Each time I visit the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach I am more in awe of how amazing the geology of Hawaii is. The black sand is unique and beautiful, hot to your toes and such a cool feeling. In addition to the gorgeous black sand there are picnic areas, swimming spots and usually several honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) in the tidepools and on the beach. It’s very easy to add to your drive between Hilo and Kailua-Kona, so why not? You can plan a whole day here or just a short stop, either way you’ll love it.
And do you know the cardinal rule of visiting ANY of the special sand beaches, whether they be black sand, green sand or pink sand beaches? You may NEVER remove the sand to bring home with you, so before we even get into the details of visiting the Punaluu Black Sand Beach, accept this rule now. And if you have any questions about visiting the Big Island or planning a great itinerary for a week here, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help others plan great trips. Aloha!
Why Visit the Punaluu Black Sand Beach?
It’s hard to say what the actual main attraction of the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is. Is it the gorgeous black sand from the lava or is it the sea turtles? The honu are so cool and beautiful to watch here. Punaluu Black Sand Beach is a very different turtle experience from Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Park. Although both of these special places are known for the incredible number of Hawaiian green sea turtles that haul out or hang around in the tide pools, here the turtles are much more visible out of the water. The honu love the warmth of the black sand so we typically see quite a few more turtles out of the water than at Kaloko Honokohau in Kailu-Kona. There are barriers and signs to keep visitors away from the honu, but this is also a swimming beach so if you’re getting in the water, keep your eyes open for turtles in the water.
So now then, the famous black sand: it really is magical. I love walking on the black sand when it’s really hot and then feeling the lightning quick temperature change when the waves wash over my feet. Going from hot, hot sand to ice is awesome. Also, if you’re swimming and snorkeling, you’ll find that the water here is wonderfully clear. Since the sand is so heavy the water stays very clear. I love it.
Tips for a Great Black Sand Beach Day
There’s more to the Pulnaluu Black Sand Beach than the area the turtles haul out. The beach is actually a very nice cove for swimming and snorkeling. You can actually have a lovely beach day here on the black sand, and it’s just extra special because of the sand. There are lifeguards on duty and plenty of space to set up for the day.
Besides lounging, snorkeling and enjoying watching the Hawaiian green sea turtles, there are also so great areas to explore at the west end of the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach park. Tiny coves and tide pools are fun to check out and provide a little getaway from the more crowded part of the beach. However you choose to spend your day, you’ll love the Punaluu Black Sand Beach.
Tip: remember that the tide pools here are made of lava that can be sharp. Be careful walking around on the black rock. Even though it may look worn down a bit from the waves, it’s just as sharp as lava you’ll find at the Hualalai Volcano or the trails of the National Park.
Gear to Bring to the Black Sand Beach
You need your standard beach gear for a visit to Punaluu Black Sand Beach.. You’ll need your beach towels, snorkels, reef-safe sunblock and snacks. There aren’t vendors at the beach, so you need to bring and food and drink you may want. If you’re coming from the Kona Coast, stop at the Punaluu Bake Shop before you get down to the coast so you can enjoy malasadas on the sand. If you’re coming from Hilo and have a chance to, stop into either the Hilo or Keauu farmers markets to stop up on treats for your day.
Where is this famous Big Island Black Sand Beach?
There are a few black sand beaches in Hawaii, but I think Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is the best. I like the sand here the most of any of them. It’s the blackest. So how do you get here? Punalu’u Beach Park is located just off the Mamalahoa Highway where it turns into the Hawaii Belt Road (just a change in name). It’s halfway between the towns of Naalehu and Pahala on the way to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park from the Kona Coast. Whether you have a few days and today you’re doing one of the scenic drives on the Big Island or if you’re spending a whole week and the Black Sand Beach makes it onto your Big Island itinerary, you can easily visit and you’ll love it.
Parking at Punalu’u Beach Park
There are two parking areas for the Punaluu Black Sand Beach. The westernmost parking area is a lot and there is usually plenty of parking any time of day, with weekend days being a bit busier. You can also park in designated areas at the east end of the Black Sand Beach along the street. Pay attention to signage, because you DON’T WANT TO GE TOWED in Hawaii.
Punaluu Black Sand Beach Park Operating Info
To complete your planning, here is all the information to plan your adventure to the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach.
- Operating Dates/Season: year round, sunrise to sunset
- Beach park address: located on Ninole Loop Road, Punalu’u, HI
More Kona Coast Things to Do
The Kona Coast is one of my favorite areas in all of Hawaii. I love the different activities, from snorkeling with manta rays to daytime snorkel trips, experiencing Kona coffee culture to learning about historic Native Hawaiian culture. It’s always beautiful and no two visits are the same. Here are our top picks for things to do on the Kona Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii.
- tour some of the many Kona coffee farms and tasting rooms
- walk the seawall in Kailua-Kona and visit the Hulihe’e Palace
- snorkel at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
- visit Kaloko Honkohau National Historic Park to see honu (sea turtles)
- do a nighttime snorkel with manta rays
- go to Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park to see tikis and learn about Native Hawaiian culture
- hike at the Haulalai Volcano or Hawaii Volcanoes NP‘s Kahuku Unit
There are many more things to do when you’re putting together your Big Island itinerary, but when it comes to visiting the Kona Coast, these are some of our favorite things to do.
Where to Stay on the Kona Coast
The Kona Coast is big, stretching from Waimea at the north to Naalehu on the South Shore. You’ll find every sort of accommodation here from national travel brand hotels like Marriott and Holiday Inn Express to independent bed and breakfasts (the Ka’awa Loa Plantation is my favorite!), as well are larger resorts. We’ve enjoyed many different places but I really do like being near the town of Kailua-Kona because of the central location. Staying to the north is lovely because it’s so quiet and it’s all about the outdoor adventures. The southern end of the Kona Coast is full of coffee culture, lava flows and remote beaches you can hike to.
I hope you’ll consider spending time at the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. It’s so special and really shows off the beautiful world of the Big Island of Hawaii. If you have any other questions about driving the Mamalahoa Highway or spending time on Hawaii Island, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a beautiful Hawaii trip. Aloha!
