Visiting Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, Hawaii, in 2024

A complete guide to Hawaii Big Island’s Punalu’u Black Sand Beach.

(Updated 2024)

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Punalu’u beach is the most famous black sand beach in Hawai’i. Situated in the south of Big Island near Kaʻu Forest Reserve, Punalu’u beach is just over an hour from Hilo and an hour and a half from Kailua-Kona, making it a great day trip destination. The black sand is made of basalt (lava rock) and created by lava flowing into the ocean and exploding on impact as it cools.

Time needed: 1 day.

When to go: September-November, off-peak means less crowds, cheaper prices and the weather is still great.

Weather: Consistently between 18°C-28°C with a humid, tropical climate. Showers are frequent but don’t last long, while November-March sees slightly less rain.

Language: English & Hawaiian.

Currency: American Dollar.

Interactive Hawaii Big Island Map

Sea Turtles at Punalu’u Beach

The main reason visitors frequent Punalu’u is to see turtles. Both hawksbill and green turtles can be found here and Punalu’u is actually one of the only places in the world that endangered green turtles can be seen basking on the beach. If they’re not on the beach, chances are they’re swimming in the bay. During our visit, we saw dozens of little turtle heads bobbing up and down in the waters.

If you’re lucky you may even see a nēnē (Hawaiian goose) or Hawaiian monk seal too!

Remember, never:

Try to touch a turtle. It’s illegal and carries a fine of up to $10,500.
Feed the turtles.
Get within 3 metres (10 feet) of a turtle.
Block the way a turtle came.
Chase or harass a turtle.

Swimming and Snorkelling at Punalu’u Beach

Admittedly, Punalu’u is not the best beach for swimming or snorkelling. The currents here can be strong and visibility is generally moderate to poor (as you can see in one of the only underwater photos we managed to snap, above). But it is still possible to pop in the water on calmer days, provided you are careful. If the surf is high, don’t enter the water.

Lifeguards are present here every day of the week between 08:30- 17:00. There’s a car park and picnic area, as well as restroom facilities and an outdoor shower.

How to get to Punalu’u Beach

The easiest way to get to Punalu’u Beach is to drive. To get to Punalu’u Black Sand Beach from Hilo or Kona, take the Hawaii Belt Road (Route 11) south. Then turn off onto Ninole Loop Road, which is also the entrance for the Sea Mountain Resort. There is a car park right by the beach. Camping is permitted with a permit at the Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Park. From Waikoloa, take either Highway 19 or 190 to Kailua-Kona, then follow the above directions.

It’s also possible to visit Punalu’u Black Sand Beach on a day tour. Booking a day tour of Hawaii can be one of the best way to see all the island’s highlights in a day. We’ve listed the best comprehensive day tours which include Punalu’u Beach below:

From Hilo: Big Island Volcanoes & Winery Tour

From Kailua-Kona: Ultimate Circle Island Explorer Tour

From Waikoloa: Ultimate Big Island National Park Tour

The History of Punalu’u Beach

In Hawaiian, Punalu’u means spring dived for, which is a reference to the underwater freshwater springs in the area. The water from these springs is colder than the seawater and drifts on top of the salt water, as it is denser than fresh water. This can look a little like oil and give you a strange sensation of swimming in water of two temperatures at the same time – cold and warm. Legend says that, in time of drought, the ancient Hawaiians living in and around Punaluʻu would dive underwater with a jug to get their fresh water.

There are three heiaus (temples) near Punaluʻu beach, which all pre-date European contact with the Hawaiian Islands. Ala Kahakai (a trail by the sea) can also be found nearby. It was designated a National Historic Trail in 2000 and is believed to have served as an important link between ritual centres and coastal communities. The trail can be found at both Punalu’u Nui and Kaʻieʻi.e. heiau.

Petroglyphs (ki’i pohaku) can also be spotted around Punalu’u. There is a protected area surrounded by a rock wall just past the parking area of the County Park Pavilion where these rock carvings can be found.

What is there to do near Punalu’u Beach?

The Hōkūloa Church, a Memorial Chapel and graveyard built near the birthplace of Henry ʻŌpūkahaʻia, can be found nearby. Henry ʻŌpūkahaʻia was one of the first native Hawaiians to become a Christian and is said to have inspired American Protestant missionaries to come to the islands during the 19th century.

Punalu’u Bake Shop can be found in the nearby town of Naalehu. Offering Hawaiian sweet treats, such as sweetbreads and cookies, Punalu’u Bake Shop is the southernmost bakery in the USA. We’d highly recommend getting anything made with taro, a root vegetable a bit like a sweet potato. You can also pick up a bag or two of Atebara’s Hawaii Island Chips. This family owned and operated company was the first producer of chips (crisps) in Hawai’i and creates the best chips we’ve ever eaten! Try the taro and sweet potato chips!