Hawaiian Black Beaches
Visitors flock to the islands of Hawaii to savor the sights of the tropical beaches, sea life, gardens, mountains or an occasional eruption of an active volcano. Volcanic activity created the Hawaiian Islands and nowhere is that more evident than on Hawaii's black sand beaches. Remnants of lava and cinders from past eruptions form these black treasures found on Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii. A visit to one of these beaches will keep memories of white foam waves crashing on black sand on your mind long after your Hawaiian vacation is over.
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Hana Bay
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Pack a picnic lunch and grab your snorkeling gear to visit this large, black beach at Hana Bay in East Maui. The calm waters and colorful marine life of the bay make this area safe for swimming and snorkeling. Visit in the late afternoon and you may see a local canoe club practicing the ancient Hawaiian sport of outrigger canoe racing. This beach is also a popular weekend gathering place for local families. Picnic, restroom and snack bar facilities are located here.
Honokalani Beach
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Natural beauty awaits you at the black sands of Honokalani Beach located off the famed road to Hana at the Waianapanapa State Park in East Maui. The sand on this small and rarely crowded beach is made of small, smooth lava pebbles. Palms, native trees and a sea arch draped with green vines add to the tropical beauty of the black sand. Follow the trail at the edge of the parking lot to an icy cave pool that was once the secret hiding place of an ancient Hawaiian princess. Honokalani Beach provides shower, restroom and picnic facilities.
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Punaluu Beach
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The most famous Hawaiian black sand beach is located on the Big Island of Hawaii near the Volcanoes National Park and the small town of Naalehu. Punaluu Beach boasts jet black sand backed by low dunes and coconut palm trees along with rocky outcroppings along the shoreline. Green sea turtles are a common sight at the beach and are often seen eating seaweed, tending a nest or napping on the sand. Ruins of an old Hawaiian temple are located at the north end of the beach. Picnic and restroom facilities are available at this heavily visited location.
Kehena Beach
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A more tranquil and secluded black beach to visit on the Big Island is Kehena Beach, located in the lower Puna District. Ask a local for directions as Highway 137 offers no signage and getting here involves hiking down a steep trail. This beach is popular with local hippies and boasts a clothing optional section. Weekends often bring the occasional drum and dance sessions. Stay out of the water as dangerous rip tides and strong currents here put even strong swimmers in danger of drowning.
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References
- Photo Credit black sand beach image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
