Hawaii is undoubtedly one of the best states to explore if you want to indulge in nature in all its glory. However, finding geodes here can be challenging without proper guidance. In this article, we’ll explore the different places in Hawaii where you can find geodes and other beautiful rocks and gems.
We went from Olowalu Valley, West Molokai Volcano, and Manele Bay, where rocks and gems as beautiful as geodes can be found, to the areas in New Mexico where you can find naturally occurring ones, like in Sapillo Creek and Deming. Whether you’re a seasoned rock collector or a curious adventurer, the hunt for geodes in Hawaii is an experience that you won’t ever forget!
What Are Geodes Anyway?
Geodes are fascinating geological formations that can be found in various places around the world, including volcanic rock formations and limestone deposits. These natural wonders are formed when mineral-rich fluids seep inside cavities within the rock, over time forming a spherical shape.
The exterior of a geode is typically rough and unremarkable, but inside contains a breathtaking display of crystals, with intricate patterns and colors that are unique to each geode. The value of a geode may depend on the rarity and quality of the crystals they contain. Overall, they are admired for their unique beauty and for the geological processes that created them.
It may be difficult to tell a geode and a rock apart from each other, so we created a guide on how to identify a geode.
- The deep experience and understanding of our team about the area
- Recommendations from local groups and clubs
- How easy it is to get the a particular location
- Safety and potential hazards when collecting
- Weighing private and public locations
- The ability for both experienced and novice geode enthusiasts to find great samples
With these factors in mind we’ve been able to put together a fantastic list that just about anyone can use!
The Best Places To Find Geodes in Hawaii
You might already know about the many great places to gem mines in Hawaii, so it may come as a surprise to you that geodes are incredibly hard to find here. Actually, there is no known location here where you can naturally find geodes.
The places we’ll recommend below contain some of the best rock and gem formations that are just as captivating as geodes. We also included places from New Mexico, one of the states nearest to Hawaii, where you can find naturally occurring geodes.
Always Confirm Access and Collection Rules!
Before heading out to any of the locations on our list you need to confirm access requirements and collection rules for both public and private locations.
These requirements are subject to change without notice and may differ from what we state below.
Always get updated information directly from the source ahead of time to ensure responsible rockhounding.
Olowalu Valley
Tucked away on the west side of Maui, Olowalu Valley is one of the most beautiful places in our state. It’s surrounded by lush green mountains, with a beautiful stream running through it.
There are plenty of rocks and boulders scattered around, some of which contain beautiful rocks and gems. The valley was formed by volcanic activity, which makes for some interesting rock formations.
Getting here was a bit of a trek— you have to take a bumpy dirt road for a few miles with a terrain that’s a bit rough and rocky. But before you soak in the beauty of this place and begin finding rocks and gems, checkout first the latest collecting guidelines of Hawaii.
Where we found geode-like formations
You can find interesting and highly sough-after Quartz crystals called “Maui Diamonds” when you explore the different parts of Olowalu Valley. Maui Diamonds are known for having a mesmerizing yellow fire smoldering inside it, and they are called as such because they can only be found in Maui.
The tools every geode hunter will need
When you're out looking for geodes having the right tools for the job is very important. You don't need a lot for most trips but there are a handful that are critical and will make your life a lot easier.
We get asked a lot about the equipment we use. Over the years we've found a handful of tools that we recommend to both new and experienced geode hunters which we outline in great detail in our complete rockhounding tools and kit guide. These are quality options that also happen to be relatively inexpensive.
Below are the basic tools that make your life so much easier and save you a ton of time. Check out the full guide to see everything we recommend bringing. One quick note, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases but we try very hard to only recommend gear we would use ourselves and often recommend brands you can't find on Amazon.
At a minimum you should have:
1 - Sturdy rock hammer: The Estwing Rock Pick is our standard
2 - Rugged chisels: Try Kendo' 3-piece Chisel Set
3 - Compact shovel: The Koleiya 28-inch shovel works well
4 - Rock screen pan: The Wazakura Soil Sieve Set fits the bill
5 - Eye protection: DeWalt Safety Glasses are cheap and comfortable
6 - Head protection: Malta's Safety Helmet has been our go-to
7 - Jewelers lens with at least 20x magnification: Jarlink's Jewelers Loop is perfect
The geode-finding books that we use most
There are also a few books that have been extremely helpful in the search for gems. These books have great recommendations and tips:
National Audubon Society Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals: North America
Southwest Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guide
Earth Treasures: The Southwestern Quadrant
We provide links to find these tools on Amazon but some can also be found at your local hardware stores. For more recommendations check out the link to our full tool guide above.
West Molokai Volcano
West Molokai Volcano is located on the island of Molokai, which explains its incredible views. The geography of the area is pretty unique. Since the volcano is part of the larger Hawaiian volcanic chain, it’s made up of layers of lava flows that date back thousands of years. The terrain is rocky and rugged, which is perfect for outdoor activities, including rockhounding! In fact, it’s among the best places to find crystals in Hawaii.
