What Are the Different Colors of Sand in Hawaii?

That statement enough is probably enough to pique your interest, right? In most places, the only color of sand that you’ll ever encounter is white. Pristine white sand beaches are almost synonymous with visions of a day by the water, lounging and playing on a stretch of beach that is the perfect visual for a screensaver on your computer.

But the Hawaiian Islands are a completely different story, and finding the different colors of sand is pretty easy. In total, there are 4 different colors of sand that are found on Hawaiian beaches, and we’ll tell you exactly where to find all of them.

First, you should know, that the term sand is pretty loose in some instances. More on this later…

Of course, white sand is the most common, and is found on beaches on all islands, and is what you are most likely to encounter. The soft sand is perfect for a barefoot stroll at sunset, or a relaxing day near your resort, or at a hidden location that you’ve found during your research of where to go in Hawaii. There are countless pictures of pristine beaches that you’ll see, and digging your toes into white sand is likely near the top of your list of things to do. Some of the most notable white sand beaches are Waikiki Beach, Oahu’s North Shore beaches, Big Beach on Maui, and any of the stunning beaches on Kauai, or on the Big Island’s Kona Coast.

Perhaps the most sought after sand to see is black sand, and of the different colors, this is the most common. There are a few black sand beaches in Hawaii, and the “sand” is actually volcanic lava rock that has eroded over thousands of years. Walking barefoot on this sand is pretty rough, but the site is incredible. You’ll find black sand beaches on the Big Island, and Maui, notable at Wai’anapanapa State Park near Hana.

Also near Hana is Koki Red Sand Beach, a secluded cove that is a great place to relax, but swimming is not recommended. Road to Hana Tours stop here for pictures, and the views here are stunning. Being a secluded beach. The red sand is clay from the cinder cone volcano, and creates an incredible spectacle and amazing pictures.

The most unique color of sand is one of the rarest sites you will ever see. There are 4 green sand beaches in the entire world, and one of them is found on the Big Island. The only way to access the beach is on a 3-mile hike, or by 4-wheel vehicle, but the trek is so worth it. The adventure alone is enough to make some visitors jump at the chance to go, but seeing the unique color of sand is icing on the cake. The green “sand” is actually olivine, a rock forming mineral that contains a green hue. You don’t want to miss this beach if you are visiting the Big Island.

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