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 in Hawaii

Are you looking for a list of black sand beaches in Hawaii? You’re in luck, because today I will share about black sand beaches in Hawaii on several different islands. 

I also have a post with the 30 best beaches in Hawaii if you want to explore even more incredible beaches.

What creates a black sand beach?

Black sand beaches are often the result of volcanic activity. Molten lava travels to the ocean and cools down, forming small basalt rocks that grind down over time to create black sand. The sand is made up of small pieces of obsidian, olivine, and magnetite, among other minerals, giving it a unique texture and hue. 

Before starting, let’s review some black sand beach FAQs.

Where are the black sand beaches in Hawaii?

Many of the black sand beaches in Hawaii are found on the Big Island. However, there are also a few in Maui, and one on this list is in Kauai. So, if you are heading to Maui, check out where to find a black sand beach in Maui.

While most of the black sand beaches are found on some of the main Hawaiian islands for tourism (Maui, Big Island, Kauai), there is also one on the less visited island of Molokai!

STOP! Do you have a rental car in Hawaii?

You’ll need a rental car to access the beaches on this list of Hawaii black sand beaches. You’ll find the best prices anywhere at Discount Hawaii Car Rental. 

Does Oahu have a black sand beach?

Oahu is the most popular island in Hawaii for tourism, particularly international tourism. Famous for Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach, Iolani Palace, and more. Oahu draws visitors from all over the world. However, you won’t find a black sand beach on the island of Oahu. 

Many first-time visitors make the mistake of thinking that Oahu and the Big Island are the same but they are very different islands! Some people assume “big” means the most populated or visited island. Well, it does not! The Big Island (actual name, Hawaii Island) is a completely different place and home to many of the black sand beaches in Hawaii.

HOW IS BLACK SAND FORMED?

Sand, any old sand, is formed when rocks and minerals break down due to weather and erosion over thousands or even millions of years. Black sand is typically found in volcanic activity areas, such as Iceland, The Canary Islands, The Azores, and Hawaii.

Black sand can come from lava, which might be obvious, but also from varying minerals, basalt, and dark-colored rocks. This explains the variance in the color of the black sand beaches in Hawaii. You’ll find that some beaches are truly black, while others – like Pololu Valley pictured below – are greyish. Either way, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to see a black sand beach. 

black sand beaches in Hawaii

Now, let’s get to the list of black sand beaches in Hawaii. In addition to black sand beaches, there are many black, rocky beaches in Hawaii. However, I won’t mention those because there are so many, and most are more rocky than sandy.

Kehena Beach (Big Island)

Kehena Beach is known as Dolphin Beach by most locals. This is because of all the spinner dolphins that spend their time just off the shoreline of this beach on the Puna coast.

Kehena Beach is in the Puna district of the Big Island. It is pretty narrow. Walking to the beach’s eastern side, you will find a rocky point. It is a great place to see where the beach was located before part of it dropped during an earthquake.

This is one of the best beaches for swimming. However, be aware there is a steep hiking trail to the beach. In addition, its slightly remote location away from the resort areas makes it one of the clothing-optional beaches on the island.

Punaluu Beach (Big Island)

Punaluu Black Sand Beach is one of the most famous black sand beaches in Hawaii. It is close to the southernmost point of the Big Island, which is also the southernmost point in the U.S. There is also a green sand beach nearby, one of only four in the entire world. 

Punalu’u Beach was formed by the active volcanoes within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The volcanic eruption and lava flow caused the sand to turn black. I always recommend stopping here on the way to Volcanoes National Park. Check out my Guide to Volcanoes National Park for everything you need to know about visiting. 

Its name means “spring water diver” in Hawaiian. This makes sense once you know the legend that ancient Hawaiians would dive into the ocean to collect the fresh water that flowed in.

Keep in mind that this is not a beach for swimming.

Sea turtles at Punalu’u

You will find many endangered species at Punaluʻu beach. This is the perfect place to see hawksbill sea turtles, Hawaiian green sea turtles, and (more rarely) Hawaiian monk seals. 

Getting too close to any marine life in the United States is illegal. So, give the hawksbill turtles and other wildlife their space and admire them from a distance.

Don’t miss where to find sea turtles on the Big Island of Hawaii for even more spots to find sea turtles. 

