Must See Black Sand Beaches of the World

While most people think of soft, sugary white sand when they consider visiting the beach, there are many beaches in the world that have a hue from the opposite end of the spectrum—black sand beaches, though not the most plentiful around the world are some of the most exotic beaches of the world.  If you’re looking for something a little bit different, not the norm, and out of the ordinary, consider one of these must see black sand beaches of the world for your next beach vacation:

Panaluu Black Sand Beach in Hawaii

World famous and by far one of the most beautiful black sand beaches in the entire world, Panaluu Beach, Hawaii is a must visit black sand beach located on Big Island.  Surrounded by black sand that was created many years ago as a result of cooling volcanic ash, Panaluu Beach is an excellent place to see some natural marine life too.  Look for Green sea turtles and Hawksbill turtles when you visit, but make sure you leave everything you see in it’s place as it is highly illegal to take the beautiful black sand from the Big Island beach of Panaluu.

Maui Black Sand Beach:  Waianapanapa

Another beautiful black sand beach in Hawaii, located on the island of Maui is Waianapanapa Beach.  This beach is ideal for families during the summer months when the surf is relatively calm, but during the winter months the surf picks up and can be dangerous even to the most avid swimmer.  This black sand beach is also home to various caves, natural stone bridges and some of the most beautiful landscape and natural sites in all of the Hawaiian Islands.

Lost Coast, Black Sand Beach, California

A road less traveled but well worth the difficult to travel terrain, the Lost Coast of California is one of the least traveled coasts in the entire world.  Here, below peaks that range up to 4,000 feet high you can peak down below to the beautiful black sand beach.  While most people don’t swim at this black sand beach in California, and it’s not a huge crowd attracter, it is mesmerizing none the less.  Pristine waters, black sand and gorgeous peaks at the Lost Coast Black Sand Beach will take your breath away!

Black Sand Beach, Alaska

Cold but absolutely beautiful none the less, the Black Sand Beach located in Prince William Sound, Alaska is definitely a must see.  On the bucket list of must see black sand beaches of the world, this truly is an amazing sight.  While you won’t want to swim in the waters of this impeccable black sand beach located a mere 60 miles from Anchorage, you’ll be truly amazed at the wildlife, glaciers, waterfalls and beautiful green hillsides that surround Black Sand Beach in Prince William Sound, Alaska.