49 Black Sand Beach (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is 49 Black Sand Beach?
What makes it 58% Kids-Friendly: Kids can hunt tide-pool creatures and build dark sand castles, and toilets are handy, yet sharp lava entry, no lifeguard and little shade mean constant parental vigilance is required.
Positives:
- Free amenities: Parking pass, restrooms, and outdoor shower are free and on-site.
- Unique sand texture: Kids enjoy the fine black sand that feels soft under bare feet.
Challenges:
- Sharp lava rocks: Beach entry has uneven lava stones; wear water shoes and watch little ones.
- Limited shade and no lifeguard: Few shaded spots and no lifeguard on duty; bring hats, sunscreen, and monitor kids.
What is 49 Black Sand Beach?
- A volcanic black sand beach on the Kohala Coast of Hawaiʻi Island, formed by rapidly cooled lava fragments from historic eruptions
- A shoreline composed of iron-rich mafic minerals such as magnetite and gabbro, ground into fine black sand by wave action
- Known locally as Honokaʻope Bay, presenting a stark contrast of dark sand against the Pacific Ocean and rugged lava rock outcrops
What is so special about 49 Black Sand Beach for with kids?
- Explore tide pools for small sea creatures.
- Snorkel with kids in shallow, clear water.
- Build sand castles with soft black sand.
- Hike the short cliff trail for dramatic views.
- Add a boat tour for extra reef adventure.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This gives kids time to explore tide pools, snorkel, and play without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in 49 Black Sand Beach
Tide-pool treasure hunt:
Kids can look for small fish, snails, and anemones in shallow rock pools at low tide.
Tip: Keep children on stable ground and wear water shoes to avoid sharp lava rocks.
Shallow snorkeling near shore:
On calm mornings, kids can snorkel in waist-deep water to spot colorful fish and turtles.
Tip: Provide life vests or no-float shirts and stay close to shore.
Sand-play & lava-rock forts:
Use the fine black sand to build small castles or draw footprints along the beach.
Tip: Bring buckets and shovels and rinse sand off at the outdoor shower afterward.
Scenic cliff trail stroll:
Follow the short Fishermen’s Trail above the beach for views of sea arches and tide pools.
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes and keep children from the cliff edge.
Optional boat snorkeling tour:
Book a 2–3 hour family-friendly boat tour to explore reefs and wildlife with provided gear.
Tip: Reserve in advance and check child size requirements for life vests.
When is the best time to visit 49 Black Sand Beach (Hawaii, United States)?
Visit before 10 AM year-round for calm water and clear visibility. Afternoon showers are more common in summer, so plan beach time early.
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Reviews of 49 Black Sand Beach (Hawaii)
Cherisse Patnode
Beautiful beach, bring your snorkel gear too!
Janina
Small but beautiful black/gray sand beach in private area with limited parking. Very few places with shade, which is why we moved to another beach. The partially rocky constellation seems to be great for snorchling and it's not windy, so an umbrella will hold.
Will C
The entrance is gated with an attendant in a booth. The attendant hands you a parking pass with a guest number on it. Parking is limited, so if you plan to visit, it's best to go early in the day. Once the small parking lot is full, I believe the attendant restricts visitors from entering. The beach is fairly small but beautiful. The water was pretty choppy during our visit so we didn't do much sw...
Kyle Mouallem
Small beach, but very few people (probably because it's rather difficult to get to). The black sand is beautiful and there's even a nice shaded area by the cliff side. If you're on this side of the island and are looking for a peaceful black sand beach I would highly recommend this one.
Esther Haine
A peaceful, private black sand beach to relax and swim for a couple of hours or half a day. Recommend bringing parasol (as it gets super hot), chairs and drinks to hydrate yourself 🏝
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Snorkel gear rental (4 sets) | USD 140 |
| Boat snorkeling tour (family) | USD 460 |
| Total Estimated | USD 600 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to 49 Black Sand Beach
- Arrive early: Get your parking pass and avoid crowds by arriving before 10 AM.
- Bring your own gear: Pack snorkels, masks, and life vests to save rental time.
- Supervise tide pools: Stay close to kids and guide them around sharp rocks during tide-pool hunts.
Map of 49 Black Sand Beach
Address: 49 Black Sand Beach, Waikoloa Beach Resort, HI 96738, USA
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