1. Punaluu, Hawaii
Located in the rural community of the Ko'olauloa District on the island of O'ahu City & County of Honolulu, Hawaii, United States, this is one of the most famous black sand beaches in Hawaii and is the perfect spot to see the protected honu - the Hawaiian green sea turtles.
2. Vik, Iceland
Located 110 miles from the capital, this famous black sand beach on the south was created by lava flowing into the glacier, Myrdalsjokull centuries ago. The beach is surrounded by the majestic highlands, the escarpment and the mysterious basalt dome. Vik beach has also been recognized as one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world and is also considered to be a haven for millions of birds.
3. Black Sands Beach, California
This beach is located on the coast of California which stretches for about 80 miles. It is surrounded by mountain peaks and Redwood forests. This is not the type of beach that attracts many tourists though. Rather than going for a swim here, most people prefer to go for a walk and take photos of the picturesque scenery. In the winter, the beach becomes a great destination for those who love to surf.
4. Kehena Beach - Hawaii
Black sandy beaches come in the dozens in Hawaii. Located in the Puna district, this small beach is considered to have the most beautiful black sand. It is a great sight to spot dolphins too! The waves tend to be pretty strong though, so most people head to the beach simply to enjoy the sand and the pleasant weather.
5. Prince William Sound, Alaska
This beach is located about 60 miles away from Anchorage. It is surrounded by rivers, icebergs and waterfalls, as well as luscious green hills, and is home to hundreds of wild birds. This beach is just the spot to go kayaking.
6. Cahuita, Costa Rica
About 27 miles from Puerto Limon, the black sand beach, Playa Negra is an ideal spot for swimming (its waters are blue and its sand is smooth), walking, fishing and boating. The beach has received numerous awards for clean water ecology, natural resource management and environmental protection.
7. Santo Domingo, Albay, Philippine
Albay, located in the Philippines is home to many black sand beaches, but this is the most beautiful. The black sand contrasts with the luscious green trees and cool blue waters. It certainly is a breathtaking spot to see.
8. Point Venus, Tahiti
This world-renowned island with black sand beaches earned its name when the expedition of Captain James Cook chose this island as its home in order to observe the planet Venus as it passes through the Earth and the sun.
9. Anse Chastanet Resort, St. Lucia
St Lucia is a Caribbean destination for travelers who are looking for both adventure and relaxation. At this magnificent beach you can explore the rainforest, as well as the scenic mountains and waterfalls. The sand particles here range from white to gold and black, contrasting sharply with the clear water of the Caribbean.
10. Langkawi Island, Malaysia
Though not completely black, the sand here is a mix between black and white. It is believed that the black sand is connected to the legend of Garuda, a humanoid bird who kidnapped and fell in love with a Chinese princess. Though her heart belonged to a Roman prince. It is said that the two fought for her love in this spot and the black sand are remnants of this war.
