Wildlife· Hawaii (Big Island)· Hawaii
Punaluu Black Sand Beach Turtles
19° 8.1′ N · 155° 30.3′ W
The Big Island's best-known black-sand beach, where green sea turtles haul out to bask on the sand and endangered hawksbills nest - with icy freshwater springs seeping up offshore.
Practical
Coordinate from to-hawaii's map of Punaluu Beach Park. Stay at least 20 ft from turtles (Wikipedia; to-hawaii says 15 ft) - do not touch. Swimming area is rocky and can be dangerous. Camping by permit at the county park; petroglyphs near the pavilions. Legend says taking stones or sand angers Pele. Hurricane Lala (August 2026) caused severe flash flooding in Kau; Hawaii Belt Road bridges were destroyed and Pahala was isolated - check road status before driving south.
Best for
Turtles on black sand
Nearby
- Punaluu Harbor Anchorage (small craft)0.1 NM away
- Kona Storms and the Southeast Coast0.4 NM away
- Honuapo Bay Anchorage4 NM away
- Whittington Beach Park and Honuapo4 NM away
- Hurricane Season on the Big Island (2026 Lala and Nolo)6.2 NM away
- Naalehu July 4 Rodeo and Labor Day Hula Festival6.2 NM away
- Punaluu Bake Shop (Naalehu)6.2 NM away
- Naalehu6.3 NM away