Weather: Located on the dry South Kohala Coast, 49 Black Sand Beach typically enjoys sunny skies and warm temperatures year-round. Mornings are ideal for calm water and fewer people, while afternoons can bring stronger winds and warmer sand.
Pack a Day Bag: Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, towel, swimsuit, flip-flops or water shoes, snorkel gear, and plenty of water. A light jacket or cover-up is helpful if you plan to stay into the breezy afternoon.
What to Wear: Lightweight beachwear is ideal. Water shoes or sandals with grip are recommended for walking across the small lava rocks and pebbly shoreline.
What to Bring: There are no food or drink vendors here, so pack your own snacks, lunch, and hydration. It's a peaceful beach perfect for a low-key picnic or quiet afternoon escape.
Phone Service: Cell reception is generally reliable in the area, though signal strength may vary depending on your carrier.
Bathrooms: There are no public restrooms or showers at the beach—plan accordingly.
Parking: Access is via a private gated entrance at Mauna Lani Resort. Tell the guard you're visiting 49 Black Sand Beach, and they will issue a beach access pass if public parking is still available. Spaces are limited, so arrive early.
Check-In Booth: There’s no check-in booth, but you must stop at the security gate for access and directions. Public entry is permitted but limited.
Photography: Cameras are welcome for non-commercial use. The black sand, turquoise water, and lava rock formations make this one of the most photogenic beaches on the island.
Accessible for Disability: This beach has limited accessibility. The path down includes uneven terrain and some stairs, which may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Meaning of the Name
The beach is traditionally known as Honokaope, which can be translated as “bay of the fishnet.” This name likely reflects the area’s historical use by Native Hawaiians for shoreline fishing and gathering, particularly with net fishing in the calm waters of the small cove. The more modern name, “49 Black Sand Beach,” comes from its location within the 49 Black Sand residential community in the Mauna Lani Resort area. Despite the development, the beach itself remains open to the public under Hawaiʻi’s shoreline access laws.
Geological Formation
Unlike other black sand beaches on the island—formed by new lava flows meeting the ocean—this beach is made up of fine black and dark green lava pebbles, not soft volcanic ash. The coloration comes from eroded lava rock over time, with a mix of olivine and basalt. This makes it one of the few black sand beaches on the Kohala Coast, which is otherwise dominated by white coral sand beaches.
Traditional Use and Surroundings
Honokaope Bay was historically part of the ʻAnaehoʻomalu ahupua‘a, a large coastal land division where Native Hawaiians practiced sustainable living through aquaculture, fishing, and dryland agriculture. The surrounding area includes:
Ancient lava rock trails
Petroglyph fields
Remnants of house platforms and fishing shrines
These features highlight the area’s importance as a resource-rich shoreline long before resort development.
Resort Development and Preservation
The Mauna Lani Resort was developed in the late 20th century, incorporating luxury residences and golf courses around Honokaope Bay. Despite being surrounded by private property, the beach remains publicly accessible thanks to state laws that protect shoreline access for everyone.
Local efforts and resort guidelines help ensure that the natural beauty and cultural features of the area are preserved, even as it sits within a residential enclave.
49 Black Sand Beach Today
Today, 49 Black Sand Beach is a hidden gem—known for:
Quiet, low crowds
Excellent snorkeling in calm conditions
Photogenic lava rock and dramatic coastal views
It remains a favorite for those seeking a more secluded, peaceful beach experience with a deep sense of place and history woven into the landscape.
