Punalu'u Beach

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach is a popular beach located on the southeastern Ka'u coast of Hawaii. The beach is known for its stunning black sand, which is formed from the rapid cooling of basaltic lava hitting the ocean water. The beach is surrounded by coconut palms and is home to large honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles) that can often be seen basking on the beach. Swimming can be dangerous due to strong rip currents, but the beach offers a picnic area, restroom facilities, and a freshwater pond. Visitors are advised not to touch the protected turtles and not to remove any black sand from the beach. The beach is also a great spot for snorkeling, fishing, and wildlife watching, with opportunities to see endangered species such as the Hawksbill Turtle and the Hawaiian monk seal