The place to Discover a Black Sand Seashore in Hawaii

There are few issues as mesmerizing as a black sand seashore in Hawaii. At these scenic spots, turquoise waters and inexperienced landscapes dazzle in opposition to the pitch-black shoreline. It’s one way or the other each calming and invigorating to go to, and the images are extremely Instagram-worthy. 

However the place can you discover the perfect black sand seashore Hawaii presents?

Forward we’re studying all about these pure wonders and directing you to the perfect ones you will discover within the islands. 

What’s a Black Sand Seashore

Hawaii’s black sand seashores are created by volcanic exercise. Right here, as a substitute of getting wonderful white sand, you’ll discover black shorelines full of glassy rocks (generally as small as pebbles however some as giant as boulders). 

How They Type

When lava flows into the ocean, the sudden pressure of sizzling lava in opposition to the cool waters causes little explosions that flip the lava into small fragments of volcanic rock. This occurs immediately when lava flows, and most of Hawaii’s black sand seashores shaped in a single day. 

However many seashores could have black sand blended in. Erosion and river flows will convey volcanic rock to the shoreline, lending a singular look to lots of Hawaii’s seashores (although these can be extra grey as a substitute of stark black). 

A younger black sand seashore could have sharp, tough sand. Over time, erosion will flip the sand right into a easy, glass-like pebble. 

The Lifespan of Black Sand Seashores

“Regular” seashores have sand that washes after which (hopefully) is replenished with new sand from the ocean. Nevertheless, black sand is usually created from one-time volcanoes, so little sand is accessible to fill the shoreline when erosion takes it away. 

That’s why black sand seashores in Hawaii have a restricted lifespan – perhaps a pair hundred years. It’s additionally why it’s unlawful to take any sand away from the seashores (plus, you don’t wish to endure a curse from Pele, the volcano goddess). 

The place to Discover Black Sand Seashores in Hawaii

As a result of black sand seashores have such a brief lifespan, you’ll solely discover them in areas with (comparatively) current volcanic exercise. So, to see these spectacular spots, you’ll want to go towards east Maui or the Island of Hawaii. 

Hawaii Island (The Huge Island)

Due to its current volcanic exercise, Hawaii Island has the very best focus of black sand seashores. Some older ones could have extra of a grayish look, and a few could have different colours blended in as properly. We’ll spotlight a number of the greatest ones to go to whereas exploring the distinctive (and comparatively younger!) island. 

Punalu’u Seashore

Punalu’u Seashore is on the southern finish of Hawaii Island. It’s a real black sand seashore created by volcanic exercise. It’s remoted – you’ll have to drive properly over an hour to get there from Kona or Hilo. However as soon as there, the shoreline is accessible and loads of enjoyable. 

There are restrooms, picnic pavilions, camping, lifeguard stands, and glorious wildlife viewing – you’ll probably see inexperienced sea turtles right here. 

When circumstances are good, it’s a terrific spot for swimming or snorkeling, and there’s a tide pool that’s good for youthful children and anybody wanting a simple approach to cool off. 

Richardson Ocean Park

Richardson Ocean Park is exclusive attributable to its mixture of inexperienced and black sand. Situated proper in Hilo, this scenic spot is usually nice for fishing, swimming, exploring tide swimming pools, and picnicking. Plus, it generally will get sunny, even when the remainder of the city is cloudy. 

You’ll discover Richardson Ocean Park on Kalanianaole Road close to the Hilo airport. It tends to get busy within the afternoons and weekends. 

Honoli’i Seashore Park

Honoli’i Seashore Park is commonly ignored on lists of black sand seashores in Hawaii. This Hilo shoreline is a well-liked surf spot and has a terrific grassy space for hanging out. However it’s not nice for swimming. When tide is excessive, chances are you’ll not see any wonderful black sand in any respect. Nevertheless, there’s a rocky shoreline with bigger rocks that’s neat to see. 

So Honoli’i Seashore Park isn’t the perfect place for the final word black sand sighting (or for swimming!), however it’s a neat place to take a look at should you’re in Hilo and quick on time. 

Pohoiki Seashore 

One among Hawaii Island’s latest black sand seashores is Pohoiki Seashore at Isaac Hale Park. This black sand seashore was shaped in 2018 when Kilauea erupted and induced great injury to the decrease Puna district of Hawaii Island. 

You’ll discover this wonderful place about an hour north of Hilo. It’s fairly simple to entry and may be nice for fishing, sightseeing, and exploring tidepools. 

We expect it’s properly well worth the drive from Hilo to see such a brand new pure surprise. 

