Representative image, AI-generated

Punaluʻu Beach

Free

Explore Hawaii's famous black sand beach known for resting green sea turtles

Punaluʻu Beach is an iconic black sand beach located on the southeastern coast of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. Lined with coconut palms and dark volcanic basalt rock, it is famous as a frequent basking location for endangered Hawaiian green sea turtles. The beach park provides scenic ocean views along with public amenities suitable for a relaxing road trip stop between Kona and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Quick tip: Wear protective footwear because the dark volcanic sand gets very hot under direct sunlight, and always maintain a safe distance of at least 10 feet from resting turtles.

Expert notes

Features

More things to do in Big Island

All things to do in Big Island