The Best Black Sand Beach in Hawaii

Black sand beaches are rare, iconic and absolutely beautiful, and Hawaii boasts more than a few. Formed by hot lava hitting the coast, black sand beaches are an incredible sight. But which one is the best to explore? As a local to the Big Island, I’ll give you the insider tips and tricks to my favorite black sand beach, as well as ways to protect its special environment so many more generations can enjoy it’s beautiful sands.

Punalu’u, the most beautiful black sand beach on Big Island, Hawaii

Looking to explore one of Hawaii’s beautiful black sand beaches? Well, look no further than Punalu’u, one of Hawaii’s most famous and iconic spots. With a rich history and a unique freshwater spring system, this beach is truly a wonder. 

Located on the southern tip of the Island, this beach is well worth a drive. If you are coming from Kona, the beach is about a 90 minute drive from the town center, and 60 minutes from Hilo. Or, stay at a local Airbnb to enjoy the beauty of this beach from dawn to dusk. 

Because of its unique blend of fresh and salt water, Punalu’u is home to some of the largest numbers of Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. They love the cold water where they eat limu, or seaweed, and come ashore to rest and sunbathe in the unique black sand. So if you want to snap a photo of these guys napping in their natural habitat (while maintaining a safe distance for the turtles’ safety), Punalu’u is the place for you. 

Exact location and best times to visit 

Located on the southern tip of the Island, this beach is well worth a drive. If you are coming from Kona, the beach is about a 90 minute drive from the town center, and 60 minutes from Hilo. Or, stay at a local Airbnb to enjoy the beauty of this beach from dawn to dusk. 

If you are traveling from Kona:

Punalu’u is 67.3 mi south via HI-11/Hawaiʻi Belt Rd. Plan an entire day around this adventure, as there are great coffee shops and winding roads to explore on the way down.

If you are traveling from Hilo:

Punalu’u is 57.1 mi south via HI-11/Hawaiʻi Belt Rd. Plan a half day around this adventure, and stop by Volcanoes National Park for a cooling hike or drive on your way home

Best times to visit the beach:

Since this beach is like a wonder of the world, it does get quite crowded from 11:00 am-4:00 pm. Like anything in Hawaii, plan to get there early to enjoy the peace and quiet with the locals and the wildlife. Or stay for sunset and dine at one of the local restaurants in Na’alehu for dinner.

How to be wildlife friendly and sustainable 

(photographed from afar with a 300 m lens)

Since this beach is so unique and heavily trafficked, make sure you are doing you part to protect the reef and the wildlife present. 

1. Make sure to wear reef safe sunscreens (such as Kokua Sun Care Hawaiian SPF 50 Natural Zinc Sunscreen, Mama Kuleana Waterproof SPF 30 Reef-safe Sunscreen, Little Hands Hawaii SPF 35+ All-natural and Organic Sunscreen, or Badger SPF 30 Unscented Sunscreen Cream) any time you enter ANY WATER in Hawaii. Since the water carries sunscreen particles all over the reef, anything that isn’t labeled reef safe will actually kill the coral trying to grow and harm the fish. 

2. Stay at least 10 ft from any turtle on the beach or in the water. If you are snorkeling at Punalu’u, sometimes the turtles pop up out of nowhere! Give them a wide berth and observe them from afar.

Minimum distances from Amazing From Afar.

3. Don’t stand on the reef floor, and enter and exit the water from the two beaches on their side of the tidal pools. Standing on growing coral and seaweed will kill it, and also the fish and turtles who depend on it for their food.

4. Don’t remove creatures or crabs from tidal pools

5. Pack out any trash you bring with you, and use the trash and recycling cans by the pavilions to dispose of waste. Don’t leave it on the beach.

6. NEVER TAKE SAND OR LAVA ROCKS FROM THE BEACH as this is illegal and also bad luck, according to Hawaiian tradition

What to pack:  

This beach is a long, black beach with hot crystallized sand and lots of coconut trees for shade. However, since the water is rocky at low tide, and the beach sand can get quite hot during the day, make sure you bring the following with you to this beach: 

1. Reef shoes or fins (avoid going in barefoot)

2. A small shade cover or umbrella

3. A hammock to set up in the trees

4. Towels, blankets or beach covers

5. Cooler with fresh ice

6. Snorkel gear (if you like to snorkel)

7. Snacks

8. Sunscreen and clothing cover-ups

Visit safely and return again 

Like all beaches on Hawaii, each has its own topography and culture. The best way to enjoy Punalu’u is to come prepared, and to stay a while. If you want more tips and tricks for how to get married on this black sand beach, reach out to me to chat more about it!