49 Black Sand Beach (Honokaope Beach)

Inside the Mauna Lani Resort you have several options for beaches. One of the best beaches at Mauna Lani is 49 Black Sand Beach but if you don’t get a spot in the public parking lot (only about 20 cars) you’ll have a very long walk to get there. The solution is to get an early start on the day.

If you are not at the gated entrance by 9am you might not get a parking spot. The upside of all this is that if you do get a spot, this amazing small beach won’t be crowded while you’re there.

The sand at this beach is definitely darker than the other Mauna Lani beaches however if you look closely at it, the grains are made up of many colors which makes it look gray. The sand is coarse and feels good on the feet but it can get hot in the sun and there are large rocks in the sand to stub toes on so be aware.

Getting into the water here can be interesting depending on the level of the surf, mainly because it’s a steep sloping beach both in the water and out.

The snorkeling can be wonderful if the water is clear, especially out and to the left where there’s some good relief.

Fishermen’s Trail runs along the shore in both directions. To the south the trail starts from the parking lot and ascends up past a tennis court and along a lava field on the way to the shoreline and holes on the golf course. That section of the trail goes all the way to the Hilton Waikoloa. To the north the trail starts at the beach and goes along the shore of Honokaope Bay toward other beaches in Mauna Lani Resort (a long walk to those beaches). Both trails are very rugged so we recommend wearing good shoes if you want to explore.

To find 49 Black Sand Beach, head into Mauna Lani Resort and take the third/last exit from the roundabout. Follow this road (Kaniku Drive) and then take the second left onto Honokaope Place. At the entrance station you are hoping that they have not put out the “Beach Parking Full” sign. If not, you are good to go so ask for a parking pass and then drive to the end of the road. After parking, walk beyond the restrooms to the beach. If the parking lot for 49 is full, you can go to Mauna Lani Beach Club and take the Fishermen’s Trail for a 1.5 mile long twisty lava trek which gets you to 49 eventually.

Address

68-1107 Honokaope Pl
Waimea, HI 96743

Other Names

49s, Honoka'ope Bay Beach, Lulahala Point

Owner

Public

Pet Details

No dogs allowed

Fees

Free parking (limited spaces)

Activities

Swimming, Snorkeling, Sunbathing, Hiking

Amenities

Restrooms, Showers, Trails, Rock Arch