What is the most beautiful black sand beach in Hawaii?
Punalu?u takes the top spot on this list for its combination of location, sand quality, wildlife, and conveniences, including lifeguards, restrooms, vendors, water fountains, and ample parking. Just a short ride from Hawai?i Volcanoes National Park, Punalu?u offers some of the highest quality black sand in the islands.
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Nestled on the shoreline between Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Naalehu town on the Big Island, Punalu'u is perhaps the world's most famous black sand beach, and an absolute must-visit for anyone living on or vacationing to the Big Island.
Kaihalulu Beach is accessible via the Hana Highway. There's minimal parking on this part of the road, so we suggest parking by the Hana Ballpark and walking.
Pfeiffer Beach, Monterey County, CaliforniaTechnically, Pfeiffer Beach along California's Central Coast is more purple than pink. Thank the manganese garnet from nearby mountains for adding the tint of color to the sand. However, when the sunset is just right, the beach exhibits a pinkish glow.
Maui's shores have some of the best beaches in the entire state, and the Big Island's young, rocky, volcanic shores offer very little in the way of soft white sand. If it's the beaches you crave, Maui is the clear choice. Paia Bay has a long white sand beach with an excellent near-shore surf break. Ken Tam, source.
Molokini is a small crescent-shaped island is situated about three miles from Maui's southwest coast. Molokini is said to have some of the clearest water in all of Hawaii with visibility depths of up to 200 feet. Molokini is a state-protected animal sanctuary and no fishing is allowed.
The easiest way to get to Punalu'u Beach is to drive. To get to Punalu'u Black Sand Beach from Hilo or Kona, take the Hawaii Belt Road (Route 11) south. Then turn off onto Ninole Loop Road, which is also the entrance for the Sea Mountain Resort. There is a car park right by the beach.
The sand is compositionally immature meaning that it is very vulnerable to weathering and breaks down easily. Something to think about- make sure you wear shoes on the black sand beaches because they are considerably hotter than white sand beaches.
Hamoa BeachYou might see this scenic spot if you take the popular Road to Hana drive, or if you're looking for a place to get in some snorkeling. The bright blue water draws surfers, swimmers, and snorkelers to its crystalline expanse. There's still plenty of sunbathing and camping to be done on shore, though.