Punaluu Black Sand Beach

The sand is black because it is basalt: lava entering the ocean shatters into fragments on contact and the surf grinds them down, so the beach is made of volcanic glass and rock rather than coral or quartz. Green sea turtles, honu, haul out on the sand to bask, and endangered hawksbills nest along this coast; both are protected. Underground fresh water flows into the bay and is very cold - legend says that in times of drought Hawaiians dived with jugs to fetch it, and puna luʻu means spring diver. Swimming is possible but the rocky entry makes it dangerous for many.

What's there

• Black basalt sand - lava shattered on contact with the sea.
• Basking green sea turtles - protected, with hawksbills nesting nearby.
• A spring diver's name - puna luʻu, for the springs in the bay.
• Cold freshwater springs - entering the bay.

When to go

Year round. Two hours.

Before you go

Taking sand is illegal and enforced. Turtles must not be approached or touched - the legal distance is enforced. Swimming is affected by currents and rocky entry. The car park fills with coach traffic midday.

Nearby

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is north-east; South Point is west.

Key facts