The Big Island is not only a natural paradise, but is also home to two famous active volcanos named Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Due to its volcanic activity, absolutely stunning black sand beaches have formed throughout its coast, and are a must-visit when in Hawaii.

Swimming by the black sand beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii is a truly memorable experience. Not only do these beaches offer a stunning scenery, but also the opportunity to immerse yourself in untouched nature.

In this article we’ve listed for you the 5 most charming black sand beaches that you can find throughout the Big Island of Hawaii, along with an interactive map at the end where you can pin-point all of the locations that we refer to.

So, let’s explore Hawaii’s raw beauty!

Kehena Beach

Kehena beach is definitely one of the most beautiful beaches in the Big Island. To access it you’ll have climb down a narrow and steep rocky path, but don’t let that deter you!

Because this beach is a bit more challenging to access than most, it remains relatively calm and quiet during the day, which in our opinion adds to its charm.

Keep in mind that this is considered a “private” beach (meaning that clothing is optional), so you will see some people practicing nudism, which can take some getting used to. Because of that it might not be the best place to visit with kids.

Waves here can be quite rough, so it is possible that you won’t be able to swim. Be very careful if you intend to do so, and take some safety precautions before going into the water. If you are not a great swimmer it is best that you avoid going in, as currents can be quite strong and dangerous here.

While there we saw plenty of friendly faces, and some sweet dogs laying by the shore. It is overall a fantastic and unique beach that you should definitely check out during your visit!

Pohoiki Beach

Pohoiki is a rocky beach, and a brand new addition to the black sand beaches in the Island of Hawaii, as it is the result of the 2018 lower Puna eruption.

To reach this beautiful area you’ll have to drive through some rough roads, so it is better to drive slowly and take your time. In the meantime, admire the absolutely beautiful scenery that stretches all the way to the coast, with green and lush forests contrasting with the recent lava flows.

There are a few natural hot springs right next to the beach that are perfect for small children, as the currents are often rough and swimming is not recommended.

You’ll find a lot of parking spaces available here that are not far away from shore, along with a few picnic tables that you can freely use. All-in-all, being able to admire one of the newest beaches in the world is absolutely amazing, and definitely worth your trip to Pohoiki beach!

49 Black Sand Beach

49 Black Sand Beach, also known as Honoka'ope Bay Beach, is a secluded paradise inside a gated community. Even though this beach never gets very crowded, it does have extremely limited parking. For that reason, we definitely recommend that you get there early if you’re planning on going by car.

This cove is gorgeous and has the clearest water out of all the beaches on this list. Because of that, it’s a prime location for snorkelling and diving. The coral reef begins about 10 feet (3 meters) away from shore, and you’ll be able to swim along a huge number of fish and stunning marine life. If you are lucky you will even get to spot some reef sharks and sea turtles!

Pay attention when entering the water near the rocks, as you might come across some sea urchins. For this reason we recommend you bring with you some good water shoes, just in case, and be careful if you have kids.

If you are looking for a quiet beach that feels really private and you want to swim and snorkel, then Honoka'ope Bay beach is an amazing choice!

Punalu’u Beach

Punalu’u is one of the most picturesque beaches in the island, and the perfect place to spot some turtles in the wild. Locals have nothing but love and respect for these beautiful creatures and the beach itself, so remember to be respectful of their environment while there.

The ocean current can be quite strong here, but you should be able to swim without too much trouble. Some people even choose to snorkel along its rocky edges. Don’t worry if you don’t have any snorkelling equipment, as you can actually rent everything you need from a little stand on the beach.

If you are travelling with children you will be happy to know that there are life-guards on duty here, which is definitely a plus point for peace of mind.

It is absolutely a once in a lifetime experience to see such a beautiful black sand beach with so many turtles around, so you should definitely add Punalu’u beach to your Hawaiian bucket list!

Waipi’o Beach

If you are an adventure traveller and thrill seeker, Waipi’o might just be the right beach for you!

Getting to this stunning and secluded beach is no easy task, and will require you to plan ahead. You can get there with a tour, but if you want to go at your own pace having a 4x4 vehicle is a must.

Walking the whole way is possible but not really recommended, even if you’re an experienced hiker. It is a steep and long way to go, and the walk back is not for the faint of heart. Bringing good walking shoes is an absolute must so you don’t risk any injuring yourself.

Once there, you’ll be rewarded with an untouched beach and jaw-dropping views. Waipi’o really is the true definition of heaven on earth: divided by a river that flows into the ocean, you’ll get to relax in nature and even spot wild horses while there.

As you can imagine, this beach never gets too crowded, so if you’re lucky you will even get it all to yourself. Just remember that you’ll eventually have to take on the climb up the hill, so yeah, good luck with that!

These were just 5 of our favourite and most memorable black sand beaches that you can find in the Big Island of Hawaii.

This beautiful island really is full of surprises, offering plenty of unique experiences to visitors and nature lovers. The striking black sand beaches that we visited really blowed us away, and we can’t wait to be back and see a lot more from this amazing island.

So, to which one(s) will you go to first?