Oneʻuli Black Sand Beach
Discover Maui's unique blackish-red sand beach, a secluded spot perfect for exploration, snorkeling, and stunning volcanic landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.
Oneʻuli Black Sand Beach
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Maui's unique blackish-red sand beach, a secluded spot perfect for exploration, snorkeling, and stunning volcanic landscapes.
"A beautiful, secluded beach with unique sand and great snorkeling, a true hidden gem. "
🚗 Avoid Low-Clearance Cars
The dirt road to the beach can be rough; opt for an SUV or 4x4. :car:
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The black sand gets extremely hot! Thick-soled shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Unique Black Sand
Experience the striking dark red and black volcanic sand, a beautiful contrast to the turquoise ocean.
Marine Life Encounters
Spot vibrant fish and sea turtles in the clear waters, making it a great spot for snorkeling.
Secluded Atmosphere
Enjoy a peaceful retreat away from the crowds, often frequented by locals.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Oneʻuli Black Sand Beach
Best Activities at Oneʻuli
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Avoid Low-Clearance Cars
The dirt road to the beach can be rough; opt for an SUV or 4x4. :car:
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The black sand gets extremely hot! Thick-soled shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
🤿 Water Shoes Recommended
Rocky areas and urchins make water shoes essential for safe exploration. :water_wave:
📸 Capture the Scenery
The unique sand and surrounding lava cliffs offer stunning photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Avoid Low-Clearance Cars
The dirt road to the beach can be rough; opt for an SUV or 4x4. :car:
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The black sand gets extremely hot! Thick-soled shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
🤿 Water Shoes Recommended
Rocky areas and urchins make water shoes essential for safe exploration. :water_wave:
📸 Capture the Scenery
The unique sand and surrounding lava cliffs offer stunning photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
📍 Look for the Turn-Off
The entrance is a small, unmarked turn-off from the main road. :round_pushpin:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique blackish-red sand and the secluded, local feel of Oneʻuli Beach. It's praised for its stunning scenery and opportunities for snorkeling with marine life. However, some caution that the beach isn't ideal for swimming due to rocks and urchins, and recommend sturdy footwear due to the hot sand and sharp lava.
"Super beautiful black sand beach! More like dark red spotted sand but beautiful regardless. Didn’t snorkel or anything, just walked around and it was still breathtaking."
Tina C
"Not a top beach spot so it’s not very crowded. Seems to be more of a locals spot. Sand is red and black. The cliff in the background is all red lava that’s slowly crumbling away. My son and I hiked up the ridge to the left. I’d suggest NOT doing this. The lava is extremely sharp and In some spots it’s unsafe to step on because it crumbles away underneath your step. Other parts were slippery from being wet.
We saw lots of fish and turtles in the water."
David Roth
"A small, secluded beach with unique blackish sand. There’s no entry fee, but it’s not ideal for swimming due to the many rocks. It’s a favorite spot for locals, who often relax here with their pickup trucks."
Artem Potapov
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Oneʻuli Black Sand Beach is located in South Maui, next to Makena Beach. Access involves a short drive down a rutted dirt road, so it's best to use a vehicle with higher clearance like an SUV or 4x4. Parking is very limited and the entrance can be an unmarked, small turn-off from the main road.
While Kihei is accessible by bus from Wailuku, reaching Oneʻuli Beach specifically via public transport might be challenging due to its secluded location and the dirt road access. Renting a car, preferably an SUV, is highly recommended for easier access.
From Kihei, it's a short drive to Oneʻuli Beach. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes by car. Be prepared for the dirt road portion of the drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entry fee for Oneʻuli Black Sand Beach, making it a great budget-friendly option for exploring Maui's unique coastline.
Oneʻuli Black Sand Beach does not have official operating hours. It is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, due to the dirt road access and limited parking, visiting during daylight is advisable for safety and convenience.
No advance booking or tickets are required for Oneʻuli Black Sand Beach as there is no entrance fee. It's a natural beach accessible to all.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Oneʻuli Beach is excellent for exploring the unique blackish sand, photography, and snorkeling. You can often spot fish and turtles in the water.
Hiking along the nearby ridge offers stunning views, but be cautious as the lava rock can be sharp and unstable.
While you can enter the water, Oneʻuli Beach is not ideal for swimming due to numerous rocks and small urchins hidden in rocky crevices. Confident swimmers might enjoy snorkeling, but caution is advised.
It's highly recommended to wear sturdy, thick-soled shoes as the black sand gets extremely hot. If you plan to enter the water, water shoes are a good idea to protect your feet from rocks and urchins.
There are no public facilities such as restrooms or showers at Oneʻuli Black Sand Beach. Visitors should come prepared and plan accordingly.
Oneʻuli Beach is generally not very crowded, often described as a local spot offering a more secluded and peaceful experience compared to more popular tourist beaches.
📸 📸 Photography
The unique blackish-red sand itself is a fantastic subject. The surrounding red lava cliffs offer dramatic backdrops, especially during golden hour. The contrast between the dark sand, vibrant ocean, and lush green vegetation is visually striking.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides beautiful warm light that enhances the colors of the sand and cliffs. Early mornings can also offer soft light and fewer people.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and cliff views. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water and enhance the colors.
Be mindful of the sharp lava rocks and unstable cliff edges when exploring for unique shots. Protect your gear from sand and saltwater spray.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Unique Landscape
While the beach is visually stunning, it's important to be aware of the terrain. The lava rock formations can be sharp and unstable, especially if wet.
Snorkeling and Marine Life
However, it's crucial to approach snorkeling here with caution. The beach has many rocks, and small urchins can be found hidden in crevices.
A Local's Perspective and Seclusion
The journey to the beach, involving a drive down a dirt road and through an unmarked gate, contributes to its hidden gem status.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit