Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach: Sea Turtles, History & How to Visit
A complete guide to Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach: turtles, history, facilities, and how to visit as part of a Hilo volcano tour.
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach is a crescent-shaped beach on the Big Island's southeast coast, famous for black volcanic sand, coconut palms, and Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) resting on the shore. It is located about 45 minutes south of Hilo and makes an ideal stop on a volcano and waterfall day tour.
The sand at Punaluʻu is made of tiny fragments of cooled basalt lava, created when hot lava met the cool ocean water and shattered. The result is a striking black shoreline backed by palm trees and a freshwater pond.
Why visit Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach?
- One of the most accessible black sand beaches on the Big Island
- Reliable honu sea turtle sightings. They often rest on the sand
- Freshwater springs that bubble up through the black sand
- Picnic areas, restrooms, and a small pavilion
- Close to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and Pāhala town
How to visit Punaluʻu respectfully
Honu are protected by federal and state law. Keep at least 10 feet (3 meters) away, never touch or feed them, and do not block their path to the ocean. Drones are not allowed, and removing sand or rocks is prohibited. Use reef-safe sunscreen if you swim.
What to bring
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat
- Water shoes. The black sand can be hot and the entry rocky
- Water and snacks
- A camera with a zoom lens for turtle photos
- A light jacket. The southeast coast can be windy
Can you swim at Punaluʻu?
Yes, but conditions vary. The water is often calm near the shore, but there can be rocks and a drop-off. Lifeguards are not always on duty, so swim cautiously and never turn your back on the ocean.
Best way to see Punaluʻu from Hilo
Punaluʻu is easiest to reach by car or tour from Hilo. Our Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Tour combines the beach, turtle viewing, Volcanoes National Park, and historic Hilo in one 7 to 8 hour day.
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach quick facts
| Location | Punaluʻu, Kaʻū, Big Island |
| Drive from Hilo | About 45 minutes |
| Sand color | Black volcanic basalt |
| Wildlife | Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu), occasionally hawksbill turtles |
| Facilities | Restrooms, picnic tables, pavilion, freshwater showers |
| Entrance fee | Free |
Book the Punaluʻu tour
See black sand, sea turtles, volcanoes, and waterfalls in a single small-group day from Hilo.
Book Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach from $179Tags: Punaluʻu, black sand beach, honu, sea turtles, Big Island