While each state in America is distinctive in its geography and appearance, Hawaii is perhaps the most unique in all of America. One of the many things that set Hawaii apart from the crowd is the stunning beaches that populate the islands, particularly the colored sand beaches. From black and green sand beaches on the Big Island to Maui’s magnificent red sand beach, the colored sand beaches in Hawaii will leave you speechless.

1. Punaluu Beach
Steve Cadman/Flickr
Nestled between Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Naalehu town on the Big Island, Punaluu is perhaps Hawaii’s most famous black sand beach, and is a popular haven for honu to relax.
2. Kaihalulu Beach
Tim Lumley/Flickr
Located south of Hana Bay on the eastern coast of Maui, Kaihalulu is one of only a few red sand beaches in the entire world. You’ll have to access the stunning beach via an overgrown cliff-side trail and the water can be pretty rough, but really, the views — and photo opp — make it worth a trip.
3. Wainapanapa Beach
Deepti Hari/Flickr
Located just outside Maui’s famous Hana, this beach has so much more to offer than hauntingly beautiful black sand made up of smooth lava pebbles — visitors can view a blowhole, enjoy the boardwalk path along the coast, and explore fresh water pools and lava tubes.
4. Papakolea Beach
David J Laporte/Flickr
Located on the southern tip of the Big Island, Papakolea Beach is one of only four green sand beaches in the world. The green hue comes from olivine, a mineral and common component of Hawaiian lava. Because olivine is denser than other minerals, it accumulates on the shoreline naturally — creating a green-hued beach unlike any other in Hawaii.

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5. Papohaku Beach
Patrick McNally/Flickr
So, maybe orange sand isn’t as exotic as black or green, but Papohaku Beach, located on Molokai’s western tip, is worthy of a visit simply because it is so secluded — and there’s no beating the sand’s orange hue when the sun sets.
6. Awahua Beach
Dave Hertzenberg/Facebook
Located on the northern peninsula of Molokai, Awahua maintains a black appearance because it is comprised of detrital sand, a type of sandstone derived from pre-existing rocks. This beach is inaccessible — unless, of course, you hike or take a mule as part of a tour group visiting Kalaupapa, the historic leprosy colony on the island.
7. Halawa Beach Park
John Hyun/Flickr
At the end of Kamehameha Highway on Molokai is this beautiful black and white sand beach. Do you notice a trend here? I think we all need to head to Molokai to truly experience Hawaii’s magnificent colored beaches.
8. Kailua Beach
Craig/Flickr
Yeah, yeah, yeah — white isn’t technically a color, but the magnificent sand found at Oahu’s famous Kailua beach is truly second to none. The fine white sand found at Kailua Beach Park contains coral, shell fragments, and other organic material.

How many of these stunning colored sand beaches in Hawaii have you visited? Which is your favorite? Share your opinions in the comments, then head on to Facebook to join our Hawaii Nature Lovers group and share your Hawaii beach photographs! And if you love black sand beaches most of all, check out these These 10 Black Sand Beaches In Hawaii That Will Leave You In Awe.

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Hawaii Beaches

| January 01, 1970

Are there any private beaches in Hawaii? 

Perhaps surprisingly, no! With the exception of certain federal government areas, all beaches in Hawaii are open to the public. According to the Hawaii Supreme Coart, any land below the highest wave line is considered state property and must be open to the public — lucky us!

How many beaches are there in Hawaii? 

We're not sure of the exact number, but the Hawaiian Islands are home to 750 miles of stunning coastline — putting the island state behind Alaska, Florida, and California when it comes to coastline length. And while among that coastline you will find countless rock formations and sea cliffs, the beaches are what truly matters. Hawaii is home to hundreds of phenomenal beaches just waiting to be explored. On Oahu alone, you will find more than 125 beaches dotting the coastline. It would take a lifetime of exploring to visit every single beach in Hawaii, but it's certainly one of our main life goals.

What are the most popular beaches in Hawaii? 

The most popular stretches of sand in Hawaii often front the state's best resort communities, including Waikiki on Oahu, Poipu on Kauai, and Ka'anapali on Maui. While these beaches are popular for their proximity to some of the most sought-after tourist destinations, they are also mighty gorgeous in their own way with fine, white sand and crystalline, turquoise waters.

What are the most remote beaches in Hawaii? 

While it's easy to argue that the smaller Hawaiian Islands are home to the state's most remote beaches, you'll find secluded stretches of sand across the state — including beaches like Mokuleia, which is an end-of-the-road destination on the island of Oahu as well as beaches like Kalalau, which is a small stretch of sand nestled along Kauai's Na Pali Coast that is only accessible via boat or an epic and dangerous 11-mile hiking trail.

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