A brand new beach has formed here. The lava has crumbled to sand and collected here enough to form a new beach. This put-in does require a long carry. Go to the end of the road to Kalapana. It's about a third of a mile and stay on the main path.

A great place to stay is right across the street about 1 mile away. The caretaker Kimo and his family are extremely nice.

Long windows between sets provide a easily timed launch. The lava flow into the sea is about 5 nautical miles to the West. This area is tradewind exposed so if the trades are up be advised-easy to go downwind and can be difficult to get back.

I look for trades under 15 knots for this paddle.

Most of the area is cliffs of lava rock inaccessible but there are a few pocket beaches East and West from here.The one to the West is a monk seal haul-out so don't land if there are seals on the sand. The one to the East, Hapuna Beach which you can drive to is a clothing optional beach where on a recent trip I got to swim with dolphins.