81°
Mostly Sunny
7%
74
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.
8.2ft waves · 79°F water · 81°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. East wind 16 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. East northeast wind 10 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Weather
- 81°F air — ideal beach weather
- 20 mph wind — breezy — anchor everything
- Sunny skies — mostly sunny
Water
- 79°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- UV 12 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
- 8.2ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only
67 /100
good
36 Swim
62 Sunbathe
79 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
81°F
Clear
Wind
16 to 20 mph
E
Rain
7%
Today
UV Peak
12 Extreme
High 10 AM–02 PM · burn in ~17m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 04 PM
Tomorrow
81°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
79°F
Swimming weather
Wave Height
8.2 ft
9s · E swell
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
11:53 AM
Sunset
1:02 AM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:30 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 6:08 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 11:45 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 6:17 PM | High | 2.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:05 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 7:12 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 12:35 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 6:43 PM | High | 2.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:41 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 8:36 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 1:39 PM | Low | 1.2 ft |
| 7:04 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:23 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 10:12 AM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 3:41 PM | Low | 1.4 ft |
| 7:15 PM | High | 1.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:14 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 11:32 AM | High | 2.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:08 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 12:33 PM | High | 2.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:03 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 1:17 PM | High | 2.4 ft |
| 8:39 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| 11:15 PM | High | 1.1 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 1617760, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
81°
Mostly Sunny
4%
83
81°
Mostly Sunny
6%
83
80°
Partly Sunny then Scattered Rain Showers
37%
69
79°
Isolated Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
15%
79
81°
Mostly Sunny
6%
80
81°
Sunny
4%
78
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 12 — very high
- recommended Beach shelter or anchored canopy 16 to 20 mph wind — umbrellas will flip
- 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
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Punaluu Black Sand Beach today?
Punaluu Black Sand Beach shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
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