Beaches on Maui
A major appeal of visiting Maui is relaxing on the white sandy beaches and enjoying the tropical nature of Hawaii. But did you know that there is a black sand beach on Maui? There are several actually!
Of the more than 80 beaches on Maui, there are 7 notable black sand beaches. The sands are black because they are actually tiny fragments of lava from nearby volcanoes. These fragments are created when lava contacts the ocean water and cools so rapidly that it shatters. These beaches are quite a sight compared to the normal sandy beaches and are worth a visit! A few Maui black sand beaches include:
Oneuli
The remote beach, Oneuli, is named after the dark sand found on the beach that was created by the cinder cone of Puu Olai. This black sand beach is next to Makena Beach, along Makena Alanui Road in South Maui. It is a popular area for snorkeling, though swimming conditions are not ideal.
Waianapanapa State Park
Waianapanapa means “glistening water” in Hawaiian, and the park is nestled between lava cliffs with beautiful tropical flora.
The beach at Waianapanapa State Park is located along the Hana Highway and is about 120 acres along the eastern shore. The black sand is made up of small black pebbles.
These beaches can be fun and unique to visit, but it is recommended to keep shoes on as black sand absorbs heat very well, and the sand can be extremely hot. Many of these beaches have tides that can get rough, and conditions should be observed carefully. Visiting a black sand beach on Maui is a “must-do” activity while visiting Hale Napili.
Please also note that it is illegal to remove the black sand from the beaches.
