Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach: A Big Island Must-Stop

Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach is one of the coolest places we visited on the Big Island. It is the kind of stop that feels unique right away. The black sand gives it a completely different look and feel than the beaches most people are used to.

This was a definite must-stop for us. It felt picture-perfect. We saw countless sea turtles, and just being there felt fun and relaxing at the same time. It is a great place to spend a little while, but it is also the kind of stop where you could stay a couple of hours and not feel rushed.

One practical thing to know is that once you get out into the water a bit, there are some big rounded rocks underfoot. That is not necessarily a bad thing, but it is worth knowing ahead of time, especially with kids.

There was also a concession area with shirts, hats, stickers, and other simple souvenirs, which made the stop even easier for families.

Final Take

Some places are memorable because of the activity. Others are memorable because of the setting. This one is both.

Pair this with Punaluʻu Bake Shop and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. For the full trip, see our Big Island guide.