Punaluu Black Sand Beach

Ninole Loop Rd, Pahala, HI 96777

One of the most accessible black-sand beaches in Hawaii — basalt sand from volcanic activity, fringed by coconut palms. Honu (green sea turtles) bask on the sand routinely. Swimming is possible but cold (freshwater seeps from the lava) and currents are strong; the cultural significance is the draw.

Ideal for a beach walk.

NWS alert active · 79°F water · 78°F air

Full NWS forecast for Today

Isolated rain showers after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. East wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. East northeast wind 9 to 14 mph.

Weather

  • 78°F air — ideal beach weather
  • Sunny skies — mostly sunny

Water

  • 79°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
  • 5.9ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids

Safety

  • UV 10 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
  • NWS alert active — high surf advisory issued june 3 at 3:35am hst until june 4 at 6:00am hst by nws honolulu hi
76 /100
great
42 Swim
81 Sunbathe
87 Walk
80 Photo

Best for walking today

High Surf High Surf Advisory

High Surf Advisory issued June 3 at 3:35AM HST until June 4 at 6:00AM HST by NWS Honolulu HI

NWS · In effect through Jun 4, 4:00 PM

Full NWS statement

...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR SOUTH FACING SHORES OF ALL HAWAIIAN ISLANDS... .Large surf associated with a long-period south-southwest swell (190 degrees) will continue to impact exposed south-facing shores of all Hawaiian Islands through early Thursday. * WHAT...Surf heights of up to 10 to 14 feet. * WHERE...South facing shores of all Hawaiian Islands. * WHEN...Until 6 AM HST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Moderate. Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by ocean safety officials and exercise caution. Boaters should expect recreational surfers and body boarders utilizing harbor channels to access surfing areas. Expect periodic wave runup across areas of the shore that typically remain dry during the afternoon high tide cycle.

Air Temp
78°F
Clear
Wind
16 mph
E
Rain
19%
Today
UV Peak
10 Very High
High 10 AM–01 PM · burn in ~20m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 03 PM
Tomorrow
79°F
Mostly Sunny then Isolated Rain Showers
Water Temp
79°F
Swimming weather
Wave Height
5.9 ft
8s · E swell
Sunrise
11:43 AM
Sunset
12:57 AM
Moon · 87%
Waning Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
7-day chart →
Time Type Height
12:05 AM Low 0.6 ft
3:55 AM High 1.0 ft
10:02 AM Low -0.1 ft
5:45 PM High 2.5 ft
Today Jun 3
78°

Mostly Sunny then Isolated Rain Showers

19%
85
Thu Jun 4
79°

Mostly Sunny then Isolated Rain Showers

17%
85
Fri Jun 5
79°

Sunny then Isolated Rain Showers

15%
85
Sat Jun 6
79°

Mostly Sunny then Isolated Rain Showers

17%
85
Sun Jun 7
79°

Sunny

3%
85
Mon Jun 8
79°

Mostly Sunny

5%
85
Tue Jun 9
79°

Mostly Sunny

8%
85
  • critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 10 — very high
  • optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 79°F

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Parking

Free county lot.

Dogs

Dogs prohibited or leashed per Hawaii County beach park rules — check signage. Stay back 20+ feet from basking sea turtles (NOAA federal guidance).

Entry Fee

Free

Address

Ninole Loop Rd, Pahala, HI 96777

lifeguards (8:30 AM – 5 PM daily)restroomspicnic areaBBQ pits
Is Punaluu Black Sand Beach dog-friendly?

Dogs prohibited or leashed per Hawaii County beach park rules — check signage. Stay back 20+ feet from basking sea turtles (NOAA federal guidance).

Is there an entry fee at Punaluu Black Sand Beach?

Entry to Punaluu Black Sand Beach is free.

Are there lifeguards at Punaluu Black Sand Beach?

Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Punaluu Black Sand Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.

What amenities are at Punaluu Black Sand Beach?

Amenities at Punaluu Black Sand Beach include lifeguards (8:30 AM – 5 PM daily), restrooms, picnic area, BBQ pits.

When is the water warmest at Punaluu Black Sand Beach?

Hawaiian water is consistently 75-82°F year-round, with the summer peak in August-September. Swimming comfortable every month; rip currents and shore-break hazards drive the safety picture more than temperature.

Where is Punaluu Black Sand Beach located?

Punaluu Black Sand Beach is in Hawaii County, HI, at Ninole Loop Rd, Pahala, HI 96777.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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