Punaluu Black Sand Beach

This beautiful black sand beach is a favorite stop on our Big Island Circle Tour. Go Hawaiʻi.com on this unusual and favorite Big Island attraction.

Have you ever seen a beach with black sand? Because of constant volcanic activity, you’ll find white sands and black sands on the island of Hawaiʻi. Located on the southeastern Kau coast, Punaluu Black Sand Beach is one of the most famous black sand beaches in Hawaiʻi.

Located between the towns of Pahala and Naalehu in Kau, Punaluu Black Sand Beach’s jet black shores are an unforgettable sight. Coconut palms fringe the upper edge of sand and you may also discover large honu, (Hawaiʻian Green Sea Turtles), basking on the beach. Although it may be tempting, do not touch these protected turtles and do not remove any black sand from the beach.

Although swimming isn’t ideal, there is a picnic area and restroom facilities so you can have lunch while you experience the unique feeling of black sand between your toes.