ALOHA!
So as you’re planning your Hawaii vacation and looking into Hawaii beaches, you’ve come across more than one picture of a black sand beach…
And you’re planning a trip to only the island of Oahu.
So the big question is…
Where can you find a black sand beach on Oahu?!
Well, the simple answer is…
No, there are no black sand beaches on Oahu.
You won’t find a single black sand beach in Hawaii on the island Oahu!
If you want to find a really black colored black sand beach, then you’ll want to look into black sand beaches in Hawaii on the Big Island or black sand beaches on Maui.
But, don’t be too disappointed if you’re headed to Oahu!
There are other beaches on Oahu that can make up for it!
And here are two of them!
Instead of black sand beaches on Oahu…
Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!
Here are 2 white sand beaches!
Lanikai Beach
So you may come across a lot of pictures of black sand beaches, but you probably also comes across a lot of pictures of these Mokulua Islands too!
A trip to Lanikai Beach will allow you to see the islands in person!
There’s also a popular hike nearby with the Lanikai Pillbox Hike which can make a visit out to this area worth it.
It’s a little bit of a distance from Waikiki where most hotels on Oahu are located.
Kailua Beach
This beach is not too far from Lanikai Beach so you can hit up both of these beaches on the same day!
Kailua Beach is a proper beach park which makes it slightly more convenient.
This means parking is easier, there are bathrooms, and there’s a lifeguard.
Kailua town is just a short walk away too, where you can find food and shops.
You can also find kayak rental in Kailua which can be a launch point for kayaking to those Mokulua Islands.
HAPPY NON-BLACK SAND BEACH PLANNING!
what to pack for hawaii >> what to wear snorkeling – what to wear hiking – what to wear to a luau
things to do in oahu | map >> east oahu – north shore – central oahu
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🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling