Outdoors Kaʻū, Big Island
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
An outdoor spot in Kaʻū, Big Island, free to visit and worth about an hour. Best time to go: Afternoon.
Why go
Jet-black sand beach where green sea turtles haul out to rest.
It is one of 10 curated places we feature in Big Island, alongside 3 places to eat, 2 activities and 2 outdoor spots.
- Type
- Outdoors · Beaches
- Neighborhood
- Kaʻū
- Price
- Free
- Time needed
- 1 hr
- Best time
- Afternoon
On these curated routes
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach is a stop on our Hawaii Paradise route. Open it to see the full day-by-day plan.
More outdoor spots in Big Island
2 more curated outdoor spots in Big Island. See the full Big Island guide.
When to go
Average daily highs in Big Island run from 50°F in February to 58°F in August; March is usually the wettest month. For Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach itself, we suggest: Afternoon.
Modelled monthly averages for Big Island from NASA POWER, not a forecast. Full Big Island weather by month.
Getting there
Map links open a live search for Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, so hours and directions come straight from the map app.
- Address
- Ninole Loop Rd, Pahala, HI 96777, USA
- Coordinates
- 19.13581, -155.50475
- Destination
- Big Island, Hawaii
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach: quick answers
How much time do you need at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach?
Plan on about an hour at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach. That is our curated estimate for a typical visit; groups that linger will want more.
When is the best time to visit Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach?
Our pick: Afternoon. Insider tip: Keep 10 feet from turtles; surf is rough, wear water shoes.
Is Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach free?
Yes, we list Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach as free to visit. Check locally before you go, since special exhibits, parking or tours can carry a fee.
Where is Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach?
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach is at Ninole Loop Rd, Pahala, HI 96777, USA, in Kaʻū. The Google Maps and Apple Maps links on this page open it for directions.
Which TripsCircle routes include Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach?
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach appears on Hawaii Paradise, a curated route you can open on TripsCircle and plan with your group.
Add Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach to your crew's plan
Save it to a shared TripsCircle itinerary, settle the timing with a quick poll, and split the costs with everyone going to Big Island.
Plan Big Island
- Big Island travel guide 10 places
- Best time to visit Big Island weather by month
- Maui to Big Island 97 mi straight-line
Lists & regions
Also in Big Island
- Café 100 Food
- Kīlauea Iki Trail Activity
- Greenwell Farms Drinks
- Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park Sight
Curated recommendation, not live listing data. Confirm hours, prices, bookings and access before you go.