Punalu'u Beach, Olive sand beach in southeastern Kau coast, Hawaii.
The beach features dark volcanic sand formed by lava meeting ocean water, creating a stark contrast against the Pacific waters and surrounding palm trees.
Ancient Hawaiians used this location for offerings and as a dispatch point until 1833, when missionaries arrived and influenced the area's development.
The name Punaluu translates to 'spring water diver for' in Hawaiian, referring to the underground freshwater springs that flow into the ocean bay.
The beach park provides amenities including parking spaces, restrooms, showers, picnic pavilions, and a boat ramp for day visitors and permitted campers.
Hawaiian green sea turtles and endangered Hawksbill turtles regularly visit the beach to bask in the warmth of the black sand for thermoregulation.
Location: Hawaii
GPS coordinates: 19.13600,-155.50400
Latest update: May 27, 2025 09:52
Mauna Loa
39.3 km
Kīlauea
39.1 km
Papakolea Beach
26.8 km
Ka Lae
31.2 km
Halemaumau Crater
38.1 km
Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
31.2 km
Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
39.6 km
Devastation Trail
39.9 km
Pauahi
39.3 km
Ainahou Ranch
37 km
Hawaii Volcanoes Wilderness
23.8 km
Kilauea Caldera
36.4 km
ʻĀinapō Trail
37 km
Punaluʻu Beach
50 m
Puna-Ka'u Historic District
32.7 km
Mokuʻāweoweo Caldera
38.3 km
Thomas A. Jaggar Museum
38.9 km
Puʻu Huluhulu
40.9 km
Punalu'u Bakery Shop
12 km
Crater Rim Trail
39.6 km
Hilina Pali Trail
27.3 km
Halemaʻumaʻu Trail
38.4 km
Kaʻū Desert Trail
37.6 km
Mahana Beach
26.8 km
Hilina Pali Shelter
27.3 km
Wilkes Campsite
37.7 km
Kamehame Beach
4.1 km
Pōhue Beach
33.9 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes