Hawaii salt pans, aerial photograph. These salt pans are near Hanepepe, on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. The salt here has been mined for hundreds of years by the islanders. A red tint is present due to the volcanic clay (alaea). The salt itself is formed by evaporation from ocean water that has flooded these tidal pools. The resulting salt is known as Alaea Hawaiian Sea Salt. It has a high trace mineral content, and is used in traditional ceremonies and food dishes.