What’s Swimming in Kehena

Story & Photos, By Ekahi Aloha Dale Michaels

Editor’s Note: We welcome our newest columnist, Dale ‘Ekahi’ Michaels, a longtime Hawaii resident living his dream in the Kehena area. He knows everything going on there and will keep us updated.

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Descending the cliffside trail to Kehena Bay’s black sand beach, you’ll pass a Heart—formed from pieces of broken brain coral.

The Heart is a universal symbol of love, welcoming all who arrive to enjoy the pristine blue waters of Mother Ocean, the jet-black volcanic sand, and the powerful elements that shape this extraordinary bay.

At the bottom of the trail is a familiar rock formation I call “Menehune Backstroke.” It looks like a giant lying on their back, resting at the edge of the sea—one of many natural features that seem alive if you take a moment to notice.

To the right, toward the Kalapana side, is what locals call the South Bay. Swimming there is not recommended—for anyone. There have been many rescues from this area. People get trapped, pummeled repeatedly against the rocky reef, and are unable to swim back around into the main bay.

Kehena has no lifeguards. Swimming here is always at your own risk. Conditions can include strong currents, long stretches of whitewater, powerful undertow, large incoming waves, and constantly shifting rocks and boulders.

Just three weeks ago, an Asian tourist was caught in the South Bay. A regular beachgoer named Peterson was heading up the trail when he heard cries for help. He immediately ran toward the ocean and alerted the only two people on the beach at the time—myself and “Coconut” Jeff.

Jeff reacted instantly, swimming out and around into the South Bay. The exhausted tourist was barely able to keep his head above water. Jeff grabbed his arm and, with great effort, towed him back into the bay. Once ashore, four people—one on each limb—helped pull him safely onto the beach.

Last week, on an unusually calm day, two Hispanic tourists also needed rescue from the South Bay. One was clinging to a rocky outcrop while the other was being repeatedly smashed into the reef. Thanks to the quick response of four Kehena regulars—Neal, Swami Steve, Nai‘a Rae, and myself—both were brought back safely. Paramedics were called, and emergency services arrived.

Were it not for locals being present, these rescues would likely have ended very differently.

A few words of advice for anyone entering the water at Kehena: even strong, experienced swimmers exercise great caution here. Waves arrive in sets. It may look calm, but a larger set can follow without warning. Take time to observe the rhythm of the ocean.

Walk the length of the beach and choose the sandiest entry and exit point with the fewest exposed rocks. This matters.

I always ask Mother Ocean for help—both going in and coming out. She listens. If waves are present, wait until a set passes and enter during the lull. Getting in is easier; getting out requires patience, awareness, and humility.

When exiting, I line myself up with the same sandy spot I entered. Areas where people are standing in shallow water, or where boogie boarders and body surfers gather, are often safer exits.

Never turn your back on the ocean. I float on my back, watching, staying in harmony with her movements.

Kehena Bay is breathtaking—but it demands presence. Rogue waves can grab towels, sweep belongings away, or knock people down even while walking the shoreline.

Be safe. Have fun. And enjoy the pristine beauty of being in nature—with respect.