Sight guide · Big Island (Hawaiʻi) · United States
Visiting Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
On the south coast between Kona and the volcano, this beach of jet-black sand is a regular basking spot for green sea turtles.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach is a beach in Kaʻū, Big Island (Hawaiʻi). Allow 1 hour; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Beach
- Area
- Kaʻū
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, nature, photo spot and kids
- Best months
- January–February and November
Plan a trip to Big Island (Hawaiʻi)
Compare flights, places to stay and rental cars, then book with the provider you choose.
About Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
On the south coast between Kona and the volcano, this beach of jet-black sand is a regular basking spot for green sea turtles. Cold freshwater springs seep into the bay and the swimming can be rough.
Tip: Stay at least 3 metres from resting turtles, and do not take any black sand; removing it is prohibited.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1 hour.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not needed; you can simply turn up.
- Where: Kaʻū.
Best time to visit Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- January: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 7 rainy days, busy crowds.
- February: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 7 rainy days, busy crowds.
- November: 29°C (84°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Big Island (Hawaiʻi) has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and Maunakea.
- No. 10 of the 19 sights in our Big Island (Hawaiʻi) things-to-do list.
- Listed in free things to do in Big Island (Hawaiʻi).
- A family favourite in Big Island (Hawaiʻi) with kids.
Near Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
Also in Kaʻū, so you can walk between them:
- Papakōlea Green Sand Beach — 3–4 hours, free
If you like Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park — Volcano, A full day
- Maunakea — Maunakea, Half a day
- Hāpuna Beach — Kohala Coast, Half a day
- ʻAkaka Falls State Park — Hāmākua Coast, 1 hour
Staying near Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
Where to stay in Big Island (Hawaiʻi) compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach?
Plan 1 hour. With Papakōlea Green Sand Beach nearby, it fits a half-day in Kaʻū.
+Is Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach?
January–February and November for the most comfortable weather. Stay at least 3 metres from resting turtles, and do not take any black sand; removing it is prohibited.
+Do I need to book Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach in advance?
No: it is free to visit, so you can decide on the day.
+Is Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Big Island (Hawaiʻi). The Big Island is a superb family destination for active children, with volcanoes, turtles, waterfalls and calm beaches.