp—be alert to bodacious boat traffic (they won’t be alert for you) and for fairly dangerous ocean currents. If there is any wind or surf, do not swim in the ocean, it can get hairy.
Understandably, given the crowded nature of this small place, some locals are less than welcoming of visitors. Graciously share this ocean treasure with the residents, but leave no valuables in your car.
A sunny dy on the Pohoiki Bay Breakwater at Issac Hale Beach Park in Puna, Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
A short path along the shoreline leads from the parking lot, past a house with abundant “No Trespassing” signs, just a few minutes stroll then turns about 20 yards into the jungle to a secluded, perfectly lovely natural hot spring that is wonderful for soaking. Locals usually don’t bother with swimwear here; you shouldn’t feel required to, either.
Pohoiki Fisherman, Isaac Hale Beach Park, Puna Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
The facilities at Isaac Hale Park have just been revamped and updated and include handicap-access paved trails, new picnic facilities, life guard towers showers and restrooms. Camping is allowed with a County permit, but due to lack of security, it is not advised.
Picknic Area at Isaac Hale Beach Park, Puna Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
To see the new iPhone/iPod Touch App, please visit http://www.tourguidehawaii.com/iphone.html. The best of Tour Guide Hawaii’s free content about traveling to, and exploring, the Big island, can be found here. For more information on traveling to Hawaii in general and on touring the Big Island in particular, please also visit www.tourguidehawaii.com and www.tourguidehawaii.blogspot.com.
Isaac Hale Beach Park Jungle Trail, Puna Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
At Tour Guide our goal is to insure you have the most fun, most interesting and enjoyable vacation here in Hawaii–that you are provided with all the information you need to decide where to go and what to see, and that you are not burdened with out-dated or incorrect information.
Isaac Hale Beach Park, Puna Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
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All media copyright 2009 by Donald B. MacGowan. All rights reserved.
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[…] Also called “Secrets Beach”, this spring and ocean-fed, man-made pool was initially constructed when the springs ran chilly cold. Eruptions in Puna during the ‘50s and 60’s reworked the subterranean waterworks and now the springs run hot and the pool is a comfortably warm 90-95 degrees. The open connection to the ocean, keeps the water fresh. With the gentle aloha breezes, swaying palms and surf whooshing against the, it can be really hard to drag oneself out. Soak for a while. Picnic tables, pavilions, pit barbecues, showers, lawns and all the pleasantries of a civilized park are available at Ahalanui Pond. Leave no valuables in your car and be vigilant if you stay soaking here, after dark. There is more about Ahalanui Hot Spring and pool here. You can find information about nearby Issac Hale Beach Park and Pohoiki Bay here. […]