Punalu’u Beach, Hawaii (Big Island)

On this small bay you will find black sand, beautiful palm trees, and green sea turtles basking in the sun.
There is also a duck pond with some unusal looking ducks.
Near the park headquarters, the surf hits the rocks and makes some beautiful pictures.

I hope this is the Black Sands beach...I haven't asked TG yet... if it IS then it was amazing... I thought black sand would be dirty, but not so... it's ground up volcanic rock, quite large pieces and kinda cleans your feet as you walk on it, better than any pedicure in a salon....

Funny stuff... you expect sand to be yellow or white.... this was completely different...

Punalu'u Beach, certainly not the only black sand beach on the island, but ideally located off of Highway 11 on the southside of the island. On the last trip we made here, we found a sea turtle basking on the black sand (poor thing! had to endure all of us TOURIST gawking and snapping away with the cameras). Just yards from the shore break was another 5 or more sea turtles eating the algae from the coastal rocks.
For those curious, black sand is formed when hot lava flows into the cool ocean where the lava cools and shatters black "volcanic glass"

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Everyone who visits the Big Island has two places in mind, Volcano National Park and Punalu’u - the Black Sand Beach with its giant turtles.
Green Sea Turtles –Honu – are often spotted here basking in the sand, they seem to be used to humans who come here to make photos of these giant reptiles.
Although a very inviting and relaxing piece of paradise, it is not recommended to swim in this area. The lava rocks are hiding in the water and may easily injure you. Instead, catch a shade under one of the coconut palms and enjoy the views and tranquility.
I tried to take my shoes off and walk on the sand and it was quite painful, but not that bad. This sand is actually lava that, long time ago, hit the ocean, cooled, turned into a rock, and then turned into sand. But it still feels like you’re walking on rocks.
Please don’t take any sand with you, as it is prohibited by law. If you really want to bring “black souvenir” home with you, there are two tiny shops where sand can be purchased.

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A must stop on the Big Island is Punalu'u Beach, between Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and South Point. Not only is Punalu'u a long strand of black sand backed by tall, waving palm trees, but it his home to a large number of green sea turtles, who find its calm waters and abundant food a small price to pay for being gawked at by visitors. Look inte shallow pools by among the shore rocks, and you're almost certain to see a hungry reptile noncalantly chewing away, whether or not tourists are watching. The first time I visited he beach in 1994, I instinctively jumped in the water to swim with them, almost losing my car keys. Nnow my rental company charges $200 for lost keys, so I just watched from the deep black sand.

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I was definitely curious to see a beach containing black sand. I ended up visiting Punalu'u Beach on a warm, windy day. There are quite a few things to do and see here, include spotting sea turtles, wading, and swimming. There's even a kitchy souvenir stand if you simply must buy an overpriced knick-knack. For me, I was content to stand on the beach, watch the waves, and dip my toes in the warm water.

Entrance to this county-run beach is free. Keep in mind: though the black sand is remarkable, it is illegal to take any of it with you.

If you go to Hawaii, you have to see a black sand beach! It is the strangest thing to see for the first time. Signs prohibit you from taking the sand (I have heard it brings bad luck), and from disturbing the sea turtles resting on the beach.

Punalu’u means "diving spring" and there is small freshwater lagoon behind the beach, which is popular with ducks, to authenticate this name. The black sand is a product of the constant wave action against an old lava flow that went into the sea at this point. The beach is lined with palm trees and is extremely popular with Green Sea Turtles.

You are almost guaranteed to see at least one turtle on your visit here as they enjoy basking on the hot black sand as well as the fact that the beach is a perfect breeding ground for them, which means that camping on the beach is not allowed under any circumstances.

There is a small souvenir and refreshments trailer just by the entrance to the beach.

The Sea Mountain hotel is here and also has a small golf course you can play on, though it is a bit threadbare. A derelict Polynesian style complex that was abandoned after the 2000 ‘Millenium’ flood that swept through this region is just behind the lagoon and serves testament to the power of the sudden floods that can sweep through this area.

The nearest settlement to the beach is Pahala just off the highway towards the Kilauea National Park, which is an interesting small old plantation town. Perhaps one of the most unlikely attractions in the area is the Buddhist temple and retreat center in Wood Valley which was dedicated by the Dalai Lama in 1980.

The mile markers are a godsend, they really make locating beaches and such, a total breeze. Including this famous black sand beach called Punalu'u. We visited it as part of our circle island coach tour, but you can easily find the place yourself, you and that handy rental car of yours. Just like the man says, the sand here is black. As midnight. This comes as a result of the piping hot lava splashing into the sea and the cold water smashing it up into a million tiny grains. Not that any of that excitement happened yesterday. Don't worry. It's not likely to happen again while you're here, either. ;-O

On the east end of the Big Island, Punalu'u Beach is one of Hawaii's finest but it has almost no sand. What most visitors regard as black sand is actually small pieces of glass originated by the flows from the nearby volcanoes. Nevertheless, whether we call it sand or glass, it is very soft and has been shown to have some healthful benefits. It also provides a very excellent breeding and egg laying area for sea turtles. The soothing massaging feeling of the lava granules under foot is an experience every human should enjoy.
Punalu'u is also a good swimming beach, but watch for the current just outside of the bay. It can be dangerous. There is a small curio shop there which sells post cards, shell leis, and other tourist goodies.
Another popular activity in this area is throw net fishing which is very productive and occasionally tourists can find a fisherman who will let them give it a try.