Kehena Beach is situated east of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the southeastern part of the Big Island, which is known as the Puna District. The beach is covered with rich black sand that was created by a 1955 eruption. A popular attraction all year, the entire beach is clothing optional, and it is a beautiful place for nude sunbathing. Kehena Beach is also a good place for sighting whales, dolphins, sea turtles and other marine life. Swimming and snorkeling are also possible, but the riptides are quite strong and there have been a few drownings here. Don't attempt to swim unless the water is very calm.

The beach is freely used by nude bathers and is popular with hippie-ish, counter-culture types. Although nudity is not officially permitted, authorities do not interfere, perhaps due to the remote location of the beach. Now that authorities have cracked down on nudity on Honokohau Beach on the other side of the island, Kehena is the Big Island's most popular nude beach. There are no facilities or services at the beach, so be sure to bring water. It is also a good idea to bring two kinds of shoes: a sturdy pair for the hike down, plus something easy to slip in and out of to protect your feet from the black sand, which can get very hot.

VISUAL RESOURCES

GPS: 19.3948, -154.9289

city, island, state, country  Pahoa, Hawaii (the Big Island), Hawaii, U.S.A.

classification  1 (freely nude)

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