Location: 49 Black Sand Beach is located on a volcanic bay near Mauna Lani Resort.
Access: To get to 49 Black Sand Beach, exit the Queen K Highway in the direction of Mauna Lani Beach Resort. Take the third exit in the road circle towards the Beach Club and continue for a half mile. The entrance to the beach will be on the left. Visitors are required to stop at the guard shack and request a beach pass. The beach rarely has more than a dozen people at a time, but it is still best to come in the morning as the number of beach passes is limited.
Conditions: While nearby beaches are white due to the breakdown of offshore coral, 49 Black Sand Beach's sand is composed primarily of fine grains of lava. The water is clear and offers beautiful snorkeling conditions.
Amenities: Bathrooms, Shower
Black sand, beautiful sea cliffs and crystal clear waters make 49 Black Sand Beach one of the most unique coastal locations on the Big Island.
Situated on a volcanic bay near Mauna Lani Resort, 49 Black Sand Beach is the only black sand beach on the Kohala Coast. It is an ideal location for visitors seeking a unique, crowd-free beach experience.
The beach's black sand is the result of a 19th century lava flow that originated 50 miles away on the slopes of Mauna Loa. While nearby beaches are white due to the breakdown of offshore coral, 49 Black Sand Beach's sand is composed primarily of fine grains of lava.
Beyond the beach’s famous black sand, other attractions at 49 Black Sand Beach include a beautiful sea cliff trail that tracks along the rim of the bay. The trail, which offers spectacular views of tide pools and sea coves, is littered with sharp lava rocks and can be treacherous.
The waters of the bay are often crystal clear and ideal for snorkeling on days when the ocean is calm. The best snorkeling can be found near the rocks on either side of the beach, and towards the center of the bay. Expect to see plenty of tropical fish, tidepools and beautiful underwater rock formations.
The beach is open every day of the week from sunrise to sunset. Public bathrooms are located next to the parking lot, and a shower can be found near the trailhead above the beach.