Pōhue Bay: A Natural and Cultural Treasure
Pōhue Bay, an idyllic and culturally significant area on the rugged southern coastline of Hawaiʻi Island, is now part of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. This addition has effectively protected the area from potential development into homes, resorts, and golf courses, maintaining its ecological integrity.
The Trust for Public Land, a national nonprofit land preservation group, transferred the ownership and stewardship of the 16,451-acre Kahuku-Pōhue parcel—from Māmalohoa Highway to the shoreline, which includes the bay—to the National Park Services in July.
New Protection for Endangered Species
This area serves as a critical habitat for a variety of endangered species, including honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles), honuʻea (hawksbill sea turtles), ʻīlio holo i ka uaua (Hawaiian monk seals), and the rare Hawaiian red shrimp, ʻōpaeʻula. These species inhabit the area’s anchialine ponds, which are landlocked pools containing a mix of fresh and saltwater. Additionally, native and migratory birds, such as the ʻiwa (great frigatebird), koaʻa kea (white-trailed tropicbird), kōlea (golden plover), and ʻaukuʻu (black-crowned night heron), thrive here, alongside the ʻōpeʻapeʻa (Hawaiian hoary bat) and endemic cave crickets.
The Cultural Importance of the Area
Once adorned with thriving fishing villages, the Kahuku-Pōhue parcel is home to numerous well-preserved Hawaiian cultural sites. These include lava tubes, burial sites, and fishing heiau (shrines), in addition to unique petroglyphs dating from ancient times to the 19th century. A portion of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, an ancient 175-mile-long coastal trail, is also found in this area.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has had an interest in this region since 2016, focusing on its preservation. The Trust for Public Land purchased the land for $9.4 million, with funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and a donation from the Wyss Foundation. Furthermore, TPL has contributed $800,000 to support the National Park Service’s management of Pōhue Bay.
“The park and the community have long recognized the importance of preserving the Kahuku-Pōhue area. This is essential for ensuring the natural and cultural resources are protected indefinitely,” says park spokesperson Jessica Ferracane. “This parcel represents the largest area of natural and undeveloped shoreline in the state, largely pristine and uninhabited.”
A Long History of Preservation Efforts
Pōhue Bay is the only white-sand beach for many miles in the rugged district of Kaʻū. Generations of local community members have frequented this area to fish, surf, dive, and connect with nature. The bay has faced several resort development proposals in the past. However, there remains a strong desire within the community, including park officials, to preserve this untouched area.
Maintaining Pōhue Bay: Current Access Policies
“Our priority is to protect Pōhue Bay’s natural and cultural resources,” states Lea Hong, the director of Hawaiʻi programs at the Trust for Public Land. “The long-term goal is to enable community and public access for recreation and cultural practices for generations to come. We aim to partner with local organizations and residents in stewarding the land effectively.”
In the upcoming months, the park will continue seeking community feedback to better understand the ecological and cultural landscape. They are also working on an interim operating plan that finds a balance between public access and resource preservation, ensuring that thoughtful access strategies align with sustainable practices.
The ultimate aim is to provide public access to this area; however, it remains closed to visitors for the time being.
“Community concerns involve protecting resources from overuse and striking a balance between minimal access and excessive access,” Ferracane elaborates. “This makes it vital for the park to listen to the community and find a sustainable approach that allows for thoughtful access while ensuring the long-term protection of the area.”
Accessing any remote location, particularly one housing endangered plants and animals, requires careful planning and consideration.
Preserving Hawaiʻi’s Natural Wonders
Iconic natural attractions in Hawaiʻi, such as beaches and parks, face challenges in managing visitor access and overuse. Lifeguards and volunteers at Kaimana Beach, just outside of Waikīkī, work diligently to keep visitors from harassing endangered Hawaiian monk seals that often bask on the beach. Early incidents of public interactions with seals have raised concerns about visitor safety and animal welfare.
About 27 miles east of Pōhue Bay lies Punaluʻu Beach Park, renowned for its black sand and frequent visits from both Hawaiian green sea turtles and Hawksbill turtles. Despite clear warnings to maintain distance from these turtles, many visitors still attempt to engage closely with the species.
Ferracane adds that the park continues to collaborate with the community to determine the best public access strategies. These include potential options for shoreline fishing, swimming, and designated camp sites.
With the addition of the Pōhue Bay parcel, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park now encompasses an impressive 354,460 acres, nearly the size of Oʻahu. Earlier acquisitions have also included the 2750-acre Ala Waʻi parcel and a nearly 2000-acre oceanfront parcel known as The Great Crack, a popular hiking destination located on private property.
The donation of the Pōhue Bay parcel marks the park’s largest expansion since 2003, when approximately 150 square miles of land were incorporated into the park.
