Best Beaches on the Southern Part of the Big Island of Hawaii

For a long time, the Big Island was not known for its beaches. Many beaches were unknown because of a lack of paved roads and a lack of information about where to look. While the Big Island still has fewer sand beaches per mile of shoreline than any of the other major Hawaiian islands (Kauai has the most), it does boast some of the most unique and intriguing stretches of sand in all of Hawaii. So, whether you are enticed by white sand, black sand, salt-and-pepper sand, or green (yes, green) sand beaches, the Big Island of Hawaii is the place to be.  Here are the best beaches on the Sourthern Part of the Big Island of Hawaii. 

Let’s start with a green sand beach. Cleverly called Green Sand Beach, the green stretch of sand located on the Southern Part of the Big Island of Hawaii near South Point gets its name and color from a large deposit of olivine, a semi-precious gem mixed with black sand. South Point is literally the southernmost point of the Big Island and access to the beach requires a two-mile hike from Kaulana Boat Launch - but the payoff is well worth the walk. The semi-precious gems at Green Sand Beach are mostly ground into fine sand, but you may very well find yourself a sizable nugget to take home with you. (Don’t take the sand; it could run out). The ocean here does get rough at times, so use your best judgment when entering the water. If the surf is high, stay on the beach and build a green sand castle.

Let’s move on to a black sand beach. Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is the most accessible black sand beach on the Big Island of Hawaii. Created when lava flow meets the ocean, black sand beaches are rare since the black sand eventually erodes into the ocean. Punalu’u Black Sand Beach features a fresh water pond and plenty of palm trees for that perfect tropical island feel. Because of the fresh water springs, the water is sometimes fairly cold. And poor visibility prevents decent snorkeling. But even if conditions aren’t perfect for swimming or snorkeling, Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is well worth the visit. In addition to the unique black sand, you will find a good many sea turtles.