When you think of Hawaii, images of rolling green vistas, massive white-cap waves crashing, and horses atop open fields may all pop up as iconic. But one image you may have ensnared in your mind forever is that of the sprawling and open black sand beaches. Few things capture your attention with such instant dissonance.
While the vast majority of sand-soaked beaches are white, Hawaii has its share of black sandy beaches. The most popular of these is Waimea Bay Beach. This is its formal name. Locally, it is more appropriately named Black Sand Beach.
Where is the Famous Black Sand Beach?
Waimea Bay Beach rests in O’ahu and is often considered the most popular black sand beach in Hawaii, especially in the northern half.
There is actually no Kauai Hawaii Black Sand Beach. But that’s not to say there aren’t amazing beachside vistas available, right outside our beachfront condo rentals on Kauai. Kauai has some astonishing beaches, including Anini, Secret Beach, Maha’ulepu, and Hideaways. Kapaa, in particular, is home to some of the island’s most fantastic beaches.
Kauai is the northernmost habitable island in Hawaii. The island, in general, is known as a calming alternative to the busier metropolis of O’ahu and its capital city, Honolulu.
Which Hawaiian Island Has Black Sand Beach?
Interestingly, there are actually a few black sandy beaches throughout the Hawaiian Islands. There are at least two main islands which are home to a black sand beach. Punaluu Beach is located on the very southeastern edge of the Big Island. Specifically, it is located on the Kau Coast. It is tucked between the small town of Naalehu and Punaluu. It is a jaw-dropping spectacle with excellent opportunities for snorkeling and camping.
The second major black sand beach is located on O’ahu. It is the aforementioned Waimea Bay Beach. It is also vastly closer to Kauai than Punaluu Beach. It is entirely possible for you to take a day trip to the beach and back to our Waipouli Beach Resort rentals. While we certainly recommend spending lots of time on the Kauai beaches, we understand the desire to see a black beach for yourself. Oahu is a skip away and well worth the day trip.
Choose Your Kauai Beach Resort
Kauai is the ultimate Hawaiian destination to bring your whole family to! There are countless things to do and many of them right by our fantastic rentals.
Can you Take Black Sand from Hawaii?
Despite your strongest inclinations, you cannot take the black sand beach from either Punaluu Beach or Waimea Bay Beach. Both are incredibly important to Hawaii and take the sand is considered widely disrespectful. It can also run you the risk of a local fine.
What Causes Black Sand Beaches in Hawaii?
Sand, regardless of color, is simply broken down rocks, eroded and worn over generations and generations from the rolling waves and water. With that in mind, most rocks are lighter in color, especially as they are broken down, resulting in white sand.
Fascinatingly, the volcanic rocks and minerals of Hawaii are dark- very dark. But this is not the only thing that makes the sand black. Volcanic minerals are incredibly high in iron. The iron is dense and high enough to create visible black sand even after it is broken down!
Other Things to Do Near Waimea Beach
We highly recommend taking the time to visit Waimea Bay beach for its gorgeous black sands. But it is not the only thing you can do in the area. If you take the time to cross the water and spend some time in O’ahu, you can go do some other activities. We love horseback riding on the beach as well as booking a hiking tour. ATV tours are also plentiful in the area. Waimea beach is home to a delightful pier. Take a walk to its end and admire the sensational and life-affirming views.
Beachfront Resorts on Kauai
Frankly, you don’t need to leave Kauai to have an incredible time. Our Waipouli Beach Resort rentals offer breathtaking views right from the balcony of your own home-away-from-home. Experience the Lae Nani Resort and its close proximity to beloved local coffee shops and grocery stores. See what the area has to offer and visit one of the world’s top romantic destinations.
South Shore Condo Rentals on Kauai
Our South Shore rentals provide you a captivating entry point to Kauai’s most popular destination. Visit the Tree Tunnel, navigate Old Koloa downtown, check out every major Kauai beach, and zoom along the zipline above the Garden Isle when you stay at our Pili Mai Resort. Golf, dine and enjoy the views, all while indulging in what makes Kauai so utterly special.
