Experts' Choice Award Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
What the experts agree on
Black sand beach near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park where green sea turtles bask between coconut palms. Windswept and remote, with dramatic volcanic origins and easy accessibility for visitors exploring the Big Island's southeast coast.
“Green sea turtles love to bask on this remote, black-sand beach, beautifully framed by palm trees and easily photographed from the bluff above.”
– Frommer's
Fodor's "A great stop on a south southeast–bound trip to the volcano, this easily accessible black-sand beach is backed by low dunes, brackish ponds, and tall coco palms." Full review
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"Beyond the nearly omnipresent green sea turtles basking in the sun, or the rare hawksbill turtles that lay their eggs here...this windswept beach is famous for its black sand." Full review
Travel + Leisure "The Big Island is home to eight climate zones, one live volcano, and countless impressive beaches— including Punalu'u, which is a heart-stopping black-sand beach close to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park"
The 18 Best Beaches in Hawaii
March 18, 2022
Travel + Leisure "Located on the southeastern Kaʻū coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, Punalu’u Beach is a popular place for sunbathers to sprawl out between coconut palms and the Pacific coastline"
15 Stunning Black-sand Beaches Around the World
April 17, 2023
