Isaac Hale Beach Park

Isaac Hale Beach Park is really quite a different type of beach park. Essentially it is divided into two sides. On one side is the only loading boat ramp on the entire Puna coastline. If you are going to be catching a commercial lava boat excursion or fishing trip it is likely to leave from here. This is also where many of the local fishermen will depart from and any form of pleasure boating in the area will depart from this area as well. The boat ramp enters into Pohoiki Bay and this point of departure usually draws tons of local children who swim in the usually calmer waters right at the dock and right next to the sign that says “no swimming”. Dangerous as it may seem to swim in this area where boats pull in and out, the local children here seem to be used to it but I would not recommend this to a visitor. Surfers also enjoy the waves that typically occur in the center of the bay but these, often large waves, are best reserved for the absolutely skilled.

The Pier and Loading Dock at Isaac Hale Beach Park
Just to the north side of the boat ramp area is Isaac Hale Beach. The beach is made of lava rocks and pebbles but the action here is not on the beach but in the surf. Once again this is a great surf spot but should only be used by those who are accomplished surfers because of the often times large waves and difficult and dangerous currents. Luckily there is a lifeguard stationed at this beach and he explained that the lifeguards here can often get a lot of action in terms of assisting people in need of help on the ocean. Once again, for most people this is probably not a great place to get into the water

Parking at Isaac Hale Park
As far as amenities this area does have a lot of parking and some restrooms and showers. Unfortunately over the years this beach park has developed a reputation as being a place where cars can be broken into and has been the scene of various forms of vandalism. In the course of checking out the area we even came upon what appeared to be a broken crack pipe crushed in a parking stall and so this may not be the best spot for a beach outing unless your major objective is coming here is to surf.

Ocean Caution
Be advised that all beaches and ocean locations in Hawaii can be dangerous including this one. Be completely aware of the ocean conditions prior to entering any Hawaiian waters however it is not advised that you enter the water at this location. Also, all shorelines and beaches in Hawaii, including this one, can be frequented by sharks, jellyfish and other sea creatures which can provide potential harm to people entering the water.