Note: click photo for larger view

We found this beautiful little black sand beach on the last leg of our drive upon the magnificent “Road to Hana” (more on that later).

Composed of black lava crushed into sand over the centuries, Pa’iloa Beach lies in the Waianapanapa State Park (mile marker 32) just before reaching the small village of Hana.

While fairly tranquil during our visit, evidently a fair number of drownings have occurred here over the years as this small bay frequently produces powerful waves and riptides.

Because of these strong currents, this park is also quite famous for its blowhole.  Although, during our visit the fairly quiet ocean wasn’t producing any currents strong enough to blow through the hole.

However, it did make for a wonderful swimming opportunity for those enjoying the black sand beach.

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