Whether you\u2019re hoping to snap some pics, pay a visit to sea turtles, or do a little snorkeling, here are 7 of the best black sand beaches in Hawaii.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Punalu\u2018u Black Sand Beach, Big Island of Hawaii<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/static.seeker.io\/media\/img\/1\/ce95887e-9239-4697-8774-cec6f790cf73-1400.jpg?placeid=10832&name=Punalu%CA%BBu%20Beach,%20%CA%BBu%20Beach&lat=19.135757&lng=-155.504791\")
Punalu\u2018u Black Sand Beach, Big Island of Hawaii<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nPunalu\u2018u Black Sand Beach<\/a> is definitely one of the most popular black sand beaches in Hawaii, and for good reason. With dark black sand, crashing waves, and swaying palm trees, it looks like it came straight out of a postcard!<\/p>\n\n\n\nAnd if the black sand and stunning scenery aren\u2019t enough to entice you, Punalu\u2018u Black Sand Beach is also home to quite a few sea turtles. You\u2019ll often see them lounging on the sand or swimming in the Ninole Cove<\/a> area on the southernmost edge of the beach. <\/p>\n\n\n\nDon’t forget that these turtles are an endangered species. Please give them their space and don\u2019t try to feed them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pohoiki Black Sand Beach, Big Island of Hawaii<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/static.seeker.io\/media\/img\/1\/b849878a-e7e9-4734-a651-2f796442929a-1400.jpg?placeid=10833&name=Pohoiki%20Black%20Sand%20Beach,%20P%C4%81hoa&lat=19.456686&lng=-154.843994\")
Pohoiki Black Sand Beach, Big Island of Hawaii<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nPohoiki Black Sand Beach<\/a> holds the special title of being the newest black sand beach in Hawaii. In October 2018, Kilauea Volcano<\/a> had one of its most destructive eruptions to date. In addition to hundreds of lost homes, this eruption also completely remade the natural landscape, including Pohoiki Black Sand Beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRichardson Beach Park, Big Island of Hawaii<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/static.seeker.io\/media\/img\/1\/856ee839-8d52-49a2-bf7e-105f5faafac6-1400.jpg?placeid=10834&name=Richardson%20Ocean%20Park,%20Hilo&lat=19.735785&lng=-155.013321\")
Richardson Beach Park, Big Island of Hawaii<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nLocated just fifteen minutes outside of the city of Hilo, Richardson Beach Park<\/a> is filled with sparkling black sand. But the black sand at this beach is interspersed with green grains as well. These flecks of green sand are olivine crystals that are naturally present in lava rock. While these olivine crystals can be found at most black sand beaches in the islands, they are especially prominent here.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRichardson Beach Park also happens to be one of the best snorkeling spots on the Big Island. You can find colorful fish, sea urchins, turtles, and even the occasional dolphin. There are even lovely little tidepools that serve as the perfect place for children to look for sea creatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Waipi\u2018o Valley Black Sand Beach, Big Island of Hawaii<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/static.seeker.io\/media\/img\/1\/20f0bcd9-77fb-4839-8558-6370fee45d42-1400.jpg?placeid=10835&name=Waipi'o%20Black%20Sand%20Beach,%20Honokaa&lat=20.119061&lng=-155.590256\")
Waipi\u2018o Valley Black Sand Beach, Big Island of Hawaii<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWaipi\u2018o Valley Black Sand Beach<\/a>\u2019s claim to fame is the fact that it\u2019s home to a gorgeous waterfall that cascades into the ocean: Kaluahine Falls<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re thinking about adding a visit to Waipi\u2018o Valley to your Hawaii bucket list, you\u2019re not the only one. But it\u2019s important to note that a trip there is no easy feat. You\u2019ll need a 4WD, spectacular driving skills, top-notch hiking gear, and prime weather conditions in order to safely explore the black sand beach, beautiful waterfall, and greenery-laden cliffs of Waipi\u2018o Valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Honokalani Beach at Waianapanapa State Park, Maui<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/static.seeker.io\/media\/img\/1\/d1b5ce39-0ac2-4c99-824b-7b0470f7d30f-1400.jpg?placeid=2953&name=Honokalani%20Beach,%20Hana&lat=20.78854&lng=-156.003616\")
Honokalani Beach at Waianapanapa State Park, Maui<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nMaui is home to just one black sand beach, but it is definitely one of the best in Hawaii. The primary draw of Honokalani Beach<\/a> is the striking colors. With the obsidian sand, turquoise waters, and bright green plants, it\u2019s picture perfect.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTo reach Honokalani Beach, you\u2019ll have to wind your way along the famous road to Hana. Once you\u2019re 32 miles in, you\u2019ll come across Waianapanapa State Park<\/a>, which is home to the gorgeous Honokalani Beach. While at Waianapanapa State Park, you should definitely make time to visit a few more of the park\u2019s highlights, including the Waianapanapa Coastal Trail<\/a>, the cool lava tube, the many sea caves, and even the ancient Hawaiian heiau (or temple).<\/p>\n\n\n\nWaimea State Recreation Pier<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/static.seeker.io\/media\/img\/1\/1ba339ed-d73a-42ff-8960-57a341c12717-1400.jpg?placeid=10836&name=Waimea%20State%20Recreation%20Pier,%20Waimea&lat=21.954721&lng=-159.670395\")
