Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
recommended due to the area's unsettling isolation, making it a site for violent crimes in
the past - a long time ago, but the place retains an eerie vibe still.
About half a mile south of here is
Aʻakepa
, a hidden expanse of lava flats and tide
pools run through with rivers of incoming surf and chartreuse ground cover. Here palm-
trunk bridges cross little lagoons, lichen and pine needles drip from lava boulders like
glaze on a cinnamon bun. Look for the coastal path from Hwy 137 marked by a rusted-
out car.
Kehena Beach & Around
If any place captures the friendly uninhibited intensity of Puna, it's this beautiful black-
sand beach at the base of rocky cliffs, shaded by coconut and ironwood trees. All types
and persuasions mix easily - hippies, Hawaiians, gays, families, teens, seniors, tourists.
Many come to doff their clothes but, truly, no one cares if you don't. As the drum circle
plays, old guys dance with their eyes closed while parents chase their kids in the surf
while others meditate, drink, swim and hang out. For a quieter experience, come early to
greet the rising sun and watch the resident dolphin pod leap into the air.
The surf is
powerful
, even when 'calm,' so swim with caution. Deaths occur here
every year, and you shouldn't venture beyond the rocky point at the southern end. Ke-
hena is immediately south of mile marker 19. From the small parking lot a short, steep
path leads down to the beach. Don't leave valuables in your car.
Sights
Space Farmers Market
MARKET
(
www.hawaiispace.com
; 12-247 West Pohakupele Loop, Seaview Performing Arts Center for Educa-
tion; 8-11:30am Sat)
Closer to mile marker 18, the Seaview subdivision is home to this
farmers market. More inventive than most, here you'll find everything from tarot readers
to tie-dyes and lots of organic produce and prepared foods. To get here, turn into the sub-
division, turn right on Mapuana St and left on Kehauopuna St.
Sleeping
Kalani Oceanside Retreat
RESORT $
(
800-800-6886, 965-7828;
www.kalani.com
;
tents s/d $40/55, d $115-175, treehouse $265;
day passes 7:30am-8pm, Ecstatic Sun-Dance 10:30am-12:30pm Sun;
) For the full-on