Punaluʻu Beach (Black Sand Beach)

Punaluʻu Beach (also called Black Sand Beach) is a beach between Pāhala and Nāʻālehu  in Ka’u district. The beach has black sand made of basalt and created by lava flowing into the ocean which explodes as it reaches the ocean and cools. This volcanic activity is in the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Punaluʻu is frequented by endangered hawksbill and green turtles, which can often be seen basking on the black sand.Please do not touch or disturb these protected animals. Sometimes scientists will rope off areas to observe these gentle creatures.

Ancient Hawaiians used Punaluu for more than just a lovely playground. Freshwater springs spout cold, fresh water just offshore. They would swim out to the springs with empty dried out gourds to capture the drinking water. The presence of fresh spring water gives Punaluu waters a nice chill.


Papakōlea Beach (Green Sand Beach)

Papakōlea Beach is a green sand beach located near South Point, in the Kaʻū district.  It is one of only four green sand beaches in the world. It gets its distinctive coloring from olivine sand eroded out of the enclosing volcanic cone (tuff ring).

The beach is located about 3 miles (5 km) east of Ka Lae (known as South Point). There are 3 names that are used for this amazing beach Green sand beach is officially known as “Papakōlea beach” (after the kōlea bird often seen behind the beach) but also as “Mahana beach” (after the cinder cone responsible for the green color of the beach) and of course Green Sand Beach.

The hike to Papakōlea beach (Green Sand Beach) is hot and challenging.Walk from the parking lot to the ocean and take the road to the left (facing the water, towards the east). Follow this road with the ocean on your right hand for about 2 1/2 miles and you will get to the cliffs above the Green Sand Beach. Climb down carefully along the lava cliff on the west side of the bay.


White Sand Beach

The Big Island boast of a few White sand beaches. Most white sand beaches that are composed of ‘inorganic sand’ (e.g. quartz and other minerals), the white sand on the beaches of Hawaii is mostly made of shells from marine organisms and coral fragments.

Waialea beach is one of the more popular white sand beaches on the Big Island.  Especially so during the summer months, because of the sun, shade and good snorkeling. Waialea beach is also called  “69 beach” because of the number 69 utility pole close to the parking area of this beach.

Hāpuna beach is 1/2 mile long, almost always sunny, and has a continuous shore break that is great fun to play in for all ages. It has been regularly is voted among the ‘best beaches in the world’!


Southern most point in US Waipio Valley and Bay