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Kahena beach, a beautiful black sand beach surrounded by towering lava cliffs, was once the site of an ancient Hawaiian fishing village as it offered one of the few safe launching and landing sites along this rugged coast. This sand beach was created in the 1950s when lava flows cascaded into the ocean creating steam explosions that formed glassy sand sized ash which now constitutes the beautiful black sand beach. This beach offers good swimming during call ocean conditions but it can be the site of the heavy shore break and strong currents, so beware. The beach is a great spot for sunbathing or to watch the Spinner dolphin's that often congregate offshore during the morning hours. The beach, which is known locally for swim suit optional bathing, is located along the Red Road Hwy (137) between Isaac Hale Beach Park and Kalapana.