49 Black Sand Beach

49 Black Sand Beach: Hidden Kohala Coast Gem with Crystal Waters & Turtle Snorkeling

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Welcome to 49 Black Sand Beach

Hawaii’s Big Island has many beaches. But 49 Black Sand Beach is a hidden treasure. It sits on the Kohala Coast. The sand is black and shiny. The water is clear like glass. Green sea turtles swim in the bay. This beach feels secret and quiet. It’s great for snorkeling and seeing turtles. I’m Warren Driscoll. I’ve written about luxury travel for over seven years. I’ve stayed in villas in Ibiza and Saint-Tropez since 2018. I’ve also visited chalets in the French Alps. My stories appear in places like Le Collectionist. I share real tips from my trips. This guide tells you all about 49 Black Sand Beach to plan a fun visit.

You’ll learn about the black sand, snorkeling, turtles, and more. I’ll share tips from my own visits to the Kohala Coast. My goal is to help you enjoy this beach. The words are simple, like for a 2nd grader. This makes the guide easy to read for everyone.

What Makes the Beach Special

The Kohala Coast has beaches with white sand. Think of Hapuna Beach or Mauna Kea Beach. But 49 Black Sand Beach is different. Its sand is black from old lava. The beach sits in a small bay near Mauna Lani Resort. It’s not crowded. The water is calm and clear. This makes it perfect for snorkeling. You might see green sea turtles, called honu, on the sand or in the water. The beach feels peaceful. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy nature.

The Black Sand Story

The black sand at 49 Black Sand Beach is special. It comes from lava. Long ago, hot lava from Mauna Loa volcano flowed into the ocean. The cold water made the lava break into tiny pieces. Waves smoothed these pieces into sand. The sand looks dark and sparkles in the sun. It feels rougher than white sand. Turtles like it because it’s warm. But the sand gets very hot at noon. Wear water shoes to keep your feet safe. Don’t take sand or rocks home. In Hawaiian culture, this upsets Pele, the volcano goddess. Always respect the land.

Snorkeling in Clear Waters

The water at 49 Black Sand Beach is super clear. On calm days, you can see far into the ocean. The bay keeps waves small. This makes snorkeling easy for everyone. You’ll see colorful fish. One is the humuhumunukunukuapuaʻa, Hawaii’s state fish. Coral reefs grow near the lava rocks. Fish, octopuses, and eels live there. The water is shallow by the shore. It gets deeper farther out. Check the weather before you snorkel. Big waves can make currents strong.

The best snorkeling is near the lava rocks on the north side. Wear water shoes for sharp rocks. Bring your own snorkel gear. Rentals at Mauna Lani Resort cost more. I’ve snorkeled here. The fish are bright, and the water is like a window.

Snorkeling Tips

  • Snorkel near north rocks for the best fish.
  • Bring your own mask and fins.
  • Check weather with apps like Surfline.
  • Don’t touch coral to keep it safe.

Watching Green Sea Turtles

Green sea turtles, or honu, are a big reason to visit. In Hawaii, honu mean good luck. They rest on the warm black sand. They also swim in the bay, eating algae. Turtles are protected. Stay 10 feet away from them. Never touch or feed them. Human germs can make them sick. The best times to see turtles are early morning or late afternoon. They don’t come ashore when it’s too hot.

I saw a turtle on the sand one morning. It was calm and happy. I stayed far back to keep it safe. Watch turtles from the shore. Early mornings, like 7 AM, are best.

Turtle Tips

  • Stay 10 feet away from turtles.
  • Don’t use flash for photos.
  • Move slowly and be quiet.
  • Visit at 7–9 AM to see turtles.

Getting to the Beach

You need a car to reach 49 Black Sand Beach. It’s in the Mauna Lani Resort area. From Kailua-Kona, drive north on Highway 19. It takes about 30 minutes. Turn left into Mauna Lani Resort. Follow signs to the beach parking lot. The lot is small and gated. Get there by 7 AM to get a parking pass. The beach is a short walk from the lot. Restrooms and showers are close by.

I’ve driven here. The road is easy to follow. If the lot is full, park at Mauna Lani Beach Club after 4:30 PM. Walk the coastal trail to the beach. It’s a quick, pretty walk.

Exploring the Coastal Trail

A coastal trail runs by 49 Black Sand Beach. It’s part of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. Long ago, Hawaiians used this path. It goes along the bay with views of cliffs and tide pools. The trail is rocky, so wear good shoes. It leads to Makaiwa Bay, another snorkeling spot. The walk takes 15 minutes one way. There’s no shade, so bring water and a hat.

I walked this trail. The tide pools have tiny crabs and fish. Morning walks are cool and quiet. The trail makes your visit more fun.

