Kauai’s Sea Glass Beach
Sea glass might look like movie props from an animated film about mermaids, but there’s a whole lot more to these fascinating objects than meets the eye. Of course, it’s difficult not to be captivated by the appearance of sea glass. Known for their vibrant colors and frosted surfaces, they are undoubtedly quite stunning.
Sea glass is found on many coastal areas around the world. But the island of Kauai offers a rare opportunity to see an entire beach almost entirely covered by these objects. Called the “Glass Beach”, it is every bit as impressive as the name suggests.
Kauai’s gorgeous Glass Beach isn’t exactly a secret. It is prominently featured in many guidebooks, most of which provide detailed directions on how to get there. And while it may not be the best place to go snorkeling or surfing, it offers a unique experience that few other beaches provide.
What the place is perfectly suited for is beachcombing – wherein visitors enjoy scavenging the sands for glass. There are many different sea glass varieties to see there, and the effect is quite stunning to behold. The shoreline is almost entirely covered by the gleaming stones, giving off a jewel-strewn appearance.
What Is The Sea Glass On The Beach?
Sea glass consists of tiny fragments of glass that have ended up in the ocean over the years. These glass shards have been batted around underwater and weathered down to smooth pebbles. Further erosion gives the exterior that characteristic frosted pastel appearance.
The color usually comes from the original material. Most of the colored ones come from old soda and beer bottles. Clear and white sea glass may come from soda bottles and glass pieces that were the same color to begin with.
How Did The Sea Glass Get To Sea Glass Beach?
No one knows exactly how all that sea glass ended up on Glass Beach. They could result from large volumes of bottles and other types of glass dumped into the ocean years ago. As they become worn down due to the action of the wind and the waves, they gradually take on the pebble-like appearance while retaining their color.
Another interesting feature is the black sand that serves as a bed for all the sea glass. Admittedly, the sand isn’t nearly as striking as the colored particles that give the area its name. But it could be argued that Glass Beach wouldn’t be as impressive without the contrast the sand provides underneath.
Remember that Hawaii is situated close to the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, so there are literally thousands of volcanoes all over the islands. The black sand is the product of millions of years of ash and debris spewed by the volcanoes in the region. Like the glass pebbles, the volcanic rocks and debris have been worn away by the action of the wind and waves, reducing them to fine particles. All this black sand contributes to the visually stunning effect of Glass Beach, and it could be argued that the place just wouldn’t be the same without it.
Where Can I Find Sea Glass Beach?
Kauai’s Sea Glass Beach isn’t located in a picturesque sea cave or in a vibrant green forest. Rather, it’s like a diamond in the rough. The Glass Beach is situated near Port Allen Harbor in Ele’ele, in an industrial area.
Can I Take the Sea Glass?
Sea glass might seem like the perfect material for jewelry and stained glass displays, but visitors are strongly encouraged not to remove them from the beach. Over the years, tourists and travelers have gathered up these pebbles to take home, resulting in large patches of land being depleted.
As with all natural attractions, visitors are implored to respect Glass Beach and everything in it. Enjoy the sea glass by all means, but leave behind what you see there for other visitors to enjoy. This will ensure that Glass Beach will continue to be a rewarding destination for years to come.
Exploring Sea Glass Beach via Kauai Sea Tours
If all this has you raring to go to Glass Beach to see the wonderful spectacle yourself, we strongly recommend that you do so! The entire area is truly a sight to behold, and you will likely go home with many wonderful memories that you will cherish for the rest of your life.
The best way to experience Glass Beach by far is to book a trip with Kauai Sea Tours. The company has been offering tours since 1991 and has a long history of Travelers’ Choice Awards from TripAdvisor. The team is committed to providing fabulous tours in some of the best destinations on the Islands and will ensure a uniquely fun and memorable experience for the entire family. Contact Kauai Sea Tours now for a trip to Glass Beach and other choice destinations!