Waimea State Recreation Pier, Hawaii<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe island of Kauai is the oldest Hawaiian Island, and consequently, its black sand beaches are the oldest as well. Kauai is home to just two black sand beaches, one of which is the Waimea State Recreational Pier<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSince the black sand at the Waimea State Recreational Pier is older, it has turned more grayish from sun bleaching. But that doesn’t make this beach any less beautiful. The best thing to do at Waimea State Recreational Pier is simply sit on the sand and watch the colorful sunset paint the sky. If it\u2019s clear enough, you\u2019ll even be able to see the small island of Niihau in the distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018Awahua Beach, Molokai<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/static.seeker.io\/media\/img\/1\/2075a6f8-848c-4068-ad14-d2f24e876fba-1400.jpg?placeid=10837&name=%E2%80%98Awahua%20Beach,%20&lat=21.183889&lng=-156.995285\")
\u2018Awahua Beach, Molokai<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Punalu\u2018u Black Sand Beach<\/a> is definitely one of the most popular black sand beaches in Hawaii, and for good reason. With dark black sand, crashing waves, and swaying palm trees, it looks like it came straight out of a postcard!<\/p>\n\n\n\n And if the black sand and stunning scenery aren\u2019t enough to entice you, Punalu\u2018u Black Sand Beach is also home to quite a few sea turtles. You\u2019ll often see them lounging on the sand or swimming in the Ninole Cove<\/a> area on the southernmost edge of the beach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Don’t forget that these turtles are an endangered species. Please give them their space and don\u2019t try to feed them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pohoiki Black Sand Beach<\/a> holds the special title of being the newest black sand beach in Hawaii. In October 2018, Kilauea Volcano<\/a> had one of its most destructive eruptions to date. In addition to hundreds of lost homes, this eruption also completely remade the natural landscape, including Pohoiki Black Sand Beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Located just fifteen minutes outside of the city of Hilo, Richardson Beach Park<\/a> is filled with sparkling black sand. But the black sand at this beach is interspersed with green grains as well. These flecks of green sand are olivine crystals that are naturally present in lava rock. While these olivine crystals can be found at most black sand beaches in the islands, they are especially prominent here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Richardson Beach Park also happens to be one of the best snorkeling spots on the Big Island. You can find colorful fish, sea urchins, turtles, and even the occasional dolphin. There are even lovely little tidepools that serve as the perfect place for children to look for sea creatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Waipi\u2018o Valley Black Sand Beach<\/a>\u2019s claim to fame is the fact that it\u2019s home to a gorgeous waterfall that cascades into the ocean: Kaluahine Falls<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re thinking about adding a visit to Waipi\u2018o Valley to your Hawaii bucket list, you\u2019re not the only one. But it\u2019s important to note that a trip there is no easy feat. You\u2019ll need a 4WD, spectacular driving skills, top-notch hiking gear, and prime weather conditions in order to safely explore the black sand beach, beautiful waterfall, and greenery-laden cliffs of Waipi\u2018o Valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maui is home to just one black sand beach, but it is definitely one of the best in Hawaii. The primary draw of Honokalani Beach<\/a> is the striking colors. With the obsidian sand, turquoise waters, and bright green plants, it\u2019s picture perfect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To reach Honokalani Beach, you\u2019ll have to wind your way along the famous road to Hana. Once you\u2019re 32 miles in, you\u2019ll come across Waianapanapa State Park<\/a>, which is home to the gorgeous Honokalani Beach. While at Waianapanapa State Park, you should definitely make time to visit a few more of the park\u2019s highlights, including the Waianapanapa Coastal Trail<\/a>, the cool lava tube, the many sea caves, and even the ancient Hawaiian heiau (or temple).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The island of Kauai is the oldest Hawaiian Island, and consequently, its black sand beaches are the oldest as well. Kauai is home to just two black sand beaches, one of which is the Waimea State Recreational Pier<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the black sand at the Waimea State Recreational Pier is older, it has turned more grayish from sun bleaching. But that doesn’t make this beach any less beautiful. The best thing to do at Waimea State Recreational Pier is simply sit on the sand and watch the colorful sunset paint the sky. If it\u2019s clear enough, you\u2019ll even be able to see the small island of Niihau in the distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPohoiki Black Sand Beach, Big Island of Hawaii<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Richardson Beach Park, Big Island of Hawaii<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Waipi\u2018o Valley Black Sand Beach, Big Island of Hawaii<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Honokalani Beach at Waianapanapa State Park, Maui<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Waimea State Recreation Pier<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u2018Awahua Beach, Molokai<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n