Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
View, the largest subdivision in the USA, sitting on top. Comprised of Hawaiian Ocean
View Estates (inland) and Hawaiian Ranchos (seaward), Ocean View was bulldozed into
desolate black lava in the 1950s. Despite their $1500 price tag, the lots were never fully
settled, and remain so for a variety of reasons, including lack of jobs, blankets of vog and
a reputation for substance abuse. Too bad, because one of the island's most interesting
volcanic sights lies buried here.
Across the highway from each other, two shopping centers - Pohue Plaza and Ocean
View Town Center - make up the commercial center of Ocean View, offering gas, food,
ATM and laundry.
Sights & Activities
Road to the Sea BEACH
The Road to the Sea has a name that calls adventurers, but it's not the human-free destin-
ation it once was, despite being at the end of an extremely rugged 4WD-only road. It's a
rough, windy piece of shoreline, but well worth the trip.
To get here, turn makai (seaward) at the row of mailboxes (near the Ka Ulu Malu
Shady Grove Farm) between mile markers 79 and 80 and set your odometer. From here
you cross 6 miles over a rudimentary, seemingly never-ending lava road. The first and
smaller of the two beaches is at the end of this road; it takes 45 minutes or so, depending
on your comfort level driving on rough terrain.
To reach the second beach, drive a half-mile back inland. Skip the first left fork that
appears (it's a dead end) and take the second left fork. Look for arrows that are painted
on the lava rock. The road heads inland before heading toward the shore again, and the
course isn't always apparent. There are many places where you can lose traction or get
lost. Almost a mile from the fork you'll reach a red puʻu . Park here and walk down to the
ocean. If you decide to walk the whole distance, it's about 1.5 miles. Bring as much wa-
ter as you can carry; it's hot and shadeless. These waters have excellent fishing.
Neither beach is named, but both have exquisite black-and-green sand, backed by
looming cliffs. Low tide presents intriguing beach-trekking possibilities. Plan on an all-
day adventure.
Kula Kai Caverns CAVE TOUR
( 929-9725; www.kulakaicaverns.com ; tours adult/child 6-12yr from $20/10) Who knows what
lurks under the average Ka'u house? When the ongoing survey is complete, this one will
offer the largest lava tube in the world, a vast underground complex stretching back into
Search WWH ::




Custom Search