Mostly Sunny then Isolated Rain Showers
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
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
Best for walking today
High Surf Advisory issued June 3 at 3:35AM HST until June 4 at 6:00AM HST by NWS Honolulu HI
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.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Today's Tides
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 |
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
Mostly Sunny then Isolated Rain Showers
Sunny then Isolated Rain Showers
Mostly Sunny then Isolated Rain Showers
Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 10 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 16 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