If any place captures the uninhibited vibe of Puna, it's this beautiful black-sand beach where all stripes – hippies, Hawaiians, gays, families, seniors, tourists – do their own thing. If nudity or pakalolo (marijuana) bother you, find another beach. On Sunday a drum circle invites dancing and even more communing. Think twice about swimming; the surf is treacherous.
To get here, turn into a small parking lot immediately south of mile marker 19. A steep path leads down to the beach. Don't leave valuables in your car.