The 2018 Kīlauea eruption created new land along the coast while impacting ocean access for Puna residents. Sand and other material created by lava entering the ocean filled in Pohoiki Bay, destroying surf spots and closing off access to the only boat ramp in Puna for fishermen. Additionally, Ahalanui Beach Park and the Kapoho tidepools were covered, while pockets of new beaches have formed elsewhere.

Pohoiki Boat Ramp

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) plans to dredge a channel to restore access and use of the Pohoiki Boat Ramp. For the latest information on the boat ramp, please see DLNR's website.

February 2025 Update -

The State of Hawai‘i’s Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) is continuing efforts to restore the Pohoiki Boat Ramp by removing volcanic debris from the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. This project is essential for reopening safe ocean access for Puna’s residents, fishers, and recreational users.

Latest Developments:

• Final Environmental Assessment completed in July 2023.
• All project permits submitted; awaiting final approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
• Construction contract awarded on December 4, 2024.
• Contract executed on December 12, 2024, with funds fully encumbered.
• Key change: Filling of the “Hot Pond” next to the boat ramp has been removed from the project scope.

Tentative Project Timeline

Important Notice

The timeline above is subject to change due to potential unforeseen delays. Construction cannot begin until all required permits and approvals, including those from federal agencies, are secured.

 Caption: A swimmer dips his toes in the water at the Pohoiki Boat Ramp in 2019. 

Kumukahi

Kumukahi is the easternmost point of Hawai‘i and holds significant cultural meaning for Native Hawaiians. This is summarized by a community-based nonprofit: 

"Kumukahi is translated as the 'beginning/first source, chief, or teacher,' in reference to the “first source” of wisdom, knowledge or of knowing. This is because of its location in relation to the sun, Kānehoalani (an akua who is, in one story, Pele’s father) and what the sun represents, as the easternmost point of Hawaiʻi. It is the beginning of our collective consciousness as people of Hawaiʻi, which establishes Kumukahi as a wahi pana (living and celebrated place) and a wahi moʻolelo (a storied place)."

The area is home to a cemetery and other burial sites, some of which have been disturbed in recent years.

• Read more about Kumukahi in this Hawaiian Journal of History article: Hiki Mai E Ka Lā Ma Ka Hikina: The Sun Arrives In The East. 

Post-eruption

Following the 2018 eruption, lava blocked about 900 feet of Lighthouse Road, used to access Kumukahi. A new black sand beach also has formed at Kumukahi, attracting residents and visitors who are driving or walking over the lava rock to access the area.

Currently, there are no lifeguards or facilities. In order to protect public safety and the natural and cultural resources, the County installed barriers at the intersection of Lighthouse Road and Highway 132. This was to prevent vehicles from crossing the lava rock and trespassing on private property. In addition to recreational and cultural uses, the coastline continues to used by lawai‘a (fishers) for subsistence.

Stewardship

As part of the recovery effort, the County plans to restore Lighthouse Road after appropriate management measures are in place to ensure the protection of wahi kūpuna (ancestral places). This includes consulting with lineal descendants and property owners.

Kumukahi