Punalu’u Black Sand Beach Park has a popular black sand beach with a large freshwater pond and rows of palm trees behind it. The setting is stunning and despite the distance from both Hilo and Kona, this beach can get busy.

Swimming can be dangerous at Punalu’u due to rip currents. If you do swim, look out for turtles and stay back from them – a mask helps to see where they are. Note that the top layers of the water might seem colder as the freshwater from nearby springs seeps into the bay. Lifeguards are sometimes provided on busy weekend days, but don’t count on them being present when you get there. There’s a stand with souvenirs and a few snacks that might be open on weekends.

Sea turtles are frequently in the water and on the beach at Punalu’u. Signs make it clear that you shouldn’t approach them, but you can take pictures from about 10 feet away.