Discovering Shipman Beach (Haena Beach) : A Journey Along the Puna Trail

Discovering Shipman Beach (Haena Beach):

A Journey Along the Puna Trail

Hiking to Shipman Beach, also known as Haena Beach, is one of my favorite adventures on Hawaii’s Big Island. It’s a trail that combines natural beauty, a touch of challenge, and plenty of opportunities to connect with the island’s unique wildlife. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just someone looking for a memorable experience, the Puna Trail leading to this hidden beach is worth every step.

If you’re planning your trip, let me guide you through the experience, from what to expect on the trail to the magical sights waiting at the beach.

Getting There and Parking

The Puna Trail is listed on AllTrails as a 5.2-mile round-trip hike, but in my experience, it’s closer to 6 miles. This might not seem like a big difference, but it’s something to keep in mind when planning your day—especially if you’re used to shorter hikes or bringing kids along.

The Trail: What to Expect

The trail begins with a promising start. The first ¼ mile is wide open, dry, and easy to navigate. This stretch feels like a warm-up, giving you a chance to enjoy the smooth lava rock path with patches of grass. It’s a relaxing way to start the hike, especially with the sunlight streaming through the clear sky above. If you have a dog with you, this is going to be where they are gonna gonna go to the bathroom. Remember to clean up after them. Hopefully you remembered the poop bags. There is a trashcan at the trail head and its a quick walk back.

As you continue, things start to shift. The lush forest takes over, and with it comes more challenging conditions. The trail stays relatively flat in terms of elevation, which is great for hikers who aren’t a fan of steep climbs. However, the terrain becomes much rockier and muddier the deeper you go. After any rain—which happens frequently in this part of the island—the trail transforms into a patchwork of puddles and mud traps.

Navigating these puddles turns into a fun little game. You’ll often find yourself choosing between carefully stepping through the mud or following small side trails that wind through the trees. These detours are narrow, uneven, and sometimes slippery, so watch your step!

If you have balance issues or feel uneasy on rocky terrain, I can’t recommend hiking poles or a walking stick enough. They’ve saved me more than once, especially when the mud gets extra tricky.

Another thing to note is the humidity. While you might not feel it at first, the enclosed forest traps a lot of moisture, and you’ll notice it when you stop moving. Make sure to bring extra water—not just for yourself but also for your dog if you’re bringing them along.

Speaking of dogs, the trail is pet-friendly, which is a huge plus for me since I love hiking with my pup. Just remember that dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. This isn’t just a courtesy; it’s a necessity to protect both your dog and the local wildlife.

Walking Through History and Wildlife

The Shipman family, a historically significant and conservation-minded family on the Big Island of Hawaii, owns extensive landholdings in the Puna district, including areas that reflect their commitment to preserving Hawaii’s natural and cultural heritage. Among these is the Shipman Estate, which includes a private trail that offers a unique opportunity to walk through history and wildlife. This trail, set on Shipman family property, holds immense ecological and cultural value, providing public access to pristine coastal landscapes while remaining a sanctuary for endangered species like the nēnē, Hawaii’s native goose.

The trail’s importance lies in its dual role as a connection to Hawaii’s past and a beacon for conservation in the present. It allows hikers to experience the beauty of untouched ecosystems while reminding visitors of the need to respect and protect fragile environments. The presence of the nēnē and the turtles on the beach, highlights the Shipman family’s conservation legacy, as these lands continue to play a crucial role in the survival of this endangered species. By staying on designated paths and being mindful of wildlife, hikers contribute to the preservation efforts that make this trail a meaningful and rare window into Hawaii’s natural and cultural richness.

Knowing even a little about the culture and history of the places you hike makes the experience so much richer. It helps you appreciate the land, understand its significance, and respect the people who care for it. On the Big Island, every trail has a story, and learning about it can give your adventure a deeper meaning. A great way to start is by reading books like The Big Island: A History, which shares the island’s fascinating past, or Ancient Sites of Hawaii: A Guide to Hawaiian Archaeological and Cultural Places on the Big Island, which highlights important cultural and archaeological spots. These books can help you see the land in a new way and make your hikes even more memorable. Plus, being informed helps you tread more respectfully, leaving the beauty of Hawaii preserved for others.

The Reward: Shipman Beach

Reaching Shipman Beach feels like stumbling upon a hidden paradise. After trekking through rocky paths and dodging mud puddles, the sight of the sandy shoreline is a welcome reward. The beach itself is small but beautiful, with calm, shallow water that’s protected by a natural rock wall just offshore.

One of the highlights of visiting Shipman Beach is the chance to see Hawaiian sea turtles. Every time I’ve been, I’ve spotted them basking on the rocks. It’s such a peaceful moment to witness, but it’s also a great opportunity to practice responsible wildlife viewing. Keep your distance and don’t attempt to feed or touch the turtles. Not only is it against the law, but it’s also essential for their well-being.

Now that you have made it to the beach, take off your boots and wade around in the water.

While the water looks inviting, swimming here can be risky due to strong undercurrents. Wading close to shore is usually safe, but if you decide to swim, be cautious and do so at your own risk. The currents can be deceptively strong, even when the surface appears calm.

Remember to keep your dog on leash even at the beach. Be respectful of others visiting, and keep them away from the turtles. Smaller dogs could get swept out to sea by the undercurrents so be cautious.

Tips for a Great Hike

Before you set out, here are some tips to make your hike as enjoyable as possible:

1. Bring extra water. The humid forest can leave you feeling dehydrated faster than you’d expect. Staying hydrated is key to enjoying the hike. Leave a bottle of water in the car as back up if you drink what you bring.

2. Pack hiking poles or a walking stick. These are invaluable for navigating the muddy, rocky trail.

3. Wear sturdy shoes. Lightweight hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip will help you tackle the uneven terrain.

4. Stay on the trail. Respect the private property and avoid wandering off the path.

5. Keep dogs leashed. This ensures their safety and protects the local wildlife.

6. Plan for mud. Be prepared to get a little dirty, but with careful footing, you can stay relatively clean.

7. Sun Shade for car. The car will get very hot sitting in the Hawaiian sun.

Tail End

The Puna Trail to Shipman Beach is one of those hikes that stays with you long after you’ve left. From the lush forest to the tranquil beach, it’s an experience that offers something special at every turn.

It’s a reminder to slow down, appreciate the beauty around you, and tread lightly on this fragile land. Whether you’re here for the challenge, the views, or the chance to see Hawaii’s unique wildlife, this trail won’t disappoint.

Happy hiking! 🌴

Now, about parking. This is one of the trickiest parts of visiting the Puna Trail. The small parking lot near the trailhead fills up early, often leaving you with no choice but to park along the street. When you do, please be mindful of the local residents. Don’t block driveways, mailboxes, or any other access points. The area is residential, so being respectful not only makes the experience better for everyone but also ensures that hikers are welcome in the future. There is not a lot of shade available to park under so I would recommend bringing a foldable sunshade for the front window of the car. I would recommend something like this sun shade that can easily fold up and slip into your luggage. Bonus: you will forget its there and find it on your next vacation and be thankful.