Manini Beach

Big Island is geologically young; the lava is not yet pulverized by the ocean into sand or eroded by the weather (and decomposing organisms!) into dirt. Most of this island is still covered in these lava rocks, including the shoreline.

Contrary to the popular belief, Hawai'i is not all pristine sandy beaches. Many beaches on Big Island are made of these black lava rock and have no sand at all. The closest beach to us is about 3 miles down the mountain and is one of these rocky beaches. Manini (“Skinny”) Beach isn't really a good place to swim, but it's lovely picnic area with ornamental dragon fruit growing over a short path to a great rocky view of the ocean. The snorkeling is supposed to decent but is safe only for the advanced, so we haven't tried it. Across the beach is Kealakekua Bay, a great kayak launch.