Kawa Bay (Kāwā)

Kawa is a sacred site to the Native Hawaiian community of Kaʻū — pre-contact heiau remains in the immediate area, burial sites in the surrounding lava, active contemporary ceremonial use. Some Hawaiian cultural practitioners would prefer visitors not visit Kawa at all; the bay's increased popularity has brought disturbance to both turtle nesting and active religious practice. If you go, do so with the deepest respect: small group, quiet, no offerings unless trained, no removal of anything, no approaching the turtles, no entering posted areas. Treat the entire shoreline as sacred ground.