Punalu'u Beach Park is a famous black sand beach on the southern side of Hawaii Island with easy accessibility, unusual black crystalline sand and frequent visitations by Hawaiian turtles.
The green sea turtles (honu) swim off the coast and often come up on the black sand to sun. They feed on limu (seaweed) in the shallow waters.
Another type of turtle, the honu'ea (hawksbill sea turtle), feed on sponges and are rarely seen except during their nesting season. There are less than 55 nesting females known on the Hawaiian islands. From May to October, nesting turtles crawl onto the beaches to lay eggs in the sand at night. Mongooses, feral cats, and pigs prey on the eggs and hatchlings. Artifical lights and campfires disorient the honu'ea and hatchlings and so they are banned during nesting time.
All sea turtles are protected by the State of Hawaii and by Federal laws When you see them sunning on the beach, stay 25 feet away from them and never drive on the beach.
The beach is expansive with palm trees and a fresh water lagoon.
The park has a small store that sells some food and drinks.
The black crystalline sand is amazing, as are the sun, surf, and turtles at Punalu'u Beach.
Directions to Punaluu Black Sand Beach Park:
From Highway 11, half-way between Volcano and Na'alehu, turn toward the ocean on to Ninole Loop road just past the 55 mile marker. Thee Sea Mountain Golf course is next to the entrance of the park.
The park facilities include bathrooms, shower, drinking water, electricity in the pavilions, parking and picnic areas.
