Kalapana Beach, located on the southeastern coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, is a historically significant beach with a unique and tragic past. The beach was once a thriving coastal community, known for its black sand beaches and stunning natural beauty. However, in 1990, the nearby Kilauea volcano erupted, sending lava flows cascading towards the ocean and completely engulfing the town of Kalapana, including the beach.
The lava flow not only destroyed the town and the beach but also created new land as it cooled and solidified in the ocean, forming a new coastline. This event dramatically altered the landscape of the area and forever changed the face of Kalapana Beach. Today, the beach is a mix of black sand and newly formed lava rock, serving as a reminder of the powerful and ever-changing forces of nature.
Despite its tragic history, Kalapana Beach remains a popular destination for visitors to the Big Island. The beach offers a unique opportunity to witness the raw, untamed beauty of a landscape shaped by volcanic activity. Visitors can explore the hardened lava fields, take in the breathtaking ocean views, and even witness the steam and smoke rising from the still-active Kilauea volcano in the distance.
While the original Kalapana Beach may be gone, its legacy lives on in the new coastline and the stories of the people who once called this place home. It serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of nature and the impermanence of human structures in the face of natural disasters.