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4.5
2 votes

Punalu'u Beach

Ninole Loop Rd, Punaluu, Hawaii 96772 USA

Free
Free to Visit
Open Now
Wed 12a-11:59p
  • Independent
  • Credit Cards
    not Accepted
  • Pet Friendly
  • Wheelchair
    Accessible
  • No Public
    Restrooms
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“also called Black Sand Beach”

Punaluʻu Beach (also called Black Sand Beach) is a beach between Pāhala and Nāʻālehu on the Big Island of the U.S. state of Hawaii. The beach has black sand made of basalt and created by lava flowing into the ocean which explodes as it reaches the ocean and cools. This volcanic activity is in the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Punaluʻu is frequented by endangered Hawksbill and Green turtles, which can often be seen basking on the black sand. The swimming area is very rocky, and it can be dangerous to swim. The beach also has a large amount of underground fresh water that flows in it. This fresh water is very cold and looks almost like gasoline mixing with the water. Legend has it that in the time of drought, the ancient Hawaiians living in the area would dive underwater with a jug to get their fresh water. In the Hawaiian language puna luʻu means "spring [water] diver for". The beach is located at coordinates 19.136°N 155.504°WAccess is from the Hawaii Belt Road: take Ninole loop road or the entrance to the Sea Mountain Resort. Camping is permitted at the Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Park

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Reviewed by
Tatiana Danger

  • Road Warrior
  • 1,169 Reviews
  • 910 Helpful
August 30, 2014
Rated 4.0

This is an easily-accessible beach, you can drive into a parking lot near the beach. If you go early in the morning you'll have the beach to yourself for a couple hours, tour buses get there usually after 11AM. If you want to go swimming just be aware that the current is pretty strong.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
lacy.d.phillips

  • 2 Reviews
  • 2 Helpful
October 10, 2013
Rated

There were half a dozen basking green sea turtles there, which in itself is worth stopping in to see.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
katie.grozier.3

  • 6 Reviews
  • 1 Helpful
January 11, 2019
Rated 5.0

Gorgeous. Got to see a turtle sunbathing.

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Punalu'u Beach

Ninole Loop Rd
Punaluu, Hawaii
96772 USA
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Hours

Open 24 hours today
  • Sun - Sat: 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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    Parking
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    Pets Allowed
  • Unavailable
    Restrooms
  • Unavailable
    Wifi
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    Wheelchair Accessible
  • Unavailable
    Credit Cards Accepted
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    Outdoor Seating
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