Kaimu Beach (Big Island)

Kaimu Beach isn’t too far from Kilauea volcano. That volcano buried the original white sand beaches here back in 1990. Therefore, Kaimu Beach is a new black sand beach on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Coconut palms grow near the lava rocks. Many locals are seen planting even more coconut trees. 

This is another black-sand beach in Hawaii that isn’t good for swimming. The strong currents prevent people from entering the water. However, it is still one of the best places to experience the black sand Hawaii is known for.

Pohoiki Beach (Big Island)

Kilauea volcano has been quite active over the years. In 2018, hot lava flowed over this beach, changing the entire geology of this area.

You will find Pohoiki Beach in Isaac Hale Beach Park. This is one of the best black sand beaches for families in Hawaii. Your family will enjoy spending the day swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the sand.

There are warm natural thermal ponds and springs near this beach. It is said these springs have healing properties.

Parking is available near the old boat ramp. The beach is a short walk from the parking area.

Oneuli Beach (Maui)

Oneuli Beach is on the southern coast of Maui. It is one of the beautiful black sand beaches on Maui.

You will find this beach within Makena State Park. The black sand was created when the Pu’u Ola’i volcanic cylinder cone eroded nearby. Add the pebbles and broken-down shells; you won’t find white sand in this beach area.

Out in the water, you will discover lava tubes and stunning coral reefs on the ocean floor. Green turtles and manta rays love to spend time swimming near the reefs.

This is an excellent beach for swimming and snorkeling. You can even launch a kayak from the sand. However, keep in mind there are no lifeguards on duty.

Pailoa Beach (Maui)

Pa’iloa Beach is another beautiful black sand beach in Maui. This beach is located on the east side of the island. It is in the Waianapanapa State Park.

Most people visit this black sand beach while driving along the Road to Hana. Check out my guide to the Road to Hana here. 

The currents at this beach are strong, so swimming is not recommended. I recommend hiking because the trails in the state park offer some of the most epic views in Maui!

It is important to note that you need a reservation to enter Wai’anapanapa State Park, and those reservations must be made in advance.

Pololu Valley Beach (Big Island)

Pololu Valley Beach is considered a hidden gem on Hawaii Island. It is located just past the towns of Hawi and Kapa’au in North Kohala. You have to hike in, and it’s not a hike I recommend for young children.

The hike is short, but steep, and there are dropoffs so exercise caution especially if you take children on this hike. 

Strong rip currents are common at this beach and it is not a good beach for swimming. 

If you don’t want to make the trek down to this beach, you can enjoy the views from above. The parking situation has been extended which makes this easier to access than it was in previous years. 

Richardson Beach (Big Island)

Richardson Beach, or Richardson Ocean Park, as it is often called, is a wonderful black sand beach on Hawaii’s Big Island. This is a good spot for swimming or relaxing in a tide pool. The ocean waters are pretty calm at this beach.

The parking area is small at Richardson Beach. So, if you want to park in the parking lot, arrive early in the day.

Honokalani Black Sand Beach (Maui)

Another one of the beautiful beaches in Waianapanapa State Park is Honokalani Black Sand Beach. Tiny pieces of lava pebbles and lava fragments line the shoreline of this beach in Maui. Lava cliffs surround the black sand.

Waipio Valley Beach (Big Island)

Waipio Valley Beach is currently closed to the public and only available to those with a Hawaii drivers license. However, you can still drive to a spot above the beach to look out towards the beach and the valley floor. Simply park on the side of the road to enjoy the views.

Waimea Beach (Kauai)

You might be surprised to find out that there is a black sand beach on Kauai. You’ll find Waimea Beach on the island’s western side, and it has the distinction of being Kauai’s only black sand beach.

A word of caution: this beach is not ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or surfing. However, there are plenty of other beaches where you can do those things in Kauai!

Check out the 16 best beaches in Kauai for swimming if you want to take a dip after viewing this beautiful black sand beach. 

Awahua Beach (Molokai)

Kauai is famous for the beautiful sea cliffs on the Na Pali coast, but Molokai has the highest sea cliffs in the world! In addition, one of the Hawaii black sand beaches is in Molokai. Awahua Beach is extremely remote and backed by the beautiful sea cliffs of Molokai.

If you are fortunate enough to make it to this beach, know that swimming is not advised due to currents and a steep dropoff. 

Hawaii Black Sand Beaches

What did you think about this list of Hawaii black sand beaches? 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
• 100 things to do in Hawaii
• 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: