Whenever you plan for a holiday trip, you are more bound to select those places that are cool and breezy, boosting but relaxing, and stunning but refreshing. Now looking at these adjectives and verbs, I can recall one such attraction that is none other than a beach. Most of us do like to spend a considerable amount of time at the beaches no matter where we go. So, what would be your perfect beach? Well, ideally it would be a destination of cool breeze, warm waters, endless blue sky, shimmering sands, and minimal rocks. Now, change this scene a bit by replacing shimmering sands with the black sands. Do not believe this? In reality, these beaches are into existence on our planet and that too in the famous tourist destinations. So, next time when you plan to visit any of them, drag yourself to a black sand beach.
Punaluu Beach – Hawaii
Located on the Big Island, this is the best black sand beach on the Earth. Anybody can be convinced as to why the sand is black here. The black sand here was made by the lava of volcanoes while being poured into the ocean followed by cooling. Although the formed black sand is wonderful, you just cannot take away the sand as it is illegal to do so. If you are planning to enter into the water, then beware as the ocean is rocky. You will also be able to spot the green seal and Hawksbill turtles.
Kaimu Beach – Hawaii
Although this beach is a bit risky, it is certainly one more great Hawaiian beach boasting black sand. It is a must visit spot even though swimming is not allowed due to strong currents. But, fun is still possible by just standing in the water for some time. People say that in the decade of 90s, the beach was actually a site of 20’ lava. However, inhabitants near the beach started to plant new trees and flowers so that the beach’s life is not lost. So, you can see palms, ferns, and other plants popping from the lava cracks.
Kehena Beach, Hawaii
Although this is a unique black sand beach, it is not the place for family, especially for the kids and teens. Why? Well, this is a nude beach even though it is considered illegal on this volcanic archipelago. So, a majority of the tourists just like to sit on the black sand and just chill in the breezy atmosphere. At this beach, you are never left alone, as you can spot dolphins and can even swim with then in case the currents are okay. This is the reason as to why it is called the Dolphin.
Pololu Valley Beach – Hawaii
Nestled at the tip of Highway 270, this one is among the smallest beaches here. The Pololu Valley beach offers a superb vista of the shoreline as well as the Kohala Mountains. To reach the beach, you are required to hike from about 400-foot vantage point, which straight away means 20 minutes of hiking. Enjoying the scenery and hiking are the only attractions here, as swimming and snorkeling are not recommended due to extremely strong currents and high surf conditions.
Oneuli Beach – Maui
This is one beach where you would never see big crowds, but the beach is a must see place. The territory is ideal and the water is so great that you can think of camping here. However, if you want to enjoy just for a few hours, then your cool options are hiking, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving, and boating. Hiking is admirable on the Lower Trail. As the sand becomes too hot under the sun, do come here with your shoes.
Honokalani Black Sand Beach – Maui
Situated in the Wainapanapa State Park, the beach offers a unique combination of natural elements – small and smooth lava pebbles, lava cliffs surrounding the beach, sea caves, seaside lava tubes, and a sea arch. If you wish, then from here, you can amble on the King’s Highway that is a route by the side of the shore to reach Hana. If you like the beach, you can also try out snorkeling and diving here.
Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach – Maui
The specialty of this beach is that it was made by the waves colliding for decades against the volcanic rock. For the tourists, the attractions are a few most wonderful sites that are unmatchable. Explore and get inside the sea caves and stone bridges made naturally and you can spot the ancient King’s Highway that once used to surround the island. Come here only during the summers, as the surf in winters is very high making the beach unsuitable for surfing, kayaking, swimming, and diving. It is only when the waves are calm that you can think of these water sports.
Black Sand Beach – Alaska
Nestled at a distance of 60 miles from Anchorage, this is the beach where you will come across waterfalls, tidewater glaciers, and lush hills. The main feature of this area is the wildlife that cannot be seen at a zoo. Just peep into its icy waters and you will see the reflection of 10,000-foot peaks. Isn’t this really exciting for any traveler? Okay, besides the vistas, you can expect some more fun via kayaking. Generally, warmer clothes are preferred at this beach.
Vik Beach – Iceland
This is in a small hamlet in the south zone of the nation. Many of us are of the opinion that Iceland is not among the most beautiful places on the planet for beaches. However, this opinion will be changed soon by the fact that this beach was in the nomination list as among the most beautiful beaches in 1991. In fact, the village is also named Vik, which is wettest hamlet of the country. Therefore, ensure that you do not go to the beach on a rainy day. If you can’t recline and soak, at least marvel to explore. What say?
Lost Coast – California
Extending 80 miles long, this coast is among the lightest traveled shores. Most of the tourists hike along the coast to greet the peaks that are soaring more than 2000 feet of which the highest is known as the King’s Peak at over 4,000 feet. On the way, there lies a beach called the Black Sand Beach where you can swim, but many folks don’t. Although not many people come here except those who are hiking and stop to capture the vistas in the cameras, the beach on the Lost coast surely offers one of the extreme dramatic scenes amidst the peaks, sand, and water.
If you see, most of the beaches are in Hawaii. Why? It is all because of the volcanoes!
