Explore the black sand beach at Punalu’u (updated 2021)

 

On the southern part of Hawaii island is a large black sandy beach called Punalu’u, a favorite spot for Honu or Hawaiian green and Hawksbill turtles often basking out in the warm sandy beaches.  This area is also frequented by Hawaiian monk seals,  humpback whales, spinner dolphins and many types of sea life found in the tranquil bay. It’s a fantastic experience to explore the black sand beach at Punalu’u on the Big Island now.

Visiting Punalu’u beach on the Big Island’s South coast area

 

A black sand beach at Punaluu

Anchialine pools

 

 

 

 

Anchialine pools

Anchialine pools

 

 

 

 

A black sand beach at Punaluu

The rocky coastline at Punalu’u

 

Large anchialine pools within the vicinity of the black sand beach with brackish waters that are rare and endangered ecosystems in on the Big Island. The area is also fed by underground aquifers with spring fed waters mixing into the salty ocean waters, creating an ideal habitat for a variety of fish that thrive in these koa or fish environments. It is still a very popular fishing spot for fishermen on the shore and fishing out on boats along the shorelines.

 

A black sand beach at Punaluu

Welcome Aloha sign at Punalu’u

 

 

 

 

A black sand beach at Punaluu

Fishing on the bay

 

The rugged coastline surrounding the black sand beach is marked with large areas of lava rock that have poured into the ocean and are centuries old formations and create interesting cracks, patterns and jagged formations flowing in many directions and into the ocean.

 

A black sand beach at Punaluu

The rocky coastline at Punalu’u

 

 

 

A black sand beach at Punaluu

More turtles basking on the beach

 

The beach at Punalu’u is sometimes treacherous because of rip tides and currents entering the bay. If you do go swimming in the beach, stay closer to the shallow areas and other protected spots along the beach. Hope you enjoyed the tour of this scenic and wild coastline along the southern shores of Hawaii Island. Meanwhile, please enjoy other bloggers sharing their Travel Photo Monday links below.

 

If you enjoyed this post, please check out these other Big Island stories

East Hawaii attractions and places to visit

Big Island key attractions on the West side

Things to do on the Big Island with kids

Akaka Falls on the Big Island

Big Island locally grown foods

Visiting Keauhou on the Big Island

Body Glove snorkel cruise

Punalu’u black sand beach

Road trip to the Hamakua district

Hapuna Beach in Kohala

 

Have you visited Punalu’u?

Have you been here and enjoyed a unique experience in the area? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

If you enjoyed this post on A black sand beach at Punalu’u ,Travel Photo Mondays , please consider subscribing to the blog by email so you will get all the latest news, information and posts direct to your inbox.

 

Sharing is caring!