Punalu'u Black Sand Beach

Punaluu Beach lies on the Big Island's south coast between Pahala and Na'alehu. The striking black sand is basaltic, formed when lava flows met the ocean and cooled into dark glassy particles broken down by wave action over centuries -- a process that continues as the island's active volcanic landscape evolves. Endangered hawksbill sea turtles and green sea turtles (honu) regularly bask on the black sand, making close encounters near-certain on any visit. A picnic area and parking are available on-site. The beach sits along Highway 11 en route to Ka Lae, the southernmost point in the United States.