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Lava transformed Pohoiki into new black sand beach on Hawaii island

Cindy Ellen Russell

By Photos by Diane S. W. Lee and Cindy Ellen Russell

May 1, 2019

1/21
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Video by Diane S. W. Lee / dlee@staradvertiser.com
Lava from the 2018 Kilauea Volcano eruption cut off access to the Pohoiki Boat Ramp and transformed the area around it into a new black sand beach.
2/21
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DIANE S. W. LEE / DLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM

Dried leis sit atop the sign marking Pohoiki Bay on April 16. Lava from the 2018 Kilauea Volcano eruption blocked off access roads to the Pohoiki Boat Ramp and created a new black sand beach around it. Prior to the eruption, the area was a popular spot for swimmers, surfers and companies operating lava-boat tours.
3/21
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DIANE S. W. LEE / DLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM

A sign urges visitors to Isaac Hale Beach Park to "help keep this place clean." Lava from the 2018 Kilauea Volcano eruption blocked off access roads to the Pohoiki Boat Ramp and created a new black sand beach around it. Prior to the eruption, the area was a popular spot for swimmers, surfers and companies operating lava-boat tours.
4/21
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CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM

Marco and Kristine Weidinger soak in the pond, which formed after black sand blocked the Pohoiki boat ramp during the eruption. Behind the couple is the historic Uncle Hale's red house.
5/21
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DIANE S. W. LEE / DLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM

An Ocean Safety vehicle parked on the new black sand at Isaac Hale Beach Park, also known as Pohoiki. Lava from the 2018 Kilauea Volcano eruption blocked off access roads to the Pohoiki Boat Ramp and created a new black sand beach around it. Prior to the eruption, the area was a popular spot for swimmers, surfers and companies operating lava-boat tours.
6/21
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DIANE S. W. LEE / DLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM

Oahu and Hilo residents’ beach towels and belongings sit atop the new black sand at Isaac Hale Beach Park. Lava from the 2018 Kilauea Volcano eruption blocked off access roads to the Pohoiki Boat Ramp and created a new black sand beach around it. Prior to the eruption, the area was a popular spot for swimmers, surfers and companies operating lava-boat tours.
7/21
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DIANE S. W. LEE / DLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM

Lava from the 2018 Kilauea Volcano eruption blocked off access roads to the Pohoiki Boat Ramp and created a new black sand beach around it. Prior to the eruption, the area was a popular spot for swimmers, surfers and companies lava-boat tours.
8/21
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DIANE S. W. LEE / DLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM

A lifeguard stand at Isaac Hale Beach Park, also known as Pohoiki. Lava from the 2018 Kilauea Volcano eruption blocked off access roads to the Pohoiki Boat Ramp and created a new black sand beach around it. Prior to the eruption, the area was a popular spot for swimmers, surfers and companies operating lava-boat tours.
9/21
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DIANE S. W. LEE / DLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM

Visitors lounge on beach chairs at the Isaac Hale Beach Park, also known as Pohoiki. The lava from the 2018 Kilauea Volcano eruption transformed the area around Pohoiki Boat Ramp into a new black sand beach.
10/21
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DIANE S. W. LEE / DLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM

Koa, Lloyd and Winifred Enriquez recall fond memories spending time at their property located next to the Pohoiki Boat Ramp. Lava from the 2018 Kilauea Volcano eruption blocked off access roads to the Pohoiki Boat Ramp and created a new black sand beach around it. Prior to the eruption, the area was a popular spot for swimmers, surfers and companies operating lava-boat tours.
11/21
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DIANE S. W. LEE / DLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM

The remains of the Pohoiki Boat Ramp now surrounded by black sand. Lava from the 2018 Kilauea Volcano eruption blocked off access roads to the Pohoiki Boat Ramp and created a new black sand beach around it. Prior to the eruption, the area was a popular spot for swimmers, surfers and companies operating lava-boat tours.
12/21
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DIANE S. W. LEE / DLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM

Lava from the 2018 Kilauea Volcano eruption blocked off access roads to the Pohoiki Boat Ramp and created a new black sand beach around it. Prior to the eruption, the area was a popular spot for swimmers, surfers and companies operating lava-boat tours.
13/21
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DIANE S. W. LEE / DLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM

Lava from the 2018 Kilauea Volcano eruption blocked off access roads to the Pohoiki Boat Ramp and created a new black sand beach around it. Prior to the eruption, the area was a popular spot for swimmers, surfers and companies operating lava-boat tours.
14/21
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DIANE S. W. LEE / DLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM

Lava from the 2018 Kilauea Volcano eruption blocked off access roads to the Pohoiki Boat Ramp and created a new black sand beach around it. Prior to the eruption, the area was a popular spot for swimmers, surfers and companies operating lava-boat tours.
15/21
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DIANE S. W. LEE / DLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM

Pohoiki resident Ikaika Kalama at the new black sand beach at Isaac Hale Beach Park, also known as Pohoiki. Lava from the 2018 Kilauea Volcano eruption blocked off access roads to the Pohoiki Boat Ramp and created a new black sand beach around it. Prior to the eruption, the area was a popular spot for swimmers, surfers and companies operating lava-boat tours.
16/21
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DIANE S. W. LEE / DLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM

Retired school teacher Winifred Enriquez inspects volcanic rock formations at Isaac Hale Beach Park. Lava from the 2018 Kilauea Volcano eruption blocked off access roads to the Pohoiki Boat Ramp and created a new black sand beach around it. Prior to the eruption, the area was a popular spot for swimmers, surfers and companies operating lava-boat tours.
17/21
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DIANE S. W. LEE / DLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM

Retired school teacher Winifred Enriquez inspects volcanic rock formations at Isaac Hale Beach Park. Lava from the 2018 Kilauea Volcano eruption blocked off access roads to the Pohoiki Boat Ramp and created a new black sand beach around it. Prior to the eruption, the area was a popular spot for swimmers, surfers and companies operating lava-boat tours.
18/21
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DIANE S. W. LEE / DLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM

A car parked in the parking lot next to the hardened lava wall at Isaac Hale Beach Park, also known as Pohoiki. Lava from the 2018 Kilauea Volcano eruption blocked off access roads to the Pohoiki Boat Ramp and created a new black sand beach around it. Prior to the eruption, the area was a popular spot for swimmers, surfers and companies operating lava-boat tours.
19/21
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DIANE S. W. LEE / DLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM

Cars parked in the parking lot of Isaac Hale Beach Park, also known as Pohoiki. Lava from the 2018 Kilauea Volcano eruption blocked off access roads to the Pohoiki Boat Ramp and created a new black sand beach around it. Prior to the eruption, the area was a popular spot for swimmers, surfers and companies operating lava-boat tours.
20/21
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DIANE S. W. LEE / DLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM

Lava from the 2018 Kilauea Volcano eruption blocked off access roads to the Pohoiki Boat Ramp and created a new black sand beach around it. Prior to the eruption, the area was a popular spot for swimmers, surfers and companies operating lava-boat tours.
21/21
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CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM

Isaac Hale Beach Park at Pohoiki Bay was transformed by the volcanic activity of Kilauea. The surf pushed black sand, created by exploding lava entering the ocean, onto the beach and created a lagoon where the boat ramp used to be.
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