Big Island is famous for local Hawaiian scenic beauty and eye soothing treats and gorgeous black sandy beaches , when the hot melting lava meets the cool sea water it instantly shatters due to rapid cooling then with time waves crushes them into black sands. So, In this post i will share 4 stunning and best black sand beaches Big Island that are surreal.
💎 Fun Fact – If you are lucky you may find olivine crystals also known as Hawaiian diamonds at Papakolea Beach.
What to Pack for Black Sand Beaches
- Footwear: Water shoes (sand gets extremely hot!)
- Sun Protection: Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- Hydration: Plenty of water (no shops nearby at some beaches)
- Camera Gear: Polarizing filter (reduces glare), wide-angle lens
- Extras: Towel, snorkel gear (for safe beaches), dry bag
Best Activities at Black Sand Beaches
1. Punaluʻu Beach
- Spot Hawaiian green sea turtles (but keep 10+ feet away).
- Picnic under palm trees (shaded areas available).
- Visit the nearby Punaluʻu Bake Shop for famous Hawaiian sweet bread.
2. Pololū Valley Beach
- Hike the Pololū Valley Lookout trail (0.6 miles, stunning views).
- Photograph the dramatic cliffs (best at sunrise).
3. Kehena Beach
- Join a drum circle (Sundays are popular).
- Experience the bohemian local culture.
4. Kaimū Beach
- Walk along the new black sand (formed from 1990 lava flow).
- Visit nearby Kalapana Lava Viewing Area (if active).
5. Pohoiki Beach
- Soak in the warm volcanic ponds.
- Snorkel when waters are calm (rare, so check conditions).
Safety Tips for Black Sand Beaches
⚠️ Avoid swimming if no lifeguard is present (strong currents at most).
⚠️ Don’t touch sea turtles—it’s illegal (fines up to $10,000).
⚠️ Watch for sharp rocks—wear protective footwear.
⚠️ Check volcanic activity alerts (for beaches near active zones).
Want to fill you tummy with the delicious Big Island food then here are the 15 Must-Try Restaurants & Local Gems on Big island.
At Last
The Big Island’s black sand beaches are otherworldly and unforgettable. Whether you’re exploring Punaluʻu’s turtles, hiking Pololū Valley, or capturing Kaimū’s volcanic beauty, this guide ensures you’ll have a safe and epic experience.
Did we miss a hidden gem? Share your favorite black sand beach below!
Piyush is a passionate travel writer from India with over 3 years of experience crafting engaging content for wanderlust souls. Through his blog, Super Solo Travel, he shares trusted tips, hidden gems, and inspiring travel stories, helping readers explore the world with confidence and excitement.