Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Tours

Hawaii’s volcanic activity creates a dynamic array of beaches ranging from soft white shores to the black pebbles of the Big Island’s Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach. But, travelers aren’t the only visitors to Punaluʻu; the area is known for the large green sea turtles (honu) that come out to bask along the black sand shoreline.
The Basics
Time your visit to Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach for afternoon, and spend a leisurely few hours on the coconut tree–lined beach observing the sea turtles that frequently dot the shoreline, especially so near dusk. The beach is a common stop on island tours, and visiting on a guided tour enables you to skip the hassle of driving and more freely enjoy watching and photographing the sea turtles. Tours that stop at the beach typically also include other Big Island highlights such as Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a coffee plantation, and waterfalls.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Picnic areas, bathrooms, and an on-duty lifeguard make this spot family-friendly.
- The jagged, rocky shoreline means the beach is not ideal for swimming, but you can sometimes snorkel when the waters are calm.
- Admire the turtles from a distance, but don’t touch the protected species.
- You can camp at the beach if you have the required county permits.
How to Get There
Set on Hawaii’s southeastern coast, Punaluʻu beach is just off Highway 11 and a 20-minute drive from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Head southwest on Highway 11, turn left onto Punaluʻu Road and then follow Ninole Loop Road to the beach. To avoid renting a car and driving, visit the beach on a guided tour.
When to Get There
The popular beach is busiest on weekends, so if you want to avoid the crowds, visit on a weekday morning. To see the turtles at their most active, visit around dusk.
Where to Find Sea Turtles on Hawaii
While Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach is one of the best places for observing sea turtles, these creatures can be found in numerous locations across the island. If you want to see more sea turtles after visiting Punaluʻu beach, head to Kiholo Bay, Kahalu’u Beach Park (a great spot to snorkel with the turtles), and Carl Smith Beach.
Address: 96-876 Government Rd, Pahala, Hawaii 96777, USA
20 Tours and Activities to Experience Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
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Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Sightseeing, History
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Hawaii Big Island Circle Small Group Tour: Waterfalls - Hilo - Volcano - Black Sand Beach
Circle the Big Island of Hawaii along the Mamalahoa Highway on this guided, full-day, small-group adventure. Travel almost 250 miles and visit the two biggest cities on the island, Hilo and Kailua-Kona. Climb through several climate zones and native rainforest to the summit of the world’s most active volcano inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. All while learning about Hawaii’s history, culture, religion, geology and fragile ecosystem. All entrance fees plus a hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
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Small Group Big Island Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour
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Small-Group Big Island Tour: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Kona Coffee Farm
On this tour from Kona to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, experience some of the Big Island’s best sights in a small group capped at 10 people. In addition to stopping at Punalu’u Beach Park to walk down a black-sand beach, you have the chance to sip Kona coffee on the plantation right where it’s grown, as well as hike through a lava tube that was formed by Kilauea volcano. What’s more, receive an iPad to use on the tour. Use it for photos, videos, and info, as well as playing games or watching movies while traveling between the sites.
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The price listed is for a private tour, all 11 seats in a Mercedes Sprinter van, customized to you. Make the most of your time in Kona by spending it at the sites that you want to see.
First stop is your choice of two coffee farms, Greenwell or Royal Kona Coffee, both give you ample samples.
Next step in your custom day is deciding on South Point or Kahuku. At the Kahuku unit of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or the Southern most point in
the United States, Green Sand Beach/South Point.
Visit the Southernmost Bakery in the United States where you can have a malasada or any number of bakes goods.
Next is Punalu’u Black sand beach which was formed from black volcanic glass and is often a napping place for Hawaii’s Green Sea turtles. Our last stop is the very famous and iconic Painted Church with the very special fresco’s. Built in 1899 this colorful church is legendary, and your specially trained guides are decipher the hidden messages Father John painted in the church.
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Skip the tour bus & explore Big Island at your own pace for a fraction of the cost with the best self-guided audio GPS tours for Hawaii!
Rated the #1 best GPS tour app for Hawaii with over 6,000+ raving reviews and 200,000+ downloads.
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✅ Save time planning your trip because we have the best stops lined up
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✅ Hear cool and fun stories along the way (and some corny joke's that might make you laugh)
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Shaka Guide is an audio tour app that gives you the benefits of a guided tour with the freedom to explore on your own terms. This Big Island Tour Bundle comes with five socially-distanced audio driving tours:
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The app uses GPS to give you turn-by-turn navigation to historic sites, popular attractions, world-class beaches and scenic hikes with stories about the places you’re visiting and music to entertain you along the way.
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Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Akaka Falls, and the Waipio Valley are just some of the natural wonders on this Big Island sightseeing tour. Don’t miss a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and sample local products like Kona coffee and macadamia nuts at stops along the way. This comprehensive itinerary is ideal for anyone who wants an overview of Hawaii in one day. All entrance fees are included.
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Visit a Kona Coffee Farm, explore the best sites at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the Punalu'e Black Sand Beach. Deli Style lunch is included.
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