11 Black Sand Beaches of Hawaii: Unveiling the Beauty of these amazing beaches (updated 2023)
There’s a lot of spectacular black sand beaches of Hawaii to explore and even a few of them that are very newly formed on the island to visit. There are over 11 major black sand beaches located on the Big Island of Hawaii and we share all of them on this guide. These black sand beaches are all spectacular to visit with different characteristics that make each place unique to visit and experience.
Located throughout the island, the black sand beaches of the BIg Island are exposed and tend to be in areas where the surf and tides are difficult and make swimming dangerous except for a few that locals do hang out in and are familiar with the area and conditions for swimming in. Be cautious and watch others before you attempt to enter the ocean from any of these black sand beaches in Hawaii.
Black sand beach Hawaii locations are stunning, raw and always changing with the seasons, tides and natural erosion. Some are gorgeous and fine sandy back sand and can change eventually into more rocks and worn pebbles only to revert with storms or other natural patterns that have an effect on these tropical beaches.
Why are there so many black sand beaches on the Big Island?
Being the youngest of the island in Hawaii, the Big Island has the largest share of black sand beaches which are created from volcanic activity with lava flowing to the ocean. Hawaii island, the only volcanic island with several active volcanoes is constantly creating lava. Many of the eruptions from the active volcanoes created large lava fields that run all the way down to the ocean. 11 black sand beaches have formed from all the eruptions around the island and are worth exploring when you visit here.
In the process of entering the ocean, the lava explodes into small rocks and particles once it hits the cooler ocean waters, and can even explode into finer sand. The black lava made of larger rocks to small glass lava particles is continually broken down from the rough surf. This effect leaves a beautiful black sand beach around the island for locals and visitors to enjoy.
There are now over 10 black sand beaches in Hawaii for you to visit and explore these gorgeous beach areas of the Big Island.
Fun facts about the Big Island Black Sand Beaches
Black sand beaches in Hawaii island are unique on the youngest island in the chain.
The sand particles tend to be denser and harder so they are not as soft as white sand beaches found in Hawaii.
Black sand beaches in Hawaii also have some green olivine mixed into the black sand and creating some really interesting effects when you walk through them. There are a few olivine or green sand beaches you can find on the island
Black sand beaches also host a variety of marine life from green sea turtles, monk seals, spinner dolphins to fantastic snorkeling venues.
You’ll definitely get better photo opportunities when visiting and hanging out a black sand beach and having a unique experience on the beach
Many of the black sand beaches have perfect conditions for snorkeling with outcrops and rocky areas that are habitats for tropical fish.
They are very pretty and instagrammable and surprisingly many of the black sand beaches are also pebble and rock beaches
Let’s explore the Big Island black sand beaches in Hawaii
Most of the black sand beach big island locations are on the Southern and eastern side of the island while the white sand beaches tend to be on the western side of the island. Although there are also black sand beaches on the Waimea side at Polulu and Waipio Valley located on the west side of the island.
1. Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
Location: Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is Highway 11, Pahala, Hawaii, 96777
Probably the most well known of the black sand beaches of Hawaii is Punalu’u black sand beach. Located on the south eastern side of the Island, the beach is just a close drive from the closest town at Na’alehu town. Outside of the wide black sandy beach at Punalu’u, the area is also well known for all the honu or green sea turtles that come into the bay and bask in the warm black sands to help regulate their body temperature. The turtles of Hawaii are endangered and protected by law so you actually have to stay a distance of 10 feet from any of the turtles which are not conditioned to any human viruses.
Just as famous as Punalu’u black sand beach is the even more exotic Green sand beach close by at Papakolea in the South Point area of the Big Island. You can stop by the small town of Na’alehu for provisions or a place to eat while visiting both spectacular beaches in the South Point area. One of the favorite places is at Punalu’u bake shop for their delicious sweet breads and malasadas.
Check out this post on visiting the black sand beach of Punalu’u for more details, images and information to visiting this fantastic beach on the south side of the island.
Also a little further down from Punalu’u and a beautiful hike down the coastline is the black and green sand beach at Kamehame which is a special breeding ground for native hawksbill and green honu turtles at the beach area.