Kaimū Seashore

In 1990, Kilauea’s eruption flowed over the city of Kalapana, wiping out its buildings and shorelines. And a treasured black sand seashore was misplaced. 

However new black sand shaped over the outdated seashore, creating Kaimū Seashore. It doesn’t have the gorgeous panorama of its predecessor, nevertheless it’s nonetheless an unbelievable place to take a look at. 

You’ll take a brief hike over a lava area to succeed in Kaimū Seashore. As soon as there, you’ll principally simply benefit from the sights from shore – it’s not a terrific spot for swimming or water actions. 

It’s about 45 minutes south of Hilo on Freeway 130.

Makolea Black Sand Seashore 

Makolea Seashore isn’t the perfect black sand to go to, because it’s not as scenic and is more durable to entry. However it’s the closest to Kona. So, if you wish to keep in that space whereas seeing a Hawaii black sand seashore, Makolea is a superb possibility. 

To entry this black sand seashore, start at Ka’elehuluhulu Seashore in Kekaha Kai State Park. You’ll go left (should you’re going through towards the ocean) and hike for about 15 to 20 minutes alongside the shoreline. 

This can be a secluded spot with none lifeguards. Waters can get tough, so we advocate in opposition to swimming and snorkeling right here. Nevertheless, it’s enjoyable to succeed in this hidden gem and the closest black sand seashore to Kona. 

Maui

Maui additionally has a pair choices for seeing black sand seashores. Although there aren’t practically as many as on the large island, seeing such a singular sight is well worth the journey. 

Wai’ānapanapa State Park

This is among the hottest stops alongside the Highway to Hana. Right here, you’ll discover Pa’iloa Seashore, a darkish black shoreline with glistening waters, vibrant inexperienced palm bushes, and even a blow gap. 

Although it will probably get crowded, it’s well worth the cease as you journey to Hana. It’s at mile marker 32 and has a terrific place to make use of the restroom, stroll round, and funky off within the ocean. Swimming is a well-liked exercise at Wai’ānapanapa State Park. 

Be sure you make your reservation in advance, even should you simply plan on stopping by. When you’d like to remain longer, you’ll be able to attempt to get a tenting reservation that may assist you to immerse your self within the surroundings (and never rush again to city after driving to Hana). 

Oneuli Black Sand Seashore

One’uli is a very scenic and considerably secluded black sand seashore in Makena (south Maui). When water is calm, it’s a preferred place for {couples} and households to loosen up, swim, and hang around. However it’s simple to overlook. Search for it down Makena Alanui Highway, previous all of the lodges and condos of Wailea. There can be a swinging gate with a rugged street resulting in the small car parking zone. 

When you attain Makena Huge Seashore, you’ve gone too far. 

One’uli can be known as Naupaka Seashore. One of many coolest issues about this spot is that you simply’re proper subsequent to the Pu’u Ola’i cinder cone you could see from a lot of Wailea. It’s additionally rather more handy to succeed in than Hana’s Wai’ānapanapa State Park. When you’re staying in Wailea, you’ll be able to drive there in below 10 minutes. 

FAQs About Visiting a Black Sand Seashore in Hawaii

Able to see a few of Hawaii’s most unusual and beautiful sights? We hope we’ve helped information you to a number of the greatest spots. However should you nonetheless have some questions, listed here are just a few solutions to get you began in your subsequent journey!

Can I swim at a Black Sand Seashore?

Sure, so long as circumstances are secure, it’s completely wonderful to swim at a black sand seashore. 

Do I have to convey something particular?

We advocate you convey alongside a pair of water sneakers, as it may be exhausting to stroll on the pebbly rocks. Additionally, youthful black sand seashores gained’t have any shade, so convey alongside solar safety like reef-safe sunscreen, UPF garments, and hats. 

Can I convey black sand residence from me? 

No, it’s in opposition to the regulation, and a few say it’s going to convey you unhealthy luck. So take loads of photos and depart the black sand behind.

Are there Black Sand Seashores on Kauai or Oahu?

On Kauai, Waimea Seashore generally seems black when the sand will get moist. Additionally, you will see some black sand at Kauai’s glass beach close to Port Allen Harbor. 

There are not any black sand seashores on the island of Oahu. 

Anything we must always know?

All the time prioritize security when visiting any seashore in Hawaii, particularly secluded ones. And be sure you get nice assist planning your sightseeing. At Hawaii Aloha Travel, we will create a customized itinerary that may assist you to see the perfect black sand seashores in Hawaii and a number of the different unbelievable wonders of the islands.