Once a thriving fishing village and residential community, Kalapana on Hawaii’s Big Island met a dramatic fate in 1990 when lava from the Kilauea Volcano engulfed nearly the entire town. The once-popular Kaimu Beach, known for its striking black sand, was buried under layers of molten rock. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of this former settlement, where only a few homes and the ruins of the town remain, offering a poignant reminder of nature’s powerful and transformative force.
Travel Themes & Experiences
Julian Sterling
April 17, 2026
