Punalu'u
Beach Park is the most famous black sand beach
on the Big Island of the
U.S. state of Hawaii.
The beach’s black sand is made of
basalt
and created by lava flowing into the ocean
which explodes as it reaches
the ocean and cools
. Punaluʻu is frequented by endangered Hawksbill
and Green turtles, which can often be seen basking on the
black sand.
This is a perfect place to enjoy the scenery,
explore the black sand
beach, watch the sea turtles, and
swim or snorkel. Swimming is dangerous
as the area is very
rocky. Instead, you can also spread out a blanket
under
a towering coconut tree for a midday picnic or afternoon
siesta,
or sit for hours watching the action in the park's
beautiful freshwater
fish pond.
The
beach has a large amount of underground fresh water
that flows in it.
This fresh water is very cold and looks almost
like gasoline mixing with
the water. Legend has it that in the
time of drought, the ancient
Hawaiians living in the area would
dive underwater with a jug to get
their fresh water.
Punalu'u Beach Park is located off Hwy 11 on Puna district's
south shore, south of the town of Hilo.
