Honomalino Beach
Discover Honomalino Beach, a secluded black sand paradise reached by a scenic hike, offering dramatic lava formations and uncrowded tranquility.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Honomalino Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Honomalino Beach, a secluded black sand paradise reached by a scenic hike, offering dramatic lava formations and uncrowded tranquility.
"Well worth the hike to this idyllic and off-the-beaten-path beach. "
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Closed-toe shoes are essential for the hike over lava rock and thorny keawe groves.
💧 Check Tide Charts
A short wet stretch is common at high tide; low tide makes the hike easier.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Secluded Black Sand Beach
Miloli'i Beach Park Trailhead
Discover a pristine, uncrowded black sand beach with stunning lava formations. Perfect for a peaceful escape.
Coastal Hike Adventure
Trail from Miloli'i Beach Park
Enjoy a scenic 20-25 minute trek over varied terrain, including beach and lava rock, to reach this hidden gem.
Strong Waves & Ocean Views
Honomalino Beach
Experience the raw beauty of the Pacific with powerful waves crashing on the shore. Great for observing nature's force.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respect Private Property & Local Access
Hike Smart: Footwear & Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Closed-toe shoes are essential for the hike over lava rock and thorny keawe groves.
💧 Check Tide Charts
A short wet stretch is common at high tide; low tide makes the hike easier.
Staying a week in Captain Cook for snorkeling/hiking?
🚶♀️ Start at Miloli'i Park
Park at Miloli'i Beach Park and find the black and white trailhead sign.
🤫 Respect Private Property
Be mindful of locals and new rules; stick to the marked trail.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Closed-toe shoes are essential for the hike over lava rock and thorny keawe groves.
💧 Check Tide Charts
A short wet stretch is common at high tide; low tide makes the hike easier.
🚶♀️ Start at Miloli'i Park
Park at Miloli'i Beach Park and find the black and white trailhead sign.
🤫 Respect Private Property
Be mindful of locals and new rules; stick to the marked trail.
🌊 Enjoy the Waves
The beach has strong waves, great for watching but be cautious if swimming.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Honomalino Beach is a hidden gem offering a secluded black sand experience with a rewarding coastal hike. Visitors praise its uncrowded nature and dramatic lava formations, but caution is advised regarding private property access and the challenging hike. +1
"Really nice hike along the coast here from Milolii— but be careful of the locals who don't seem to appreciate visitors walking on their land. At one point you need to wade through the water. But it is well worth it to get to this idyllic and off-the-beaten-path beach. We did see a few 4x4s so there must be a dirt track, but the walk was really nice."
Adam Rogers
"The beach is on private property! It is not allowed to drive trough there without upsetting locals. They take really good care that no one drives trough and they do have new rules since Dec 2023 they said. The road on Google Maps is wrong! Go to the Miloli‘I Beach Park instead. But parking there is only allowed if you stay at this beach!"
Marilyn Haese
"Really enjoyed this beach. Not many people. Have to hike about 20 mins from the beach park through some beach/water, over lava rock and under trees and such(Sneakers til the beach is a good idea). Good place to swim. Definitely worth the hike."
Jeff Brown
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The best approach is to park at Miloli'i Beach Park and follow the marked trailhead. The hike is about 20-25 minutes. Avoid attempting to drive on private roads, as this can upset locals and is subject to new rules. +1
Parking is available at Miloli'i Beach Park. Access to the beach itself is via a hike, not direct vehicle access from the south due to gated roads.
The hike is moderately challenging, involving walking on sand, lava rock, and through some vegetation. You may need to wade through water at certain points, especially at high tide.
Direct driving access is generally not permitted and can lead to conflict with locals. The recommended access is via the hike from Miloli'i Beach Park.
While some reviews mention 4x4s, the road approach from the south is likely gated, and it's best to rely on the hike from Miloli'i Beach Park to avoid trespassing.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission fees or tickets required for Honomalino Beach. Access is free, but respecting private property is crucial.
The primary restriction is respecting private property. Stick to the designated trail from Miloli'i Beach Park and be aware of local customs and any new rules implemented.
There are no official opening or closing hours. It's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to enjoy the hike and beach.
While it's a beautiful destination, the beach is situated on private property. Access is granted via a trail, and visitors are expected to be respectful.
Locals mentioned new rules were in place as of December 2023, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the marked trail and respecting private land.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy the secluded black sand beach, observe the strong waves, explore lava formations to the south, and take in the natural beauty. It's a great spot for relaxation and appreciating the rugged coastline.
The waves at Honomalino Beach can be strong, making it more suitable for experienced swimmers or for observing the ocean's power rather than casual swimming.
Honomalino Beach features beautiful, coarse black sand, characteristic of volcanic coastlines in Hawaii.
One of the main draws of Honomalino Beach is its lack of crowds. You're likely to encounter few other visitors, possibly having the entire beach to yourself.
While not explicitly mentioned in reviews, coastal areas in Hawaii often host marine life visible from shore, and you might spot seabirds.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic black sand, the rugged lava formations, and the powerful ocean waves. The secluded nature of the beach also offers great opportunities for landscape and nature photography.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful dramatic effects on the black sand and lava rocks. Consider the tide for interesting wave shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastline and lava formations. A polarizing filter can help manage glare from the water and enhance colors.
The contrast between the black sand, the blue ocean, and the volcanic rock formations provides unique visual elements. Keep an eye out for interesting patterns in the sand and rocks.
Drone regulations can vary. Always check current FAA and local park rules before flying a drone. Respect any posted signage regarding drone usage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Adventure Seekers & Hikers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hike to Honomalino Beach
This hike offers a sense of exploration and rewards you with a feeling of discovery as you approach the secluded beach. The varied landscape provides interesting visual elements along the way, making the trek enjoyable for those who appreciate a bit of an outdoor challenge. It's a great way to earn your time relaxing on this beautiful, off-the-beaten-path destination.
Understanding Local Access and Respect
This emphasis on respecting private property is a common theme in many Hawaiian communities. By being mindful and following established access points, you contribute to maintaining positive relationships between visitors and locals. This ensures that beautiful, less-trafficked spots like Honomalino Beach can continue to be enjoyed responsibly by future visitors.
Experiencing the Coastal Environment
To the south of the main beach area, you'll find impressive lava formations that add to the rugged allure of the coastline. These formations offer interesting geological features and can be a focal point for exploration. The combination of the black sand, the energetic waves, and the volcanic rock creates a unique and memorable natural setting.
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