The sands of West Hawaii beaches are predominantly white, made of finely pulverized coral built up over millennia. But on the eastern shores, Punalu’u Beach the sands are black; a testament to its active volcanic heritage, where rivers of lava from the massive volcano Mauna Loa and its smaller offshoot, Kilauea Volcano, charge downhill to …
Punalu’u Beach – The Best Black Sand on the Big Island Read More »
South of the small town of Captain Cook, and two and a half miles along a one-lane road winding downhill to meet the ocean, the soft grey sands of Ho’okena Beach Park come into view for the first time. Flanked on either side by walls of sea cliffs, the crescent-shaped beach of protected waters is …
Ho’okena Beach Park – Kayaking, Snorkeling and Camping At A Traditional Fishing Village Read More »
From the bustling, colorful shops of Hilo’s Bayfront, it’s only a short two-mile drive north to Honoli’i Beach Park to watch the surfers. Honoli’i is without a doubt the most important surf break for the Hilo surfing community – a small but dedicated tribe, who can be spotted from the park’s cliffside parking lot lined …
Honoli’i Beach Park – Hilo’s Premiere Surfing Spot Read More »
Roughly 30 miles north of Kona town on Big Island’s west side, along a sun-beaten highway with vast black lavafields stretching out on either side, lies the stunning white sands of Puako and its well-hidden gem of a swimming spot, Beach 69. Its official name is Waialea Beach, but hardly anyone calls it this. For …
Puako’s Beach 69: A Shady, Secluded Swimming Spot Very Different From Its Neighbors Read More »
Fifty thousands years ago, flowing underground magma from Hawai’i Island’s second most important volcano – Mauna Loa – collided with groundwater, causing an violent explosion of volcanic ash and creating what is known among today’s volcanologists as a “tuff ring”. This was a massive mound of mineral rich ash and other volcanic products which grew …
Papakolea Green Sand Beach – An Idyllic, Isolated Geological Rarity Read More »
The bright sun warm on your skin. A cool breeze and the sound of waves crashing onto the white sand. What is this intense desire to surf in its clear blue waters? Surfing Big Island waves has been something that every person wants to do. Either for a chance to brag that you surfed the …
The Big Island is the largest in the Hawaiian chain, which means it also has the most coastline. There are some fantastic Hawaiian beaches to explore and enjoy here – each offering a different experience. From scenic white sand wonders perfect for the family to rugged black sand inlets that take effort and adventure to …