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Beach · Volcano, Hawaii
Punaluu Black Sand Beach
Black-sand beach made of lava fragments on the Kaʻū coast, south of the Volcanoes Park, where green sea turtles often rest on the sand. It’s a common stop on the road between Volcano and Kona.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Punaluu Black Sand Beach
Punaluʻu Beach is on the Kaʻū coast, in the south of the Island of Hawaiʻi, about 45 km southwest of the village of Volcano. The sand is black, made of lava fragments that break when they meet the cold sea and are ground by the waves.
Green sea turtles, the honu, often come onto the sand to rest and warm in the sun, and sometimes the rarer hawksbill turtle also appears. By law you must keep your distance from the turtles, do not touch them, and do not block their path to the sea.
The ocean is often rough and the water is cold because of freshwater springs that emerge from the seabed; swimming is recommended only on calm days. Behind the beach there is a brackish pond with coconut palms, and the ruins of an old Hawaiian temple are nearby.
Removing sand from the beach is prohibited. The county park has restrooms and picnic areas.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About one hour.
Best time
Morning or late afternoon, when the light is softer on the black sand. Turtles are usually on the sand during the day, but their presence varies.
How to get there
On Highway 11, about 45 km southwest of Volcano and roughly 140 km from Kailua-Kona, on the route between the Volcanoes Park and the Kona coast.
Tip
Stay at least about 3 meters from the turtles and do not take sand or stones. Wear shoes: the black sand gets very hot in the sun.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Punaluu Black Sand Beach
Why is the sand at Punaluʻu black?
It’s made of lava fragments that break when they meet the sea and are ground by the waves.
Can you see turtles at Punaluʻu Beach?
Green sea turtles commonly rest on the sand. You must keep your distance and not touch them.
Can you swim at Punaluʻu?
Only when the ocean is calm. The water is often rough and cold because of freshwater springs.