Last Updated: November 17, 2023
12 Stunning Black Sand Beaches In Hawaii (with Turtles)
It’s no secret that the island state of Hawaii is rich in volcanic activity. The state’s many volcanoes are popular for thrilling hiking trails, but they’re also responsible for Hawaii’s many black sand beaches.
In addition to Iceland, Hawaii is home to the highest concentration of black sand beaches in the world. Some are prettier than others, and this detailed guide will help you explore all the best black sand beaches in Hawaii, so keep reading!
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Keokea Beach Park, Big Island
Keokea Beach Park is located on the northern coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. It’s in the Keokea Bay and has some of Big Island’s best swimming beaches.
I found this beach a little disappointing because there is only a small stretch of sand where you can get in the water easily, but most of the beach is covered with large lava rocks, which tend to get quite slippery when the tide comes.
Although swimming is difficult, the views here are so beautiful that they’re worth the effort.
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach Park, Big Island
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is the most famous black sand beach in the country. It’s part of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, situated on the southern Kau coast of the Big Island in Hawaii.
It’s not the ideal place for swimming but is home to green sea turtles and you can also camp on here with a special permit.
There are also lots of great hikes in the area, even if we did not have time to do any on our visit.
Pololu Valley Beach, Big Island
Image courtesy of Tim Lumley
Pololu Valley Beach is on the northern coast of the island, and it can only be accessed by foot.
The Pololu Trail hike takes in two large hills, so can be a challenge for those not fit enough. We wore decent footwear and made sure to bring water and sunscreen.
It’s worth taking in the various detours on the trail to see the spectacular views of the black sand, lava rock, and the Pacific Ocean.
The Pololu Valley Lookout was the highlight for us with what were some of the best views we got in Hawaii.
One’uli Black Sand Beach, Maui
Oneil Beach is part of the Makena State Park in Maui. It’s the closest black sand beach to the many resort towns in this part of the island, as well as one of the most beautiful in Hawaii.
Also known as Naupaka Beach, this place is very popular for snorkeling and diving. This is why we came for a quick swim, not for the sunbathing!
Just keep in mind that getting into the water was a bit of a challenge for us. The black sand is nice, but it turns into rock at the water’s edge making it a bit slippery to get in.
Kehena Beach, Big Island
Image courtesy of Zoli Juhasz
Kehena Beach is in the island’s southeastern coast, and is accessible by car. The beach was formed in the 1950s by flowing lava, and it is still possible to see the rock formations that were created by it.
There’s a parking lot just off the Kalapana-Kapoho Road where we left our car. From there its just a short walk away from the beach.
Some locals told us that it’s also known as the dolphin beach. Although we were not lucky enough to spot any, you can see Spinner dolphins just off the coast if you are lucky.
Also, be aware that there are apparently strong currents here, so we did not go swimming.
Honokalani Black Sand Beach, Maui
The stunning Maui’s Waiʻānapanapa State Park is famous for quite a few attractions that aren’t so closely related to the island’s volcanos, most notably seabird colonies, freshwater caves, and an impressive, natural stone arch.
Honokalani Black Sand Beach is one of Maui’s most famous beaches and easily the most popular attraction in the entire state park. It’s only some three miles north of Hana town, and it holds great historical importance for the island’s natives.
It is also a great place to see the Hawaiian sea turtles, as well as do a few hikes in the Waiʻānapanapa State Park.
There are also some spectacular tide pools that turn red several times a year. Scientists say they get the color from the mini-shrimp that migrate to this area, but the island natives assign a much greater significance to the shift in color.
It’s associated with the murder of Princess Popo’alaea, and it’s presumed that the pools turn red as a memorial to the princess. These pools were not red when we were there, but if you time it right, you might get to see them
New Kaimu Beach, Big Island
A new black sand beach is forming in the Kaimu beach park, and it’s slowly becoming one of the more popular tourist attractions on the Big Island.
It is easily accessible by a short hiking trail over lava rocks. You’ll need appropriate footwear to reach this beach, but the effort is more than worth it. The beach is pretty quite in our experience, so don’t expect to have to fight for a spot.
Waipio Valley Beach, Big Island
Waipi’o Black Sand Beach is a large beach split in two by the Wailoa Stream. It is situated on the northern coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, and it can be accessed by the Waipi’o Valley hiking trail.
The scenic hiking trail offers stunning ocean views while taking you through some of the most beautiful nature of this Hawaiian island. Waipio Valley Lookout is a scenic spot just above this stunning black sand beach, and it’s certainly a worthy detour if you’re looking for spectacular views.
It is not an ideal place to go for a swim because of the strong current, so don’t go in if you don’t know what you are doing.
Shipman Beach, Big Island
The Shipman Beach of Hawaii’s Big Island is the perfect secluded beach as it is only accessible on foot.
The Haena Beach as the locals call it – is one of the best hidden gems in Hawaii. Not surprisingly for Hawaii, this black sand beach also a turtle nesting place.
To reach the beach you have to hike the Puna Trail. The trailhead is at a gravel parking lot just off the Beach Road in Hawaiian Paradise Park.
Waimea Beach, Kauai
Waimea Beach is the only black sand beach in Kauai. It’s in Waimea Bay and close to a few other famous attractions on this stunning Hawaii island.
It’s not the ideal beach for swimming, but it is a great place to relax and admire breathtaking nature. With coconut palms, a long pier that juts out into the ocean, and ample fishing opportunities, it’s easy to see why this is one of the best beaches in Kauai.
Waianapanapa State Park, Maui
Waianapanapa State Park on Maui Island features some of Hawaii’s most impressive with black sand. Situated on the southeastern coast of the Hawaiian island, this coastal park is popular for its smooth sands, sea caves, and loads of excellent hiking opportunities.
Hana Lava Tube is one of the more popular attractions in the state pack. It’s a rocky tube trail made by underground lava rivers, and it’s the perfect hike in Waianapanapa for admiring gorgeous nature and unique sights.
Awahua Beach, Molokai
Molokai is home to the world’s tallest sea cliffs, breathtaking nature, and some of the most popular Hawaiian black sand beaches.
The Awahua Beach is situated in Molokai’s Kalaupapa Peninsula, on the central northern coast of the island.
back in the 19th century, the beach’s remote and inaccessible location made this place the ideal destination to quarantine anyone infected with leprosy.
Awahua Beach remains one of the most incredible beaches in Hawaii and the perfect destination for anyone on Molokai Island.
Map Of Black Sand Beaches
About the Author Anna Timbrook
Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.
