One Of The World's Only Red Sand Beaches Is Right Here In Hawaii
By Megan Shute|Published January 29, 2017
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
Located almost in the heart of Hana town, on the eastern coast of Maui, is one of the few red sand beaches in the world. The breathtaking Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach is one of the most incredible wonders you’ll see in your lifetime, and an absolute must-visit, as long as you are accustomed to navigating cliff edges with less-than-perfect footing.
Striking red sand and a rugged shoreline meet the bright blue waves of the Pacific Ocean in one of the most incredible landscapes you’ll experience.
The crescent-shaped beach is carved into the Ka’uiki cinder cone, whose rust red lava cinder cliffs give the beach its iconic red sand. The cinder cone is constantly eroding, slowly increasing the size of the cove over time - but yet, somehow, the erosion seems to happen vertically, making for one of the most dramatic scenes you'll find in Hawaii.
Partially shielded from the rough ocean by an offshore reef, Kaihalulu is mostly protected from large waves by a black seawall jutting out from the ocean floor.
Kaihalulu is extremely isolated - you’ll have to access the stunning cove via a short, dangerous, and overgrown cliff-side trail. The trail crosses over private property, and follows a ridgeline high above the ocean. The path itself is steep, narrow, and often slippery due to the crumbling cinder and ironwood needles.
The only other red sand beaches I can find mention of throughout the world include Cavendish Beach, on Prince Edward Island in Canada, and Kokkini Beach found in Santorini, Greece.
