One Of The World S Only Red Sand Beaches Is Right Here In Hawaii

Located almost in the heart of Hana town, on the eastern coast of Maui, is one of the few red sand beaches in the world. The breathtaking Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach is one of the most incredible wonders you’ll see in your lifetime, and an absolute must-visit, as long as you are accustomed to navigating cliff edges with less-than-perfect footing.

Striking red sand and a rugged shoreline meet the bright blue waves of the Pacific Ocean in one of the most incredible landscapes you’ll experience.

Keet B./Yelp

Add in the stunning black sea wall and lush ironwood trees, and you’ve got yourself a dreamy picture you almost won’t believe is real.

Paul Bica/Flickr

Matt McGee/Flickr

The crescent-shaped beach is carved into the Ka’uiki cinder cone, whose rust red lava cinder cliffs give the beach its iconic red sand. The cinder cone is constantly eroding, slowly increasing the size of the cove over time - but yet, somehow, the erosion seems to happen vertically, making for one of the most dramatic scenes you’ll find in Hawaii.

Forest and Kim Starr/Flickr

Partially shielded from the rough ocean by an offshore reef, Kaihalulu is mostly protected from large waves by a black seawall jutting out from the ocean floor.

Marissa C./Yelp

Kaihalulu is extremely isolated - you’ll have to access the stunning cove via a short, dangerous, and overgrown cliff-side trail. The trail crosses over private property, and follows a ridgeline high above the ocean. The path itself is steep, narrow, and often slippery due to the crumbling cinder and ironwood needles.

De S./Yelp

Local establishments have gone as far as refusing directions to customers because so many get injured on the hike to and from the stunning beach.

Ashley Bischoff/Flickr

Perhaps because the beach is so isolated and difficult to reach, many visitors also seem to think the Kaihalulu is clothing optional.

Kristin E./Yelp

The only other red sand beaches I can find mention of throughout the world include Cavendish Beach, on Prince Edward Island in Canada, and Kokkini Beach found in Santorini, Greece.