Punalu’u is the ultimate black sand beach Big Island spot to visit when you are on the island.
Here’s a gorgeous aerial view of Punalu’u black sand beach below
2. Waipio Valley Beach – a gorgeous black sand beach in Hawaii
Location: Waipio Valley Road, Honokaa, Hawaii, 96727
Not only is this valley the largest and most impressive to see from above at the overlook area, but the black sand beach is also amazing and over a mile in length which is spectacular to see and visit. Seeing the beach and valley from above at the overlook is easy and fun to do but if you actually want to walk on the black sand beach, that is a lot of work either climbing down one of the steepest roads on the island and trekking it to the beach or booking a shuttle service or tour outfitter that will show you different aspects of the Valley floor.
The beach area is spectacular and looking back up the steep 2,000-foot walls and cliffs areas gives you a different feel for how the valley is. Also, to the far right of the beach is a waterfall that flows directly into the ocean when there is a lot of rain to keep the waterfall active. After you spend some time at Waipio, you can relax and have a nice meal or some shopping fun at the nearby Honoka’a town for a nice break or you can explore Waimea, at paniolo cowboy country.
Note that swimming is extremely dangerous on this beach with rip tides and amenities are limited with just port a potty and no life guards on site.
Check out this post on visiting the black sand beach of Waipio Valley for more details, images and information to visiting this fantastic beach on the south side of the island.
** The road to Waipio is not open at the moment so you can only see and visit Waipio from the observation outlook on top. It’s still worth the visit here to see this majestic valley from above and enjoy the expansive valley below. You might even get peek a boo views to the many waterfalls that fall down into the valley or ocean floor.
Waipio Valley aerial shots and highlights
3. Pohoiki black sand beach
Location: 15-859 Pohoiki Road, Pahoa, Hawaii, 96778
This new black sand beach was formed just recently with the volcanic eruptions flowing out to the Puna district and coastline and creating this large and impressive black sand beach on the far eastern side of the island.
Pohoiki is part of the Isaac Hale Beach park and has no potable water, port a potties and life guard stations on the beach area. Although swimming is not advised because of the extreme surf and undertow on the beach areas. The beach is a fun beach coming area with hot ponds located all around the forest areas of the beach to also explore and enjoy. When you drive on the Red Road, make sure to also stop by MacKenzi state park for the gorgeous cliffs and hiking trails in the area or you can visit some of the local attractions around Pahoa town here.
What’s also fun to check out at Pohoiki are the hot ponds that lie in the perimeter of the beach area and the large pond that used to be the boat ramp that once emptied into the ocean but is now a pond that goes up and down with the tide.
Check out this post on visiting the black sand beach of Pohoiki for more details, images and information to visiting this fantastic beach on the south side of the island.
Here’s an aerial view and visit to the Pohoiki beach on the east side of Hawaii
4. Pololu Valley Black Sand Beach
Location: End of Highway 270, Hawi, Hawaii, 96719
On the western most side of the Big Island, Pololu Valley has a fantastic overlook area down to the valley and black sand beach. The hike to the bottom is not as difficult as Waipio on the other side but it can be slippery and muddy after any successive rains in the area.
The black sand is fine at some points and then rocky and large boulders towards the ends of the beach areas where the cliffs jut out dramatically from the valley floor. The hike down to the valley is under a half an hour and the beach is just a short walk from the trail. Along the way is a stream that also empties out into the ocean and you can follow the trail for a short distance until it ends and becomes private property. A short drive from Waimea over the Kohala Mountain road, one of the most scenic drives to do around the island.
Note that swimming on this beach is also very rough with undertow and there are no lifeguards at the beach area so swimming is not advised here.
Check out this post on visiting the black sand beach of Pololu Valley for more details, images and information to visiting this fantastic beach on the south side of the island.
Polulu Valley would probably be the closest black sand beach kona side that you can visit in West Hawaii Island.
