There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click on any of these links, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you (which I really appreciate, thank you!) The full disclosure policy can be found here.

Black Sand Beaches Maui

How is a Black Sand Beach Formed??

You don’t see black sand beaches all the time. They are pretty rare. This is because the black sand is formed when the ocean cools hot lava quickly. Once the hot lava has been cooled, basalt rock is formed. That basalt rock then shatters into pieces, which creates the black sand.

Seeing these black sand beaches is one of the best things you can do when visiting any of the Hawaiian Islands!

Some of the black sand beaches in Maui were formed when Haleakala erupted hundreds of years ago. Since these beaches usually don’t stay in place, since the ocean water takes the sand out to sea, you must be careful during your visit.

No one is allowed to remove any of the black sand, rocks, or anything else from these best beaches in Maui. The rules are the same for black sand beaches on all the Hawaiian Islands. So, don’t think the island you choose to visit will allow you to take black sand home with you!

In fact, you can be fined up to $100,000 if you are caught with black sand. That’s a lot of money you could use for another vacation or some nice souvenirs that won’t break the law!

Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach

Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach is also called Honokalani Beach or Pa’iola Beach. This beach can be found inside Waianapanapa State Park. This state park is just off the Hana Highway. The beach is at Mile Marker 32 on the highway.

The highway, or the Road to Hana, is a famous road on Maui. Therefore, you should find yourself on it sometime during your visit, especially if you plan on traveling to the town of Hana.

Anyway, back to this gorgeous black sand beach in Wai’anapanapa State Park. Simply follow the steps from the parking lot until you reach the black sand.

You can also see the beach from the Waianapanapa Coastal Trail. This trail is one of the best hikes on this Hawaii island.

More Hawaii Hikes:

• 15 easy hikes in Maui
• 16 easy hikes in Oahu
• The best hikes on the Big Island

Black sand beaches Maui

The black sand at this beach is made up of millions of small lava fragments. Some of those fragments have turned into smooth pebbles. Other fragments that came from hot lava flow are still sharp.

You will want to use caution when walking along the black sand. Walking barefoot is not always advised due to the sharpness of some of those lava pieces. Of course, black sand also gets really hot. You probably won’t want to burn your feet bottoms while on Maui vacation!

If you have never seen a blow hole, this is the beach to visit in Maui. There are plenty of blowholes located near this black sand beach in Maui. Stand back from them if you don’t want to get soaked during your visit. Although, since you are at the beach, I hope you are planning on getting wet!

You will also discover natural stone sea arches, lava tubes, sea caves, and anchialine pools here. The pools were formed from the erosion of volcanic rock. Small red shrimp can be found living in those anchialine pools.

Take the time to look at the bay’s islets too. This is where you will find the seabird colony for the Hawaiian Noddie.

According to Hawaiian legend, their Queen sought refuge in a sea cave at this beach. To learn more about this legend, and other Hawaiian lores, I recommend taking a guided tour of this area. You will learn a ton about Hawaiian culture from your guide.

The Road to Hana

This Maui black sand beach is one of the most popular Road to Hana stops. So, be prepared to find it crowded with out-of-state visitors.

If you want to visit Maui’s most famous black sand beach, you must have a reservation in place. Your reservation should include a voucher for the parking lot and another for everyone in your group. Yes, this is an extra cost you may not have been planning on while preparing for your vacation.

Reservation slots fill up quickly. So, you must plan if you want time at one of the best black sand beaches in Maui.

It is important to note that reservations are for two-and-a-half-hour slots. If you plan to spend more time at this park, you must reserve multiple time slots.

You can also make a reservation to go tent camping or rent a cabin at this state park. How amazing would it be to spend more than a few hours at a famous beach in Maui?? You won’t be able to sleep on the water’s edge, but you will still be close to the black sand. It will be incredible with the palm trees swaying in the breeze.

So, if you are looking for unique overnight stays in Maui, camping here is your best option.

Pro Tip: I recommend printing your reservation voucher or saving it to your cell phone. There isn’t any cell service at this state park. Without access to your reservation, you will not be allowed in.

Oneuli Beach

Oneuli Beach is in South Maui. This beach is on Makena Alanui Road. It is next to Makena Beach, part of Makena State Park.

This is a black sand beach. However, white sand is mixed in with the grains of black sand. All the black sand came from the erosion of the Pu’u Olai cinder cone. That cone was near Makena Landing.

The beach is not large. It is a narrow strip of sand. However, it is the perfect place to go snorkeling on calmer days. Bodysurfing is best on days there are strong currents.

If you are searching for a great place to see green sea turtles, Oneuli Beach should be at the top of your list. Another adventure at this beach involves hiking the trail to the cinder cone.

