Best Black Sand Beach Hawaii

A black sand beach is created when a lava flow hits the ocean, instantly hardening and shattering into tiny fragments on contact. Much of the fragments are considered small enough to be categorized as sand, but some larger fragments and rocks remain. Usually more coarse than coral or quartz sand, the feeling of a black sand beneath your feet is much different than that of any other beach. There is also a Black Sand Beach located on Maui in Hana.

History

Black sand beaches have been in Hawaii since the earliest days of geological formation. They have been reformed over the years as new lava flows have hit the sea. Coastal lava flows not only produce black sand beaches, but also anchialine pools. These land locked “lakes” are connected to the ocean through subterranean lava tubes. These pools are found in the coastal regions near Hawaii’s black sand beaches and are home to a number of endemic species.

Join us on our Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tour and see the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach

Facts & Trivia

• Island: Big Island
• Duration: 10 – 15 minutes
• Amenities: Some black sand beaches have beach parks with restrooms and shower, others do not.
• Insider Tip: Be sure not to bring home black sand from the beach. Local legend states bad luck is supposed to follow anyone who removes lava rocks from Hawaii!
• Fun Fact: Black sand beaches will eventually disappear if sand is not replenished by another lava flow.
• What to Expect: A black sand beach will be unlike any other beach you have visited before! Bring comfortable shoes that can get wet, as black sand beaches often have rocky surroundings. And don’t forget your camera!

 

Best Black Sand Beach Hawaii

A black sand beach is created when a lava flow hits the ocean, instantly hardening and shattering into tiny fragments on contact. Much of the fragments are considered small enough to be categorized as sand, but some larger fragments and rocks remain. Usually more coarse than coral or quartz sand, the feeling of a black sand beneath your feet is much different than that of any other beach. There is also a Black Sand Beach located on Maui in Hana.

History

Black sand beaches have been in Hawaii since the earliest days of geological formation. They have been reformed over the years as new lava flows have hit the sea. Coastal lava flows not only produce black sand beaches, but also anchialine pools. These land locked “lakes” are connected to the ocean through subterranean lava tubes. These pools are found in the coastal regions near Hawaii’s black sand beaches and are home to a number of endemic species.

Facts & Trivia

• Island: Big Island
• Duration: 10 – 15 minutes
• Amenities: Some black sand beaches have beach parks with restrooms and shower, others do not.
• Insider Tip: Be sure not to bring home black sand from the beach. Local legend states bad luck is supposed to follow anyone who removes lava rocks from Hawaii!
• Fun Fact: Black sand beaches will eventually disappear if sand is not replenished by another lava flow.
• What to Expect: A black sand beach will be unlike any other beach you have visited before! Bring comfortable shoes that can get wet, as black sand beaches often have rocky surroundings. And don’t forget your camera!