The hardest part about planning a trip to Hawaii is deciding which of the endless natural wonders to include in your itinerary. Honokalani Black Sand Beach is one attraction you don’t want to miss. In addition to the unique black sand on the beach, you’ll find many more interesting attractions to explore.
Located at Waianapanapa State Park in Maui, this is one of the island’s best-known spots for black sand. Don’t worry about this location being overhyped, it is absolutely worth the tourist enthusiasm and a visit.
Peter Unger / Stone Collection via Getty Images
Black sand beaches come from eroded volcanic materials (think lava, basalt rocks, etc.). Over time these materials have been worn down by the ebb and flow of the ocean to create a sand texture.
9parusnikov / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images
Waianapanapa State Park isn’t just the beach; it’s a 122-acre nature reserve that includes the beach, lava caves, foliage, stone arches, a temple, and volcanic blow holes. There’s a lot more to see than just the black sand itself.
Alexander Hafemann / Stockbyte Collection via Getty Images
Perhaps most fascinating of these attractions are the lava tubes, where visitors can walk through caves carved by volcanic lava. These natural anomalies occur when hot lava touches cold air. The exterior of the lava hardens when exposed to cool temperatures, while the interior lava continues flowing.
Robert Holmes / Corbis Documentary Collection via Getty Images
Walking through a lava tube is a fascinating way to experience how powerful nature really is.
Oxana Guryanova / EyeEm Collection via Getty Images
The spectacular views in Hawaii are stunning and transportive. Where else in the world can you bask on a black sand beach and then stroll through a lava tube?
Peter Unger / Stone Collection via Getty Images
At Waianapanapa State Park, you can experience several of Hawaii’s wonders in one stop. Sunbathe on the black sand beach, explore the lava tubes, and walk through the lush landscape to find the sacred temple hidden within.
Peter Unger / Stone Collection via Getty Images
9parusnikov / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images
Alexander Hafemann / Stockbyte Collection via Getty Images
Robert Holmes / Corbis Documentary Collection via Getty Images
Oxana Guryanova / EyeEm Collection via Getty Images
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Black Sand Beach, Hana, HI 96713, USA