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Kahalahala Beach
This beach is to the east of Lumahai Beach and by many is incorrectly referred to as Lumahai Beach or East Lumahai. However, it’s technically a different beach called Kahalahala, which means Pandanus Trees in Hawaiian. It was made famous by the movie South Pacific.
When surf is high, dark black lava rocks create a waterfall effects as the surf breaks and recedes over the outcropping. The beach is a crescent of golden sand with views of Bali Hai. Swimming here is not safe unless ocean conditions allow. Strong currents, fierce waves, and unbelievable backwash make the water here unsafe most of the time.
Some snorkeling can be done here, if conditions allow. It is fairly deep, so skin diving is best to get a good view of the underwater life. Towards the inside of the rock outcropping, the water is much calmer and shallow. This area is usually crowded with kids and youngsters enjoying the push and pull of the ocean. However be careful, only on the summer’s calmest days is swimming recommended.
At the end of the rock outcropping, a black rock cliff stands 20 feet or so above the white water and rushing ocean. You may see brave swimmer jumping in here. It’s entertaining to watch from the shore, but very unsafe as this area has many unseen undertows, hidden rocks and large waves.
Be careful standing on rocks near the ocean, as large waves can knock you off and take you out to sea.
A rock outcropping separates this beach from Lumahai Beach, however, many consider it all one beach. The surf conditions are just as dangerous at Lumahai.
Near the parking pull off area, there is a path that leads to a lookout that is great for photo opportunities, overlooking Lumahai and Kahalahala Beach.
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Lumahai Beach (West)
This portion of Lumahai Beach usually has plenty of parking (less if you have a sedan) and is right off the highway. The Lumahai Stream, on the left, is sometimes cut off from the ocean during the summer due to large deposits of sand. In this case, cooling off in the fresh water of the stream is an option. Kids love to play in the shallow and safe parts of the stream.
Large waves crash against a rocky bluff and send salty ocean spray into the air. It’s quite a sight to see. Walking on this beach is not without effort as the shoreline is steep and the sand a bit course. There is a small cave in the base of the cliff with nice sand, a great spot for wave watching.
Parking can be tricky here, since it’s not a parking lot, just a parking area. Watch for ruts and large roots.
On the east side of the rock out cropping is Kahalahala Beach, many times referred to as Lumahai Beach as well, however technically it’s not the same beach. To get to Kahalahala Beach park up the road, and take a short path down to the water.
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