A beautiful video highlight to Polulu Valley below
5. Richardson Ocean Park in Hilo
Location: 279 Kalanianaole Ave, Hilo, Hawaii, 96720
Richardson Ocean Park is the black sand beach is where you will find this black sand back not too far from the downtown area. The last of a string of Hilo beaches, Richardson is unique with it’s black and green sand beach combination.
The beach area has a small black and green sand beach in front of the lifeguard station. There ared other rocky beach areas in the park to explore, sunbath and even see green turtles and other marine life on the sheltered bay area.
Snorkeling is fantastic around the rocky parts of the beach that all the tropical fish congregate. With a short drive from Hilo town, the beach scene is fun and family friendly in the area and Richardson is one of the most popular beaches to enjoy on the east side of the island.
Before you head out to Richardsons, make sure to drop by Hilo Farmers market for food like some tropical fruits, poke or other popular Hawaiian foods to go for a fun picnic on Richardson park.
Check out this post on visiting the black sand beach of Richardson Ocean Park for more details, images and information to visiting this fantastic beach on the south side of the island.
Check out the views of Richardson’s from above
6. Kehena Beach in East Hawaii
Location: 12-7192 Kalapana-Kapoho Beach Road, Pahoa, Hawaii, 96778
The small clothing optional Kehena Beach on the Red Road of the Puna coastline is a popular alternative beach on the east side of the island and Sundays are crazy with pick up drum circles, dancers and impromptu singing and chanting occurs on popular Sundays at Kahena.
The waves are strong and some rough undertow make it difficult but just watch the locals and time your entry to get into the water and you should be okay. If there are no swimmers in the water then you know that it is really rough on this black sand beach.
There are no amenities and lifeguards on this beach so be prepared and pack what you bring since there’s no garbage cans until you reach the top. You can also visit the scenic Mackenzie state park to explore more of the rugged Puna coastline.
Check out this post on visiting the black sand beach at Kehena Beach for more details, images and information to visiting this fantastic beach on the south side of the island.
The funky, fun and unexpected at Kehena Beach
7. Kaimu Black sand beach
Location: Along Highway 130 (Pahoa-Kalapana Road) near the Kalapana Village Cafe
Another newish beach on the Puna side is at Kaimu which changes constantly with black sandy beach area and then boulders the next time you visit and this is because of the constant shifting of lava sand into the surrounding areas and storms that make take away or bring back the beach here.
The surf and undertow are extremely rough here and only the type of beach to enjoy for sunrise or just hanging out. The black sand at Kaimu tends to ebb and flow with the tides, currents and storms that hit this area of the Puna district leaving lots of black sand and then eroding directly into large boulders left on the beach areas.
A visit to Kaimu Beach
8. Kapoho Black Sand beach (Cape Kumukahi)
Location: Cape Kumukahi Road, Pahoa, Hawaii, 96778,
Another brand-new beach has formed at the Kapoho black sand beach along the Puna coastline. This new black sand beach has no official name and it really is spectacular but not easy to get to because you have to hike through a road around an hour to finally get to the beach area. It is pristine with not too many visitors on the black sand beach so you can practically have the beach area to yourself.
On the left side of the beach in the rocky point, there are lots of green sand areas combined with the black sand to make the beach area here sparkle and look unique. Also, there are a few tidepools that you can enter depending on the tide and how rough the surf is around the semi protected tidepools.
There are a few more black sand beaches but too small and the size of little coves that are not well published or “hidden” to visitors and of course the locals like it that way so you’ll have plenty to discover with these black sand beaches mentioned above to explore and enjoy some beach time in Hawaii.
The drive from Pahoa town to Kapoho goes from lush forest to black lava fields with such contrast to the changing landscape. Along the way, make sure to drop by Lava Tree State park to look at the lava tree molds formed by the rushing lava into the park area.
The video highlights to spectacular Kapoho /Cape Kumukahi
9. Black sand beach at Honomalino Beach
Location: Honomalino Bay Trail, Captain Cook, Hawaii, 96704
One of the least visited beaches in Hawaii is just a short hike from Milolii Village at Honomalino Beach. Even though the area is exposed and barren, the trail going to Honomalino Beach is lush with dense jungle, local mesquite and coconut trees and snack like Cereus night blooming plants climbing up fallen trees.