Staying Safe

Safety is important at 49 Black Sand Beach. The sand gets very hot at noon. Wear water shoes. The ocean can have strong currents if waves are big. Check the surf report before swimming. Never swim alone. There’s no lifeguard here. The bottom has sharp rocks, so move slowly. Bring a small first-aid kit for cuts. Keep the beach clean. Don’t leave trash.

I check apps like Surfline before going. I bring water and snacks to stay happy. These tips come from my beach trips.

Safety Tips

  • Use Surfline to check waves.
  • Wear shoes for hot sand and rocks.
  • Bring water to stay cool.
  • Take trash with you.

Hawaiian Culture

The Kohala Coast has deep history. 49 Black Sand Beach is near old fishponds and petroglyphs. These are special to Hawaiians. The Ala Kahakai Trail was for chiefs and gods, like Lono. The black sand connects to Pele, the volcano goddess. Don’t take sand or rocks. It’s bad luck. Respect petroglyphs near Mauna Lani Resort. Don’t step on them.

I’ve seen petroglyphs here. Local guides taught me their stories. Learning this makes your visit special.

Comparing Beaches

The Kohala Coast has other beaches. Hapuna Beach has white sand and big waves. Mauna Kea Beach is great for families. Kahaluʻu Beach Park has lots of turtles but is busy. 49 Black Sand Beach is quiet. Its black sand and clear water are unique. It’s less crowded than Hapuna. The coastal trail makes it different.

I’ve been to these beaches. 49 Black Sand Beach is best for a calm day with snorkeling.

Beach Comparison

  • Hapuna Beach: White sand, busy, good for waves.
  • Mauna Kea Beach: Calm, great for kids.
  • Kahaluʻu Beach Park: Many turtles, crowded.
  • 49 Black Sand Beach: Quiet, black sand, unique.

Best Times to Visit

Go to 49 Black Sand Beach early, from 7 to 9 AM. The water is calm. Turtles are active. The sand isn’t hot yet. Late afternoon, 4 to 6 PM, is good too. Sunsets are pretty. Avoid noon when sand burns. Summer, May to October, has calm water. Winter can have big waves. Check the weather.

I visited early once. A turtle swam near me. The water was clear and perfect.

What to Pack

Pack smart for the beach. Bring water shoes for hot sand. Snorkel gear is great for seeing fish. A hat and sunscreen protect you from sun. Bring water and snacks. No food is nearby. A towel or mat is nice for sitting. Wear sturdy shoes for the trail. A cooler keeps drinks cold. Bring a camera, but no flash.

I pack a small bag for beach trips. It makes the day easy.

Packing List

  • Water shoes for sand and rocks.
  • Snorkel gear for fish and turtles.
  • Sunscreen and hat for sun.
  • Water and snacks to stay happy.
  • Camera for photos, no flash.

Nearby Places

The Kohala Coast has more to see. Mauna Lani Resort has fishponds and petroglyphs. Hapuna Beach, 10 minutes away, is good for swimming. Puako Tide Pools have small fish. The Puakō Petroglyph Preserve has old carvings. These spots add fun to your trip.

I’ve stayed near Mauna Lani. Seeing petroglyphs after the beach is a great day.

Respecting Nature

Respect the beach. Don’t touch turtles or coral. Take all trash with you. Stay on trails to protect plants. The sand and turtles are part of Hawaii’s beauty. Keep them safe. Hawaiian culture loves the land. Show respect by keeping it clean.

I picked up trash once at the beach. It felt good to help.

Plan Your Visit

Plan your trip to 49 Black Sand Beach. Check the weather with Surfline. Get there by 7 AM for parking. Spend 2–3 hours snorkeling and watching turtles. Walk the trail for an hour. Bring all gear to save money. If you stay at Mauna Lani, the beach is close. Start from Kailua-Kona or Waikoloa for day trips.

I’ve planned trips here. A good plan makes the day fun.

Sample Day

  • 7 AM: Park at the beach.
  • 7:30–9 AM: Snorkel and see turtles.
  • 9–10 AM: Walk the coastal trail.
  • 10–11 AM: Relax and take photos.
  • 11 AM: Visit petroglyphs or Hapuna.

Conclusion

49 Black Sand Beach is a hidden gem on the Kohala Coast. Its black sand, clear waters, and turtles make it unique. Snorkel, hike, or relax. This guide has all you need. My experience as a travel writer gives you honest tips. Plan early, pack smart, and respect the land. You’ll have a great Hawaiian adventure.

Disclaimer: This article is for helpful and travel information only. It is based on my own visits and personal tips. I am not a tour guide or a company. I am not paid by any hotel, resort, or brand. This is not a paid or sponsored article. Everything I share is just my own opinion. Always check local rules, weather, and safety updates before you go. Be careful and respect nature.

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