Is 49 Black Sand Beach Public? Your Definitive 2025 Access Guide

Last Updated: May 2025

Yes, is 49 black sand beach public, also known as Honoka’ope Beach, is open to the public. However, accessing it involves navigating through a private community gate with specific public access provisions. This guide provides everything you need to know about visiting this stunning black sand beach on Hawaii’s Big Island, from securing entry and parking to enjoying its unique volcanic shoreline responsibly.

The Short Answer: Yes, It’s Public (With a “But”)

is 49 black sand beach public. Like all Hawaiian shorelines, state law guarantees public access to this beautiful stretch of coast. The “but” comes in the form of its location within the private Mauna Lani Resort community, which means visitors must follow specific protocols to gain entry through the security gate and use the limited public parking.

Don’t let this deter you—the beach is well worth the extra effort, and this guide makes the process straightforward.

Understanding Public Access to Honoka’ope (49 Black Sand Beach)

The Mauna Lani Resort & Public Shoreline Access (Hawaii State Law)

Hawaii’s progressive shoreline access laws ensure that all beaches, even those fronting private properties and exclusive resorts, remain public land up to the high-water mark. This legal protection includes 49 Black Sand Beach, despite its location within the upscale Mauna Lani Resort area. For more on Hawaii’s laws regarding shoreline access and private property boundaries, visit the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program’s guide on public beach access rights.

The law requires that developers provide reasonable public access routes to shorelines—which is why the resort maintains public parking and access, though it’s limited by design.

The Gate: How Public Visitors Get In

To reach 49 Black Sand Beach, you’ll need to pass through the gated entrance to the private community. Here’s the current process:

1. Approach the security gate and inform the guard you’re visiting 49 Black Sand Beach
2. The guard will ask for ID and provide a temporary visitor pass
3. You’ll be directed to the designated public beach parking area
4. The guard will explain any time restrictions (typically dawn to dusk)

Insider Tip: Be polite and patient with security staff. They’re just doing their job, and your pleasant demeanor helps ensure continued good relations between the public and the resort community.

Is There an Access Code?

No, there is no public access code for the gate. Despite what you might read in outdated blogs, you cannot bypass security with a code. All public visitors must check in with the guard at the gate to receive a visitor pass for 49 Black Sand Beach.

The guard will provide clear directions to the public parking area and beach access path.

What if Public Parking is Full?

If you arrive and find the public parking area is at capacity:

• Option 1: Wait patiently nearby for a spot to open up (average wait time is 30-45 minutes during peak hours)
• Option 2: Return early the next morning (before 8:30 AM) or later in the afternoon (after 3:00 PM)
• Option 3: Visit another nearby beach for the day (see alternatives section below)

Important: Do not park in unauthorized areas or resident parking. Vehicles parked illegally may be ticketed or towed, and this jeopardizes public access for everyone.

Step-by-Step Directions to 49 Black Sand Beach Parking

Driving from North (e.g., Waimea)

1. Take Highway 19 (Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway) south
2. Turn right onto Mauna Lani Drive
3. Continue for approximately 1.5 miles
4. Look for the entrance to the Pauoa Beach Club on your right
5. Turn right and approach the security gate

Driving from South (e.g., Kona)

1. Take Highway 19 (Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway) north
2. Turn left onto Mauna Lani Drive
3. Continue for approximately 1.5 miles
4. Look for the entrance to the Pauoa Beach Club on your right
5. Turn right and approach the security gate

Navigating to the Security Gate

The entrance is marked by elegant stone pillars and landscaping. You’ll see a small security guard booth where you’ll need to stop and check in. Be prepared to provide your driver’s license or other ID when requesting beach access.

Look for signs that say “Pauoa Beach Club” or “49 Black Sand Beach Access.” If you reach the main Mauna Lani Hotel entrance, you’ve gone too far.

From the Gate to the Parking Lot

After checking in with security:

1. Follow the main road past luxury homes
2. Take the first right turn (there will be small brown “Beach Access” signs)
3. Continue approximately 0.4 miles
4. The public parking area will be on your left, marked with “Public Beach Parking” signage

The Walk from Parking to the Beach

From the parking lot:

1. Look for the marked footpath starting at the northwest corner of the lot
2. Follow the paved path for approximately 400 yards (366 meters)
3. The path leads through lava rock fields and native vegetation
4. You’ll see the distinctive black sand as you approach the shoreline
5. Total walking time: about 5-7 minutes at a leisurely pace

Accessibility Note: The path is relatively smooth but does have some uneven sections. It’s not ideal for wheelchairs or those with significant mobility challenges.

Parking at 49 Black Sand Beach: What You MUST Know

Number of Public Stalls

There are exactly 12 public parking stalls available for 49 Black Sand Beach visitors. This limited capacity is why planning your visit timing is crucial.

During weekends and holidays, these spots typically fill up by 9:30 AM and remain full until mid-afternoon.

Parking Pass System

When you check in at the security gate, you’ll receive a temporary parking pass that must be displayed on your dashboard. The pass will show:

• The current date
• Time of entry
• Vehicle license plate number
• Expected beach closure time (usually sunset)

Keep this pass visible at all times while parked to avoid any issues.

Best Times to Arrive for Parking

Based on local patterns and visitor reports, here are the optimal arrival windows:

Day Type	Best Arrival Time	Second Best	Avoid
Weekdays	7:30-8:30 AM	2:00-3:00 PM	10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Weekends	7:00-7:30 AM	3:30-4:30 PM	9:00 AM-3:00 PM
Holidays	Before 7:00 AM	After 4:00 PM	8:00 AM-4:00 PM

Overflow / Alternative Parking

There is no official overflow parking for is 49 black sand beach public. If the public lot is full, your options are:

• Wait patiently for a spot to open
• Visit at a different time
• Choose an alternative beach

Parking along roadways within the community is strictly prohibited and may result in towing at your expense.

What to Expect at 49 Black Sand Beach (Honoka’ope)

The Sand: Coarse, Beautiful Black Sand (and pebbles)

49 Black Sand Beach features distinctive dark volcanic sand mixed with small pebbles. The sand:

• Is coarser than typical white sand beaches
• Can get extremely hot during sunny days
• Creates striking contrast with the turquoise water
• Contains tiny olivine crystals that sometimes give it a greenish tint in certain light

Tip: Bring water shoes or sandals as the sand can be hot and occasionally rough on sensitive feet.

Water Conditions: Snorkeling, Swimming, Waves

Water conditions at 49 Black Sand Beach vary seasonally:

• Summer (May-October): Generally calm, excellent for swimming and snorkeling, with visibility often exceeding 50 feet
• Winter (November-April): Can experience larger swells, particularly on windy days

The beach has a relatively steep entry in some sections and a moderate underwater slope. The northern end typically offers the calmest waters for swimming.

Safety Alert: There are no lifeguards on duty at 49 Black Sand Beach. Always check conditions before entering the water, never swim alone, and use appropriate caution, especially during higher surf periods.

Marine Life

The reef area offshore from 49 Black Sand Beach hosts abundant marine life:

• Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) are frequently spotted
• Colorful tropical fish, including yellow tang, butterfly fish, and triggerfish
• Occasional dolphin pods visible from shore, especially in morning hours
• Coral formations approximately 30-50 yards offshore

Remember: It’s illegal to touch, chase, or harass sea turtles or marine mammals. Maintain a respectful distance of at least 10 feet from any turtles you encounter. For guidelines on viewing marine wildlife responsibly, refer to NOAA’s official page on Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles and marine life viewing etiquette.

Shade

Natural shade is extremely limited at 49 Black Sand Beach. The few palm trees present do not provide reliable shade throughout the day. Plan accordingly by:

• Bringing your own beach umbrella or sun shelter
• Wearing sun-protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat
• Using reef-safe sunscreen liberally and frequently
• Considering a mid-day break from direct sun exposure

Crowds

Due to the limited parking and somewhat restricted access, 49 Black Sand Beach typically enjoys more moderate crowds than some of the more famous Big Island beaches. However:

• Weekends can still get busy, especially between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM
• The beach rarely feels overcrowded due to its substantial length
• The northern end tends to be less populated than areas near the main access path

Amenities & Facilities

Restrooms

Yes, there are restroom facilities available for public use. Located approximately 100 yards from the beach access path, these facilities include:

• Two unisex toilet stalls
• One outdoor shower for rinsing
• Small changing area

The restrooms are maintained daily but can occasionally run out of supplies during busy periods.

Showers

A basic outdoor shower is available near the restroom facilities. The shower:

• Provides cold water only
• Has a simple push-button operation
• Is perfect for rinsing off sand and salt
• May occasionally have low water pressure during peak usage times

Lifeguards

No, there are no lifeguards stationed at 49 Black Sand Beach. Visitors swim at their own risk and should exercise appropriate caution, especially:

• During high surf advisories
• In areas with stronger currents
• When swimming alone
• If inexperienced in ocean conditions

Picnic Areas / Tables

The beach does not have formal picnic tables or designated picnic areas. Visitors typically:

• Bring beach blankets for seating
• Set up on the sand above the high tide line
• Use small portable beach chairs or mats
• Avoid setting up on vegetation or private property boundaries

Rules & Regulations for Visiting

Hours of Public Access

49 Black Sand Beach is open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset, with specific hours enforced by security:

• Opening time: Typically 7:00 AM (may vary seasonally)
• Closing time: Approximately 30 minutes before sunset
• Gate access: Security begins limiting new entries approximately 2 hours before closing

All visitors must exit before sunset as indicated on their parking pass.

Leave No Trace Principles

To preserve this beautiful beach for future visitors:

• Pack out everything you bring in
• Use the provided trash receptacles (or take your trash with you)
• Leave natural items (rocks, sand, shells) where you find them
• Stay on designated paths to protect native vegetation
• Avoid disturbing wildlife or marine creatures

Respect Private Property

While enjoying 49 Black Sand Beach, please:

• Stay within the public beach area
• Don’t trespass onto adjacent private properties or hotel grounds
• Keep noise to a reasonable level, especially near residential areas
• Follow all posted signs and security instructions
• Remember that your respectful behavior helps ensure continued public access

Alcohol, Glass, Pets

For safety and environmental reasons:

• Alcohol: Not permitted on the beach
• Glass containers: Strictly prohibited
• Pets: Dogs and other pets are not allowed on the beach
• Smoking/vaping: Prohibited on the beach and trails

Tips for the Best Visit to 49 Black Sand Beach

For the most enjoyable experience at 49 Black Sand Beach, consider these local recommendations:

• Water shoes are highly recommended for comfortable walking on the hot, sometimes coarse sand
• Bring your own drinking water as there are no water fountains available
• Pack reef-safe sunscreen (Hawaii law prohibits sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate)
• Arrive early (before 8:30 AM) or late afternoon (after 3:00 PM) for best parking availability
• Check ocean conditions before swimming, especially during winter months
• Bring snorkel gear to explore the vibrant reef system offshore
• Consider a small cooler with snacks and drinks (no glass containers)
• Take a beach umbrella or sun shelter for shade
• Keep valuables out of sight in your vehicle or better yet, leave them at your accommodation

Frequently Asked Questions

Alternatives if You Can’t Get In / Other Nearby Beaches

If you arrive to find parking full at 49 Black Sand Beach, don’t worry! The Big Island offers many other spectacular beaches within a short drive:

Nearby Alternative Beaches

1. Mauna Lani Beach Club (1.5 miles north) – White sand beach with excellent snorkeling
2. Holoholokai Beach Park (2 miles north) – Rocky beach with fantastic tide pools
3. Hapuna Beach State Park (6 miles north) – Wide white sand beach, consistently ranked among America’s best beaches
4. Waialea Bay (Beach 69) (7 miles north) – Shaded beach with great snorkeling
5. Anaehoomalu Bay (A-Bay) (4 miles south) – Long white sand beach with palm trees and calm waters

Each of these alternatives offers unique features and may be less challenging to access than 49 Black Sand Beach during peak periods.

Visiting 49 Black Sand Beach requires a bit more planning than some other Hawaiian beaches, but the reward is accessing one of the Big Island’s most distinctive and beautiful shorelines. The dramatic contrast between the black volcanic sand and the crystal blue Pacific creates an unforgettable setting that captures the essence of Hawaii’s volcanic origins.

By following the access guidelines outlined in this article and respecting both the natural environment and community rules, you’ll help ensure this special place remains available for public enjoyment for generations to come. Aloha and enjoy your visit!

Have you visited 49 Black Sand Beach? Share your experience in the comments below!