Unlocking the Mystery of Hawaii’s Rainbow Colored Beaches
Rainbows are a common sight here in Hawaii, and not just on the ground. The Paradise of the Pacific is also known for its multi-colored beaches. Sure, our gold and white sand beaches are the stuff that postcards are made of, but it’s our red, black, and even green beaches that are the real show stoppers!
Our rainbow colored beaches are just one of the many natural wonders that make Hawaii so unique. While colored beaches can be found in various locations around the world, there are more of them in Hawaii than anywhere else. So what is it that gives Hawaii such a colorful variety of sand to sink your toes in to? In a nutshell, it’s all about the volcanoes that gave birth to our beautiful state and the various minerals contained in the rock, cinders, and lava formations. Today’s post intends to break down the mystery behind our colored beaches and fill you in on where to find them.
Red Sand – There are only a handful of red sand beaches in the world and Kaihalulu on Maui is one of them! The sand is a deep red thanks to Ka’uiki’s cinders. It is the high iron content which turns red when oxidized that gives the rocks and sand their beautiful red hue.
Black Sand – Black sand beaches are made from small particles of volcanic glass. Formed by lava flowing in to the ocean and cooling to a sleek black glass as it hits the cold water, black sand beaches are made up of shattered and eroded particles of volcanic glass, also known as obsidian. While there are many beaches throughout the Hawaiian chain with black sand, only a few are considered true black sand beaches because of their high concentrations of volcanic glass. One of Hawaii’s most popular black sand beaches is Punaluu Beach located just outside Naalehu on the Big Island.
Green Sand – Papakolea Beach on Hawaii’s Big Island is one of only four green sand beaches in the world. The Pu’u Mahana cinder cone on the bay’s edge is high in olivine content which is known in gem circles as peridot. As the cinder cone continues to collapse and erode, the olivine is further broken down by the ocean in to the small particles which make up the beach.
Although Hawaii’s landscape is already rich in vibrant colors thanks to its crystal blue waters and lush flora and fauna, you can always add a little more color to your vacation photos by visiting one of our beautiful colored beaches! Aloha!
We had a wonderful time at Sail Away and I recommended Hawaii Hideaway to dozens of people. You were a delight to work with and I will definitely use you again the next time we rent a home in the islands.
Roseville, CA
Like a Dream
Bliss doesn’t even describe our experience. It was almost like a dream. We are ready to do this again with Hawaii Hideaways – you guys are the best. Everything was perfect!!!
Amarillo, TX
Outstanding Experience From Beginning to End
It was in an outstanding experience from beginning to end, I would work with Hawaii hideaways again in the future unquestionably. Sunny Madeiros was terrific with her recommendations of everything from leisure activities to restaurants and even equipment rentals.
Coral Gables, FL
Perfect Combination of Elegance and Comfort
First time to Maui (and Hawaii). This is a spectacular setting and the home is a perfect combination of elegance and comfort. I could stay on the lanai all day long and be happy. Of course there’s a ton of fun activities, but it was great to have Gull Cottage as our base to come back to!
Arlington Heights, IL
You’re Going to Want to Stay
Our family spent a splendid week in Kauai in early 2017, basing ourselves out of the Touching Green house. It’s in a great location, has everything you need, and is just lovely. The pictures don’t do it justice. You’re going to want to stay!
We had a wonderful time in Kauai! We remained in awe at the unimaginable beauty, both of the rental home, as well as Kauai itself. It will be a treasured memory for life. I hope we can come back and make more memories.