The trail leads directly to the top of the cone. I recommend doing this hike early, or late, in the day. This is the best way to see the spectacular sunrise or sunset.

There is only a gravel parking area at this black sand beach in Maui. You should wear sturdy shoes to walk on that and the hot black sand.

This is one of the easiest black sand beaches in Maui to reach when you are staying in either the South or West Maui resort areas. In fact, it is only about an hour’s drive from West Maui. It is also the closest black sand beach to South Maui.

Nu’u Bay

There aren’t a lot of beautiful black sand beaches in Maui. Just enough to keep you happy. You will discover a few areas on these volcanic islands filled with black rocks. And those areas are just as wonderful as the beaches.

Nu’u Bay is one of those areas filled with black rocks and other volcanic materials. It can be tricky to find the black rocks of Nu’u Bay. I recommend parking at Mile Marker 31 and walking to this remote beach.

Walk to the gate with the metal latch. Make sure you close and latch the gate behind you before you finish walking down to the shoreline.

Amongst the black rocks will be some black sand. It is very quiet at this remote beach. Not many people make this stop on their way to Hana town, which is too bad since this should be considered one of the most stunning beaches on the island.

Honomanu Bay Beach

Another remote black sand beach on Maui is Honomanu Bay Beach. This beach doesn’t have the dark black sand you would see at the other black sand beaches on the island. However, it is worth a stop, especially if you want to escape the crowds.

This hidden beach requires walking down a rough dirt road off the Hana Highway. The walk to the beach only takes about 10 minutes.

When you arrive at the beach, you will see dark sand that looks more gray than black. Remember, this isn’t one of the grand black beaches you would see in other areas of Maui or on the Big Island. In case you’re wondering, one of the best black sand beaches on the Big Island is Kehena Beach.

Despite not being the darkest black sand beach on the island, it is a great spot to spend a couple hours.

La Perouse Bay Black Sand Beach

Okay, so this isn’t one of the black sand beaches of Hawaii that you will lounge on. It is too small to fit that many people. The best time to go to claim a prime spot is early in the morning.

The charcoal-colored lava rock, turquoise water, and white coral seem to compensate for the lack of sandy space. Plus, you will have spectacular views of Haleakala.

One of the best things to do at this black sand beach in Maui is snorkeling. I also recommend walking around to find the small coves that are hidden amongst the rocky points.

Alelele Beach

Alelele Beach can be found near Alelele Falls and the Alelele Bridge. It is on the back road to Hana. The back road is not usually the best road to drive on. It can be quite dangerous, so use caution the entire time you are on it.

This quiet beach is not as crowded as many of the other black sand beaches in Maui.

The sand on this beach is usually wet. The water makes the sand look even darker so it resembles charcoal.

This is the perfect beach to relax on after a hike to Alelele Falls.

Waioka Pond

The black sand beach near Waioka Pond is another hidden gem you won’t want to miss while in Maui. The word Waioka is from Waioaoaka, which means open mouth of fresh water.

Simply walk along the trail towards the Venus Pool and you will find this black sand beach.

Hana Bay Beach Park

The beach at Hana Bay Beach Park is crescent-shaped and small. It is one of the best places for families.

There are plenty of picnic areas, grassy areas, and restrooms. You will even find a snack bar for when you are hungry. Grab one of the picnic tables when you need a snack. Although, you may want to get one as soon as you arrive.

Many Hawaii residents choose this black sand beach for celebrations and special events.

The coral reef protects the area, which makes it the perfect spot for swimming.

These are the black sand beaches on Maui. You will also discover numerous white sand beaches while exploring this island. Whether you see white, golden, or black sand, you will have no doubt these are the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Black sand beaches Maui

What did you think about this list of black sand beaches Maui? If I missed your favorite, make sure to let me know in the comments.

Leave me a comment if you’d like to know more about Hawaii’s green sand beach and red sand beach. Or if you have any questions or blog post suggestions, you can leave that too.

Want even more Hawaii travel ideas? Check out some of my top Hawaii travel tips

• 10 things to know before going to Hawaii
• 20 things you should never do in Hawaii
• The Best Beaches West Maui
• 100 things to do in Hawaii
• The 25 best restaurants in Wailea Maui
• The 15 best golf courses in Maui

Although I am a Hawaii Travel Agent, I am only taking on a few clients per month. You can contact me if you’d like more information. I recommend starting with my Hawaii travel guide if you plan to DIY your vacation!

Dreaming of Hawaii but not ready to travel just yet? Sign up for my newsletter! You will receive a weekly email with travel tips, Hawaii news, and more. Also, if you love these posts and want to support my blog but aren’t prepared to travel yet, you can buy me a coffee to show your support. I ❤️ coffee!

Pin it for later: