Rockhound Locations in Hawaii
Here at Rockhounding Maps, we give you access and information to the best dig sites for crystals and minerals in Hawaii. On top of that, we’ve created a resource page to assist with answering all of your gem and mineral collecting questions.
We hope you enjoy your time on our site and come back often because we’re always adding new dig locations and crystal collecting updates. This is a great resource for anyone who loves rockhounding, from beginners to experts alike!
Rockhounding in Hawaii is a great way to discover the state’s diverse geology and fossilized wildlife. The number of potential collecting sites here makes it an excellent location for those interested not only in rocks, but also minerals that can be found within them!
We are here for any questions or concerns that might arise about your adventures in mineral collecting.
Hawaii Rockhound Locations
Hawaii is a beautiful paradise to go rockhounding. It’s an incredible place to explore in search of various specimens while leaving the US mainland. Hawaii comprises several islands, many of which are volcanic.
Some of the best rockhound locations in Hawaii include Papakolea Beach, Mahana Beach, Diamond Head, Green Sand Beach, Honolulu, Oahu Island, and Hualalai. The state of Hawaii is known for its stunning peridot crystals, seashells, sea glass, black corals, sunstone, labradorite, shark teeth, and much more.
Fair warning, it’s incredibly easy to get swept away in the Hawaiian Island’s beauty and forget about rockhounding. Regardless, we’ve got some of the best rockhound locations to share with you.
Let’s dig in!
Hawaii comprises eight major islands with countless small islands to explore. That said, beachcombing is one of the most popular ways people search for specimens.
Maui Island, Kauai Island, Kaunala Island, Ke Iki Beach, Oahu Island, Diamond Head, Hualalai Volcano, and Green Sand Beach are among the most popular locations for rockhounds to explore.
Oahu Island
Oahu Island is the third-largest island in Hawaii. It’s located in Honolulu County. It’s home to the infamous green beaches where hounds can find peridot and olivine. The Waimanalo Formation in Oahu is an excellent place to look for geodes.
Green Sand beaches are called so because of the green glassy crystals, Olivine, that make up most of the sand. Olivine is known locally as the Hawaiian Diamond. Pearls are commonly found around Honolulu but wait, there’s more. Rockhounds can also find specimens, including
- Agates
- Sea Glass
- Shark’s Teeth
- Seashells
Maui Island
The ash beds of Maui Island are home to various geodes. Maui Island is the second-largest island in Hawaii. Between Maui and Lanai lies the Au’Au Channel, one of the most abundant locations to find black coral. Pearls, agates, sea glass, seashells, and shark teeth are among the various specimens one can find on the island’s beaches.
Hualalai Volcano
The Hualalai Volcano is on the main island of Hawaii. It’s the only location where rockhounds will find obsidian, at Pu’u Wa’awa’a. However, we should warn you that the natives often shun anyone who takes obsidian from this location. Quartz crystals are found in abundance here, with plenty of specimens to be found.
Rocks Found In Hawaii
Hawaii is home to over 130 volcanic islands spanning over 1,500 miles. Because much of the land is volcanic, a majority of the rocks found in Hawaii are igneous. Sure, you can find obsidian, but you’ll have to look harder, and there’s the risk of being shunned by the natives. One might discover gabbro, agates, geodes, and basalt in other regions throughout the islands.
While rockhounds can find obsidian in Pu’u Wa’awa’a, taking any volcanic rocks off of the island is illegal. Not to mention, the natives believe taking obsidian from the island will bring bad luck.
Geodes are typically rare, but they can be found in volcanic ash beds and in limestone-containing regions of Hawaii. Maui, Kauai, and Oahu islands contain volcanic ash beds, which are perfect locations to find geodes. At the Waimanalo Formation, limestone is present, so it’s another location worth checking.
Agates can be found on most of Hawaii’s beaches, including Ke Iki Beach, Kaunala Gulch Beach, and Diamond Head.
Gemstones In Hawaii
The indigenous people of Hawaii have been making gemstones out of the incredible minerals and crystals they find throughout the islands. Obsidian, peridot or olivine, pearls, and black coral are considered gemstones in Hawaii and are often used in jewelry making.
If you’re interested in finding pearls in Hawaii, you might explore Wai Momi (Pearl Harbor), Honolulu, and Kualoa Ranch. Peridot can be found on Oahu Island, Green Sand Beach, and Papakolea Coast. You might have luck finding black coral in the Au’Au Channel between Lanai and Maui.
Finding Crystals in Hawaii
Because Hawaii’s terrain is still relatively young, crystals and minerals are scarce. That said, peridot crystals are embedded in olivine, and quartz and calcite crystals have reportedly been found on several of Hawaii’s islands.
Diamond Head Volcano is well-known for its calcite crystals. They’re often confused with diamonds. Olivine crystals are abundant around the Haleakala National Park. Still, it’s essential to be mindful as collecting specimens at various parks throughout Hawaii is illegal, so always check before you collect.
Hawaii and all of its islands are incredibly beautiful. I’d say rockhounding in that state provides incredible opportunities for fun in the sun. The native and indigenous people of Hawaii believe that everything is connected, so one must be careful about where they explore and what they collect.
As rockhounds, we must ensure that we have permission to explore and collect specimens from every location. Check the local laws and speak to rockhound club and society members to learn the proper ways to go about collecting specimens anywhere you go.