The area also has some pretty cool formations to check out. You can see evidence of the volcano’s activity in the past, including lava tubes and pahoehoe (a type of lava flow). It’s definitely a great spot for any geology enthusiasts out there.
Getting here is a bit challenging, but not impossible. You can take a boat or plane to Molokai and then drive to the volcano. You can also rent a car so you can explore the island as well while you’re here.
Where we found geode-like formations
Visitors have reported finding Banded Agates in the gullies of Olomana Peak and also in the crater of West Molokai Volcano.
Manele Bay
Manele Bay is seriously one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever see in our state (I mean, just look at its photo!). Located on the island of Lanai, it boasts of crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and stunning rock formations.
The geography of Manele Bay is pretty unique: it’s nestled in a crescent-shaped bay that’s surrounded by towering cliffs. While it’s terrain is pretty sandy, the rock formations here are seriously impressive. You can see evidence of volcanic activity in the past, with towering lava cliffs and sea caves to explore.
To get here, you can take a ferry from Maui or a short flight from Honolulu. Once you’re on Lanai, the bay is just a short drive away.
Where we found geode-like formations
You can find the best samples of Sunstone in Hawaii in Manele Bay, particularly on its southeast shores.
Sapillo Creek
One the closest states to Hawaii, New Mexico has pretty great sites to find geodes. One of them is Sapillo Creek, located in the Gila National Forest. Surrounded by stunning cliffs and greenery, the creek winds through the forest, creating some seriously amazing waterfalls and swimming holes.
The terrain around the creek is pretty rough, with lots of rocky outcroppings and steep cliffs, but it’s still easy to get around if you’re careful. There are plenty of rock formations to check out around the cliffs, which are made up of layers of sediment, so you can really see the different layers that have built up over time.
There’s a road that runs alongside the creek, so you can just follow that until you find a good spot to park if you want to visit here. Just be careful if it’s been raining – the road can get pretty slick.
Where we found geodes in Sapillo Creek
Have you ever got your hands on Banded Agate geodes? If not yet, then visiting Sapillo Creek might just be your best chance! You can find them lying on the creek bed or on the creek’s gravels when you explore here.
Deming
We included here another great spot to find geodes in New Mexico, which is Deming. It’s located in the southern part of the state and has a pretty unique geography. It’s surrounded by low mountains and rolling hills, which makes for some seriously stunning views.
The terrain around Deming is flat and desert-like. In fact, there are plenty of cacti and other desert plants to check out here, too. There are also plenty of rock formations here, and you can really see how the desert landscape has been shaped over time.
Since it’s located right off the highway, getting here is easy. Overall, visiting Deming when you’re in New Mexico is super worth it!
Where we found geodes in Deming
You can find some of the most beautiful samples of Agate geodes and Quartz geodes in New Mexico if you go southwest 38 miles towards Hermanas, then west via fence gate and crooked rough road. These geodes usually lie on the well-known area nodule beds of Deming.
Common Hawaii Geode-Hunting Questions
We’ll answer some of the most common questions about rockhounds planning to find geodes in Hawaii, in case you have the same queries:
Where can you find amethyst geodes in Hawaii?
Unfortunately, amethyst geodes don’t naturally occur in Hawaii. However, our state has plenty of rock and gem shops where you can buy them— and more. You can even find other rocks and gems that might fascinate you just the same as geodes.
Is it illegal to collect geodes in Hawaii?
It is legal to collect geodes in Hawaii if you abide by the local collecting guidelines here. Also, checkout any additional rules and regulations specific to the kind of land you will explore, say for government or private lands. More often than not, they will require you to secure permits or obtain the owner’s permission.
The Best Places To Buy Geodes In Hawaii
If you really want to take home a geode from Hawaii, the only reliable way to do so is to visit the local rock and gem shops that sell them. Below is a list of some of the best ones that you can visit. What’s more is that they sell other amazing rocks and gems, so you have tons of choices when you get here:
- Where Crystals Rock – 98-025 Hekaha St #110, Aiea, HI 96701
- Amazon – Surprisingly, Amazon has some pretty great selection of geodes! They even have complete kits to help you crack them open.
- Lemuria Crystal Shop – 315 Uluniu St suite 101, Kailua, HI 96734
- Kailua Crystals – 131 Hekili St Ste 108, Kailua, HI 96734
- Rock Candy Hawaii – 1170 Auahi St SPACE 163, Honolulu, HI 96814
- Aloha Crystals and Gems – 75-5799 Ali‘i Dr B-6, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Additional places to find geodes in nearby states
Check out our guides for nearby states if you’ve already tried all of our suggestions above or if you’re planning a trip outside of the state:
If you have any recommendations for our list please leave a comment below!
