Best Hawaii BeachesHawaii beaches are some of the most unique beaches you can find and are always tons of fun. When you think of tropical beaches, you may think of a white sand crescent shaped beach with palm trees blowing in the breeze....right? Yes, Hawaii does have that kind of beach, but there are four other types of Hawaii beaches as well. There are black, green, and even red sand beaches! Hawaii also has lava rock beaches and giant tide pools. 
White sand beaches are common on most of the Hawaiian Islands. On Maui, the many white sand tropical beaches offer easy access to the water for swimming, snorkeling, boogy-boarding and other water activities. The white sand beaches of Oahu's North Shores are well known for having really big waves during the winter time. This is where Hawaii's big surfing competitions are held. Kauai's white sand tropical beaches are breath-takingly beautiful.
Hapuna beach and Mauna Kea beach, are very beautiful, accessible white sand tropical beaches on the Big Island. There are others on this island, but you have to hike or use a 4 wheel drive to get to them..... White sand beaches are made of coral that has been ground up over millions of years by wave action. Parrot fish also contribute to its formation by chewing on the coral and spitting it out.
The Big Island of Hawaii also has giant tide pools. Most people think of tide pools as small puddles that trap tiny critters at low tide. But giant tide pools offer a whole new experience. They are big enough that you can get in and swim or snorkel alongside the not-so-tiny critters. The tide pools can be 50-100 feet long and up to 15 feet deep. These tide pools are ponds of sea water that were formed by the uneven flow of lava into the ocean. At high tide, the ocean fills up the low spots, creating a pool that is closed off to the rest of the ocean. Fish and other sea creatures get stuck in the pools when the tide goes out. You can find sea anemones, sea slugs, big tropical fish and coral in a rainbow of colors.
While it may be tempting to sneak some sand from these unusual Hawaii beaches ....resist the urge....it is kapu as well as illegal. If you get caught, you could find yourself going home with a big fat fine. When going to Hawaii beaches make sure to always follow these safety guidlines...
Nature is a powerful mother....do NOT underestimate Her. Surf Hawaii at Isaac Hale Park Leave Hawaii Beaches and go to Magical Hawaii Home |
Maui and the Big Island are the only Hawaiian Islands with black sand beaches. There is just one on Maui but they are very common on the Big Island. Black sand beaches always have a dramatic effect... imagine the dark black sand, with turquoise waves rushing up the shore, green palms scattered about, and blue sky above. Black sand tropical beaches are coarse sand made from black lava that has been crushed by the waves of the ocean over thousands of centuries.