Skirting secret lagoons, coves and rugged coastline and then through a vast and exposed aa lava field you eventually come across a grove of coconut trees that mark the fringe of the black and green sandy beach of Honomalino. The crescent shaped beach is beautiful, not visited by hordes of tourists and mostly local families just hanging out and enjoying a day on the beach.
Find out more on hiking to Honomalino Beach here for more details and images to see on getting to this beautiful black sand beach in Hawaii.
A hiking experience to Honomalino bay and beach
10. Ha’ena beach AKA Shipman beach
Location: Shipman Beach trailhead end of Beach Road
Ha’ena or Shipman beach is a Hawaii black sand beach that is right of a large subdivision in Puna.
Along the Puna coastline starting from the Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision, Ha’ena beach is a fun hike through the coastal Puna trail leading through jungle and dense forested areas with lush coconut trees, native palms, ferns and other indigenous plantings.
The hike to Ha’ena beach takes about an hour and twenty minutes and you reach a lagoon area with a black and green sand beach. The waters ebbing and flowing create these fascinating patterns from the changing and swirling black and green sand and you’ll also see various sea turtles, endangered nene goose and other native marine life from the area.
Check out this post on visiting Ha’ena beach here for more details and inspiration to visiting this fantastic black sand beach.
Video highlights to visiting Ha’ena or Shipman beach
11. 49 Black Sand Beach Beach in Puako
Location: 49 Black Sand Beach Beach Road
Surprisingly there is also a black sand beach in the Kona / Kohala area that is off the beaten path and tucked away in the Puako area close to the Mauna Lani Resort.
This gorgeous and hidden black sand beach is located in the Kohala coasts with clean blue waters along with the striking black sand beach. There is snorkeling available at the both ends of the beach along the rocky areas and the center part where you can spot tropical fish and cool underwater rock formations.
Directions:
To reach 49 Black Sand Beach, depart from Queen K Highway towards Mauna Lani Beach Resort. At the road circle, take the third exit leading to the Beach Club and proceed for half a mile. The entrance to the beach will be on the left-hand side. Visitors must stop at the guard shack and ask for a beach pass. Although the beach usually has few visitors, it is advisable to arrive in the morning due to the limited availability of beach passes.
Check out the video and details below to visiting 49 Black Sand Beach
Weather and best time to visit the Big Island of Hawaii
Understanding the weather and the best time to visit this diverse island is key to a memorable experience:
Weather Overview: The Big Island has a varied climate due to its diverse landscapes and elevations. It features two primary seasons: the dry season and the wet season.
Dry Season (April – October):
- Best Time to Visit: The dry season, from April to October, is considered the best time to visit the Big Island. Expect warm, sunny days, making it ideal for outdoor activities, beach outings, and exploring lava fields.
Wet Season (November – March):
- Rainfall: The wet season, from November to March, brings more rain, primarily to the windward (eastern) side of the island. The western side remains drier.
- Considerations: While it’s the wetter season, you can still enjoy the island’s attractions. Waterfalls are at their most spectacular, and the island’s lush greenery is a sight to behold.
Festivals and Events:
- Hawaii Volcano Festival (January): Celebrate the island’s volcanic heritage with special events and guided tours.
- Merrie Monarch Festival (April): Experience Hawaiian culture through hula performances and competitions in Hilo.
Weather Tips:
- Sun Protection: Regardless of the season, pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to protect yourself from the strong Hawaiian sun.
- Rain Gear: If visiting during the wet season, carry rain gear like umbrellas and waterproof jackets, especially for exploring the eastern side of the island.
Conclusion: The best time to visit the Big Island depends on your preferences. The dry season, from April to October, offers the most reliable weather for outdoor adventures. However, if you’re interested in lush landscapes and fewer crowds, the wet season can provide a unique and scenic experience. Whichever season you choose, the Big Island’s dramatic landscapes, volcanic wonders, and cultural richness await your exploration.
