Hawaii is undoubtedly known for its incredible beaches and more than 750 miles of magnificent shoreline. However, not all beaches are created equal: from Oahu’s Hanauma Bay to Maui’s Kaihalulu Beach, there are several beach gems to uncover. One such hidden gem is found on the island of Kauai, tucked away in a Hanapepe industrial area, near Port Allen Harbor: this is Kauai’s Glass Beach, and it is covered with millions of sea glass pebbles in brilliant hues of aqua, blue and brown. Come and check out this gorgeous sea glass beach in Hawaii.

The glass found at this beach was mainly created from broken bottles and auto glass that was dumped years ago, and subsequently smoothed by time and ocean tides.
Eric Lin/Flickr
Fun fact: it takes the ocean approximately 10 to 30 years to create each piece of frosted sea glass.
library_dragon/Flickr
More than a century ago, it was decided that, for whatever reason, this stretch of beach would serve as a dumping site for many of Kauai’s discarded items, from old cars and large metal structures to windows, bottles, and other junk.
Eric Lin/Flickr
Over the course of several years, the ocean has worked its magic and covered the beach in tiny pebbles of sea glass.
Pat McGrath/Flickr
Partly the product of trash dumping, and partly the product of a unique geological structure known as the Swiss Cheese Shoreline, the Glass Beach is truly a sight to behold. The Swiss Cheese Shoreline’s hole-filled lava rocks work as the anvil upon which the waves smashed discarded glass, creating the beach’s iconic sea glass. It's a great place for beachcombing in Hawaii.
Chris D 2006/Flickr
Like the glass beaches found in California, this Hawaii beach is home to far less sea glass than decades before - mainly due to travelers picking up the sea glass as a souvenir - but it is still worth a visit if you can find it.
Adam Rose/Flickr
You won’t find many guidebooks leading visitors to this magnificent stretch of coastline, nor are there any signs leading visitors to the beach, but it is heaven for lovers of sea glass.
Steve Corey/Flickr
Glass Beach simply proves that one man’s trash can become another man’s treasure - with more than 10 years and the powerful Pacific Ocean.
Pat McGrath/Flickr
Because of the beach’s rock-bottom and unhygienic history, it’s advised that you do not enter the water here. But it is worth adding this beach to your list of day trips in Hawaii.
Kanaka Rastamon/Flickr

To ensure the enjoyment of this sea glass beach in Hawaii for years to come, please refrain from taking the sea glass home as souvenirs of your travels – photographs will do just fine, and don’t take up space in your luggage. If you’d rather spend your beach day swimming, check out these 22 epic Hawaii beaches.

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Sea Glass Beach In Hawaii

Melissa M. | June 13, 2021

Where are the best places for beachcombing in Hawaii?

Do you love finding hidden treasures in the sand? With hundreds of miles of coastline, you can find in Hawaii, it’s not only a paradise but a beachcomber’s paradise! Lucky for us, there’s one beach in Hawaii that is one of the best places for finding seashells in the country. Hidden away along Kaui’s north shore you’ll find Tunnels Beach where you can find plenty of puka shells. Along the Big Island’s Kohala Coast is another great place for beachcombing called Spencer Beach Park where you'll discover many gorgeous little shells among the soft white sand. 

What are some of the best day trips in Hawaii?

With several Hawaiian islands, there’s a lot to explore, and day trips provide the best opportunities to do so. In western Oahu, the Leeward Coast offers pristine white sand and mountain views, providing a wonderful place to spend the day and relax. Close to Pearl Harbor, Makua Cave, and other attractions, there are plenty of other locations to see in the area if you don’t want to spend all day at the beach. Another incredible place to visit is Kualoa Ranch, a nature preserve and cattle ranch with plenty of adventure to fill your day. Here you can go zip lining, horseback riding, take an ATV tour, go on a catamaran cruise, and so much more!

What is the best beach in Hawaii?

With some of the best beaches in the world, it’s a bit hard to pick which is the best one in Hawaii. However, one, in particular, has been named the best beach in the country by the famous Dr. Beach. Hāpuna State Park Beach on Hawaii Island not only has a pristine stretch of sand and crystal clear waters to swim in during low tide but also several amenities. You can also rent one of several A-frame shelters and spend the night here if you choose. 

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