80°
Sunny
10%
76
Hawaii County, HI · Hawaiian Islands
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.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
6.6ft waves · 79°F water · 80°F air
Full NWS forecast for Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 80. East northeast wind 10 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 69. East northeast wind 6 to 10 mph.
Weather
- 80°F air — ideal beach weather
- 18 mph wind — breezy — anchor everything
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 79°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- 6.6ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only
72 /100
great
50 Swim
69 Sunbathe
81 Walk
75 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.6 ft above predicted
Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
80°F
Clear
Wind
10 to 18 mph
ENE
Rain
10%
Thursday
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 10 AM–02 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 04 PM
Tomorrow
80°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
79°F
Swimming weather
Next Low Tide
8:17 PM
1.0 ft · in 5.5h
Wave Height
6.6 ft
8s · E swell
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
11:46 AM
Sunset
1:03 AM
Moon · 80%
Waxing Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
Today's Tides
7-day chart →| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:38 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 1:31 PM | High | 2.4 ft |
| 8:17 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| 11:33 PM | High | 1.2 ft |
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
80°
Sunny
8%
76
80°
Mostly Sunny
10%
85
80°
Sunny
13%
85
81°
Mostly Sunny then Scattered Rain Showers
28%
79
82°
Scattered Rain Showers
44%
62
81°
Scattered Rain Showers
34%
75
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 10 to 18 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 79°F
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
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
Amenities
7-Day Tide Chart →
Full high/low predictions for the next week at Punaluu Black Sand Beach.
7-Day Weather →
Extended forecast for Punaluu Black Sand Beach from the National Weather Service.
Frequently Asked
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.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS