Honokalani Black Sand Beach
by Regan Keen
LOCATION
Maui, Hawaii
North America
20.78 N, 155.99 W
TYPE OF BEACH
active: this island is located closer to the inside of a plate not close to any tectonic activity, but the Hawaiian island is on a hotspot, making it active
secondary: it's features are created by volcanic forces
submergent: the Hawaiian islands have been sinking relative to sea level, and could soon disappear completely
FEATURES
BLACK SAND BEACHES
volcanic eruptions created black cinder and volcanic rock that mixed together to make this black colored sand.
SPRING-FED SEA CAVES
water erosion created caves within the cliffs, many of which are spring-fed.
ROCK ARCHES
wave erosion created sea arches and rock formations like this one all around the beaches in the shallow water.
WHAT HONOKALANI IS KNOWN FOR
Honokalani Black Sand beach is located in the Wai'anapanapa State Park, which directly translates to "glistening water." People come from all over the world to take photos on the black sand beach found between two lava cliffs, swim in the warm freshwater pools, and explore the caves inside the cliffs.