Black Sand Beach, Big Island, Hawaii (May 2024)

Black Sand Beach (Punaluʻu), is one of the most famous black sand beaches in Hawaii, located on the southeastern coast of the Big Island. This unique beach is renowned for its jet-black sands, formed from the rapid cooling of basaltic lava as it meets the ocean, a testament to the island's volcanic activity. The beach lies between the towns of Pāhala and Nā‘ālehu, near the base of the Mauna Loa volcano. The striking contrast of the black sand against the blue Pacific Ocean and lush greenery creates a visually stunning landscape.