Hawaii offers a diverse range of beaches. Of course, there are the known white sand choices, but the islands also feature Hawaii black sand beaches, red, and even green sand beaches. On Maui and the Big Island, Hawaii black sand beaches are widespread and simple to explore, while red and green are rare and more difficult to reach. We’ve got some of our favorites listed here.
1: Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach [Big Island]
Punaluʻu ranks highest on our list for its mix of location, sand quality, wildlife, and conveniences—a lifeguard, toilet, vendor, drinking fountain, and lots of parking.
Punaluʻu presents some of the best Hawaii black sand beaches, just a short ride from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Rows of tall palm trees balance its rocky coastline and provide plenty of space to stretch out a towel. At Punaluʻu, sea turtle sightings are almost certain; places are set aside for them to clamber up on land and rest.
People are expected to come and go all day, but most just walk around and take pictures of the turtles. If you wish to stay in for more, we advise opening shop near the northern end, far from the main parking lot, where foot traffic is minimal.
Good to know: Punaluʻu is a fantastic spot for a picnic, surrounded by picnic tables and bathrooms. Get groceries from the adjacent Punaluʻu Bake Shop.
2: Wai’anapanapa Black Sand Beach [Maui]
Whether your path is the Road to Hāna or just seeking to beach hop, don’t miss Waiʻanapanapa on Maui’s northeast coast. Along with its rocky black volcanic topography and large rocks and sea arches framed by the deep green rainforest, the state park offers one of the most stunning Hawaii black sand beaches.
Little walking paths allow you to explore the shoreline, but heiaus, seagulls, and blowholes all call the park home. Waiʻanapanapa still needs reservations to visit, even for the day, part pandemic hangover and part effort to fight overcrowding. Learn more and book your space right here. Although the reservation system may be annoying (and sometimes hinder spontaneity), lowering the visitor count ensures your enjoyment of the natural surroundings. Let it not deter you from visiting this untouched natural area.
Good to know: Waiʻanapanapa (permit needed) offers tent camping and cabin rentals; lovers of the outdoors could thus consider staying the night in this unusual place to enjoy the Hawaii black sand beaches once all the day-trippers have left. First, black sand beach camping is beach camping!
3: Oneuli Black Sand Beach [Maui]
Oneʻuli is a wonderful choice if you want a Hawaii black sand beach with first-rate snorkeling on Maui. Maui’s southwest coast softly hides Oneuli, boasting a large, healthy reef and generally calm conditions. Despite its modest size, the beach exudes a laid-back atmosphere, with some parts hidden behind reddish sea rocks.
Either hire some at Kīhei or bring your own snorkel equipment. The beach is devoid of vendors. Good to know: Makena Beach State Park is somewhat famous just south of Oneuli. It pairs well with Oneuli with soft white sand. We recommend both visits while you are on the island.
4: Kaimū Black Sand Beach [Big Island]
For those interested in volcanic history and the creation of Hawaii black sand beaches, snorkeling is not advised in Kaimū but is nevertheless a must-visit. A 1990 eruption covered Kaim Bay in lava, damaging property and rebuilding the coastline. Today, a short climb across the lava fields leads to the beach, adding to its mystery.
Good to know: Your age is: Since this beach opened in 1990, it is younger than many of the visitors’ years.
5: Richardson’s Beach [Big Island]
Richardson’s Beach in Hilo is a wonderful alternative if you’re searching for kid-friendly, reasonably accessible Hawaii black sand beaches. The bay is an excellent site for snorkeling since it is a marine conservation area and covered in big boulders.
Families can spend half a day (or more) exploring the numerous tidepools and uncovering mysteries in this lifeguarded area. When you arrive, collect some sand and thoroughly examine it. The majority of the sand is black, but you will also find green sand (olivine crystals).
Good to know: Leleiwi Beach Park and Lehia Beach Park are two of the various other beach parks nearby. Discover them while you’re here. For a lunch picnic, take some poke-to-go from Suisan Fish Market in Hilo.
6: Kehena Beach [Big Island]
To see Kehna, you must go far into the Puna District along the southeast coast of Big Island. Kehena is a favorable option if you want somewhere off the main tourist path because of its rural setting. Kehena Beach is a little cove with brilliant green vegetation and trees that provide shade, sunken and butted against rocky coastal cliffs.
Particularly on weekends, it usually looks more like a scene because of its homey character and the fact that it’s a beach free of clothing requirements. Kehena is a wonderful spot to find some minor, newly acquired freedom on your wish list.
Good to know: Although Kehena usually allows swimming, there is no lifeguard. Stay away from swimming in times of uncertainty.
7: Waipi’o Beach [Big Island]
We agree that Waipi’s sand is more gray than black; some might contend that this makes it less dark than some of the others on this list. As a result, its surroundings, which include huge cliffs, massive waterfalls, and a verdant valley, qualify it for the last spot on this list of Hawaii black sand beaches. Stop at the Waipiʻo Valley lookout for a picture of the shoreline; then, either walk down into the valley or drive (4-wheel drive only). Since most of the valley is public land, be sure to keep on public roads and access paths.
Good to know: Often closed to non-residents, the steep path down into Waipiʻo Valley offers access to the beach. Before coming, be sure to find out the state of the road.
What makes Hawaii black sand beaches black?
When eruptions reach the water and the lava rapidly cools to explode into little shards of volcanic glass, Hawaii black sand beaches result. Despite their differences, all Hawaii black sand beaches share a distinct similarity. Their sizes, shapes, and activities also vary. We have arranged them here, but your specific interests will determine the best option for you. As you tour the islands, keep an eye out for more, mostly smaller black sand beach coves. This list is not complete.
Where do white sand and green sand come from?
Volcanoes are the most common source of green and black sand. Unlike most white sand beaches across the globe, the white sand beaches in Hawaii primarily consist of coral pieces broken down by mechanical erosion (waves) and biological erosion (by fish that eat coral). Shells from marine life are also prevalent. Intrigued?
Why are there no Hawaii black sand beaches on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi?
Hawaii black sand beaches are the leftovers of eruptions; thus, it is logical that the amount of black volcanic glass will gradually vanish. Consequently, the older the island, the less likely you are to find strong concentrations of black sand. This explains why the young island, Big Island, boasts the most Hawaii black sand beaches.
For example, both islands feature some “gray” sand beaches at Hauula on Oʻahu and Waimea Beach in south Kauaʻi. Contrast them with any beach on the list above to see striking color and composition differences. For this reason, we cannot quite label them as “Hawaii black sand beaches.”