Punaluu Beach

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach Park

4.5/5
(1.8K) · Park in Island Of Hawaii, United States
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This easily accessible beach lies between the towns of Pahala and Naalehu, and is a popular detour when visiting the Volcanoes National Park. It …

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Reviews

Tripadvisor
4.5/5 · 1,847 reviews
5-star
65%
4-star
27%
3-star
6%
2-star
0%
1-star
2%
Recent reviews
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Apr 26, 2025
This is a very pretty beach that is easily accessible from the Hawaii Belt Road. The black sand is unique, but unfortunately we weren't able to spot any honu (green sea turtles). There are restrooms …Full review by phvi2617
Mar 26, 2025
Pleasant experience. Saw a few turtles. We were staying real close. Not sure I would make the drive from Hilo or Kina. Not a good place for swimmingFull review by wlverin
Mar 21, 2025
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach is a definite stop-by not be to missed. The surf is rough so you won't see anyone in the water but it quite an usual sight to see and the green sea turtles are always welcom…Full review by 1028Travel
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Questions & answers

Q:
Does the black sand stain light clothing?
A:
I'm afraid I don't know the answer to that. It's pulverized black lava.
A:
Q:
I am traveling with my mom who is in a wheelchair. How much walking is there and is it . mostly paved? Any elevation? …
Q:
I am traveling with my mom who is in a wheelchair. How much walking is there and is it . mostly paved? Any elevation? Thanks!
A:
Very little paved at the eastern lot. Some paved at the western lot. Some elevation but I imagine pushing a wheelchair around in the sand is nearly impossible. Very soft. Could view …
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Very little paved at the eastern lot. Some paved at the western lot. Some elevation but I imagine pushing a wheelchair around in the sand is nearly impossible. Very soft. Could view from the lot and that'd be probably be the limit I'd expect
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Q:
Apparently the beach is soft enough you can walk barefoot. However, if you enter the water is thebottom so rough that …
Q:
Apparently the beach is soft enough you can walk barefoot. However, if you enter the water is thebottom so rough that you nwwd water shoes?
A:
You can walk on the beach barefoot, however I found the black sand a lot tougher than normal sand, it also gets quite hot because of the colour. As for getting in the water, I went in …
A:
You can walk on the beach barefoot, however I found the black sand a lot tougher than normal sand, it also gets quite hot because of the colour. As for getting in the water, I went in without shoes but if you have some kind of reef shoes it will be much easier as it is very rocky getting out there which can be hard if the waves are slightly rough - easy to lose tour footing
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Q:
I was wondering if I can drive to this beach from Hilo and also how far is it from Hilo? We are visiting this May.
A:
1.5 hours seems to be just right. From Kamehameha you will take Hawaii Belt Rd Mamalahoa Hwy 11. It’s about at least 50 miles before you see and turn left on Punalu’u Rd. If you …
A:
1.5 hours seems to be just right. From Kamehameha you will take Hawaii Belt Rd Mamalahoa Hwy 11. It’s about at least 50 miles before you see and turn left on Punalu’u Rd. If you missed it, Ninole loop is the next road you can turn. Both roads end up in Punalu’u black sand beach. Since you’re there see if you can visit the nice town of Naalehu just another 15 minutes drive south. Check out the Punalu’u Bake Shop and monkey pod tree that was planted by Mark Twain. Enjoy!
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Q:
Can anyone tell me the website for the souvenir stand that's here? I can't seem to find it anywhere, we wanted to get …
Q:
Can anyone tell me the website for the souvenir stand that's here? I can't seem to find it anywhere, we wanted to get shirts but wanted them shipped home. Thank you!!
A:
They were locals, I don’t believe they have a website.
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