Check out these posts on visiting some other Hawaii attractions on the island
Visit the Green Sand Beach in South Point, Hawaii
Explore the Big Islands Waterfalls now
Free of cheap things to do on the Big Island
An entire guide to visiting the Puna District of Hawaii
Popular hikes to do on the Big Island
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Tips to visiting these 11 Big Island black sand beaches
Wear slippers or water shoes on the beach because the black sands are hot and there are rocky areas that you might also have to walk through.
Please do not take any of the black sand or rocks from Hawaii it is not allowed, but do take a lot of pictures here of your visit.
Watch for the surf, rip tides or water conditions and other people entering the water before you attempt to enter the ocean. Rogue waves to happen on occasion, so always keep your eyes out to the ocean area.
Many of the black sand beaches have no lifeguards except for the popular black sand beach at Punalu’u, so be very careful.
There are turtles resting or even nesting at many of these black sand beaches so be aware that you have to stay at a distance of 20 feet from these marine animals.
If you go swimming make sure to use a sunscreen that is coral safe to protect the local coral reefs in the area from contamination of the oils from the sunscreen.
Cloudy days on a black sand beach can also cause severe sunburn, so do cover up and wear sunscreen. Black sand beaches are also hotter and in more exposed areas so always be prepared for the full sun.
Drink plenty of water on the beach so you do not get dehydrated or even get sun strokes, the sun is definitely more intense on black sand.
These big island black sand beach and coastlines are definitely unique on the island, just make sure you prepare and protect yourself from many of the raw and unprotected nature of these beach locations.
How to get to these 11 black sandy beaches in Hawaii?
Most of these beaches are remote and hard to get to while visiting the BIg Island so renting a car is better so you can really see all around the Big Island.
For really good deals on car rentals covering the Big rental companies, check Discount Hawaii Car rental here to check for prices on your rental car needs on the island. You’ll definitely want to visit many or most of these spectacular beaches when you visit the island.
Final thoughts of 11 black sand beaches on the Big Island
It’s impressive that there are over 11 black sand beaches around the Big island to explore or hike to . Many of these are easy to drive through but a few are more isolated and you have to hike to. These isolated beaches are definitely worth the time and effort and you might likely be the only ones to enjoy the beach to yourself when you visit.
Final thoughts
Visiting the black sand beaches of Hawaii is an experience unlike any other. These stunning natural wonders offer a unique and enchanting beauty that is sure to captivate and inspire you. From the glistening black sand to the crashing waves and rugged volcanic cliffs, the scenery is nothing short of breathtaking.
Whether you’re an avid nature lover, a seasoned traveler, or simply looking for a peaceful and unforgettable escape, the black sand beaches of Hawaii are not to be missed. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to immerse yourself in the natural splendor of one of Hawaii’s most awe-inspiring attractions. You won’t be disappointed!
Conclusion on the black sand beaches in Hawaii
The 11 black sand beaches of the BIg Island are impressive raw and usually not swimmable because of the areas that they are exposed with rough conditions, currents and undertow at the various beaches. But they are still fun to hang out, explore and hike and even on a few enjoy tidepool areas and hot ponds to soak into.
If you have visited any of these wonderful Hawaiian black sand beach beaches do you have any comments or tips to share? Please share on the comments below.
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I have been to just one. It was that one on the Road to Hana! I would love to visit more. It was fun playing on those volcanic beaches. They looked surreal.
The black sand beach of Hawaii are all unique and definitely worth visiting when you are on the islands.
I have always been intrigued by things to do in Hawaii. And now there is another reason to be there. It will be our first experience of black beaches when we are there sometime probably next year. They look so different. I have fallen in love with Waipio Beach with the black sand against the landscape such a stunning view.
The black sand beaches here in Hawaii are quite spectacular and there are so many of them to visit around the island.
The two black sand beaches that I have seen are in India and Indonesia but these – they just top the sands there. What is more is that you can choose your favorite one. I loved the Punalu one with the huge turtle nesting ground and then there is one with hot springs that I liked the sound of. Good advice on getting to these remote beaches – I suppose they are so beautiful because they are not so touristy. I enjoyed reading about how they were formed – some good information there.
