Kalapana, HI

Kalapana is a one-of-a-kind coastal community in the Big Island's Puna district, defined by its dramatic relationship with the volcano. Much of the original town and its famous black sand beach were buried under lava in 1990, though locals managed to haul the historic Painted Church to safety just in time. Today, life here is mostly off-grid, with homes built directly atop wide fields of black rock. It is a quiet, close-knit corner of the island that appeals to people looking for independence, stunning ocean views, and a simple, unhurried lifestyle.