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Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, Naalehu HI

Address Ninole Loop Rd, Naalehu, HI
Phone (808) 961-8311
Hours 6:00am-11:00pm
Website www.hawaiicounty.gov/pl-kau-map2
Categories Public Beach, Park, Tourist Attraction
Rating 4.8 20 reviews
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Punalu'u Black Sand Beach reviews

20
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Krista
July 30, 2021 10:36 am

Breathtaking. Went a few times and always saw turtles sunbathing. Per law, never came within 25ft, only observed from afar.

Alaina
July 25, 2021 1:15 am

The black sand feels amazing, nothing like regular sand beaches - and snorkeling was awesome with tons of fish and turtles swimming around

Julia
July 01, 2021 8:23 pm

Beautiful! We got here late in the day so the surf was up and the skies were stormy. The beach is relatively small, and was somewhat crowded. Facilities were clean. There were some tables under trees and other shady places to sit. There were 2 green sea turtles basking on the protected area of the beach.

Zach
June 22, 2021 3:46 pm

Beautiful dark black sand beach. The terrain is rocky with minimal sandy areas for laying out, but access to the beach is very easy. There is parking on either side of the main beach and there are covered picnic tables and facilities on site. There were lifeguards on duty when we went on a Sunday.

Michelle
June 18, 2021 7:55 am

The green sea turtles were amazing! Make sure to give them plenty of space! The black sand was also incredible

Shanece
June 15, 2021 10:50 am

Wear shoes for sure if you're not used to walking on rough terrain. Black grains of sand are more course than regular sand particles. You can buy fresh coconuts at the hut. A couple of picnic tables spread throughout the beach front. Got a boat? You can dismount there was well

Wheelys
March 12, 2019 5:08 am

Beautiful black sand and friendly beach. One bathroom on the far side. Lotus and ducks in the beautiful pond. Swim with the turtles and take pics but keep your distance. No trash cans so put your butts in your pocket and pack it out! Keep it beautiful Mahalo

Brian
March 06, 2019 8:12 pm

Beautiful beach, green sea turtles, and some tropical trees across the bridge that goes over the pond.

allen
February 27, 2019 11:50 am

Lots of beached turtles, the water is cold from fresh water springs. Park real close, easy Access.

daniel
February 21, 2019 1:11 am

Exactly what the name describes. Known for its black sand and occasionally, turtles that come ashore to soak in some sunlight.
The place has plenty of parking spots for visitors, a convenient store and a cheap vending machine for drinks. Although the beach isn't particularly large, its a nice drive away from the airport. You drive through the fog of the mountains, along the shoreline and through a couple of little towns.

Suzanne
February 19, 2019 12:36 pm

Fascinating. Gorgeous views. Can be very hot and very windy and there is no cover. Still worth going but plan accordingly.

Wright
February 18, 2019 5:21 am

This beach was gorgeous and utterly worth the 2 hour drive from Kona. The black sand and lava reefs were gorgeous and there was a big flock of turtles sunning there too!

Peeperoni&Cheese
February 16, 2019 6:17 pm

It was so cool to see black sand as a result of volcanos. Also, we saw many turtles on the beaches.

PHILIP
February 08, 2019 7:18 pm

Cool beach! Sand is so different and does not stick like regular sand. Sea turtles made it even more memorable.

Erik
February 06, 2019 6:20 am

Absolutely beautiful place to visit. Dozens of sea turtles both on the beach and in the surf. Great places to hike or just lie around and soak in the sun.

Ryan
February 05, 2019 11:13 am

It was windy and the waves were crashing in but we still put on snorkel gear and that were swimming with green turtles! Would be even better on a calm day

Jeff
January 30, 2019 1:35 pm

Fun stop, but the sand will kill your feet.

There are 2 parking lots on the road. The first is great if you'll be getting wet and need to wash off; showers are available. But if you don't mind the sand in your netherparts, go to the 2nd parking lot just a little farther down the road. The walk will be shorter.

Tim
January 29, 2019 9:45 am

Nice Beach. Black sand so very cool. Palm trees for shade. Turtles lots of them sunning themselves.

Corina
January 21, 2019 4:54 am

This is an easy drive from Volcanoes National Park. You will see several sea turtles here, even ones hauled out on the beach. Please do not bother them! To swim here, you will probably want reef walkers as the sand quickly gives way to rocks. There is a small souvenir stand and a lifeguard station. There are several parking lots to use. The boat ramp has seen better days and probably should only be used at high tide with real four-wheel drive.

Mark
January 03, 2019 3:15 pm

A neat beach to visit, the black sand is very unique. The waves are pretty strong, it's okay for swimming, not good for snorkelling. Sea turtles frequent the beach. There is a small pond near the beach where you can see waterfowl. There are bathrooms and a food vendor. Lots of parking available.

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