The history and development of the beaches is unique and definitely more fun to just visit them
I have never visited any destination that has a black beach. And if I was ever in Hawaii I would definitely want to seek them out so that I can see that surprising contrast of the black sand against the blue water. It’s fascinating to think of how they are formed by the lava turning it into black sand. My favourite beaches have been the pink sands in Bermuda. So makes me curious if blank sand might top that!
Yes the black sand does make a striking contrast to the water and surroundings on these black sandy beaches.
Waipio beach with the waterfall flowing into the sea looks like a very exotic place. We have a lot of black some beaches in the Canary island in Spain and I have also visited black sand beaches in Bali. Honomalino beach looks pretty impressive as well. The more post I read about Hawai, the more I feel like I should visit it one day.
Waipio is gorgeous and dramatic lots to see with these black sand beaches
Anywhere in Hawaii looks amazing to me! I really like the look of Waipio Beach, the black sand contrasting against the landscape is stunning. I knew nothing about black sand beaches, so it’s interesting to know they’re not usually for swimming. Now I know for the future!
All the black sand beaches in Hawaii are unique and striking. Definitely worth visiting some or all of them
I have not visited any of these beaches, but I will once I get to Hawaii! The closest thing I’ve experienced to Hawaii’s black sand beaches are the beaches in Positano, Italy. Likewise, I assume the beaches there have been influenced by the nearby Volcano – Mount Vesuvius. It’s amazing how the lava can break down and become a beautiful black sand on one side of Hawaii, and then on the other side, have white sand beaches. My favorite type of sand in my travels (so far) has probably been the pink sand beaches on Cat Island, Bahamas. But honestly, if I’m at the beach and my toes are in the sand – I’m happy. I appreciate the tip about using coral safe sunscreen. I wouldn’t have even thought of that and it’s so important!
Awesome, hope you get a chance to visit any of these black sand beaches in Hawaii soon
I have visited several countries to have black beaches, including Lanzarote in the Canary Islands and Iceland. These volcanic landscapes make quite a change from the normal white sandy beaches. I remember standing in on one black beach and as the water washed over my feet I sank and could feel the tiny sand particles exfoliating my feet! Magical. Hopefully one day I will visit Hawaii and stand on one of the beautiful beaches you have shown in this post.
These landscapes are more dramatic with black sand beaches and the good thing here in Hawaii is that it is warm enough to swim in
Nine out of ten
Wow, awesome, you have visited most of the black sand beaches of Hawaii
These black sand beaches of Hawaii are exclusive and beautiful in their own ways. And they way they erupt and deposit as sand particles is an amazing experience to watch. These volcanoes make Hawaii green and fertile.
The geology of the island and development of the black sand beaches is definitely unique to learn about and to also visit Hawaii
It’s just so sad that Mermaid ponds became inaccessible recently 🙁 I don’t understand how come freaking government could not spend $150k and buy a parcel to make access available to everyone!?!?! Especially after 2018 eruption destroyed so many attractions in puna side
Well that would certainly bring a lot more visitors to the area good or bad.
This is a great list! Although i would include some other things..
As a person living here, i think its really important to educate visitors on the sacred value of some of these places. Like Wiapio (which locals DO NOT want tourist visiting) and polulu, and the no name beach in Kopoho. :/ kanaka ancestors are buried in these places.
Secondly, please also list the dangers of swimming in MOST of these beaches. Like Kehena beach….
And lastly, please be respectful of animal life. Dont touch the turtles, stay your distance from dolphins and Hawaiian monk seals.
Ive seen tourist do crazy things…. lets keep these beaches clean and assessible to everyone 🙂
There’s a belief that if you take the black sand from the beach you will have bad luck….. I’m not quite sure how much bad luck….so take at your own risk or…… Leave it alone for all to enjoy !!!!!
Yes taking sand from the beach in Hawaii is not pono and also illegal so just take pictures and dig your toes into the warm sand for fun
Yes, yes indeed. Good commentary!