Punaluu, United States of America - Beach Guide, Info, Photos

Punaluu Beach is a notable destination situated on the southern coast of the largest Hawaiian island. It is widely regarded as the most frequented black sand beach in Hawaii, renowned for its picturesque palm trees that offer respite from the balmy summer sun.

As an added attraction, visitors can marvel at critically endangered turtles, including hawksbills and green turtles. Although swimming is not recommended due to various factors, it is feasible in select areas of Punaluu Beach.

Without a doubt, Punaluu Beach is a must-see location for tourists visiting Hawaii.

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Punaluu Photos Visitor Reviews Where to Stay near Punaluu? Where is Punaluu? Punaluu: Weather Today Beaches near Punaluu

Punaluu Photos

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Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight that the black sand beach is unique and beautiful, with many sea turtles to observe. Visitors recommend visiting early or late in the day for a more private experience. However, visitors complain about the sand being hot, and some mention tripping on rocks or encountering rough waves. Some visitors also express concern about children not being properly supervised around the sea turtles.

Where to Stay near Punaluu?

If you’re visiting Punaluu Beach, consider staying in the nearby town of Naalehu, which is the southernmost town in the United States and offers a quaint, small-town experience. Most visitors also explore the surrounding areas like Volcano Village, known for its proximity to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, making it a convenient base for both beach and park explorations.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Punaluu?

Latitude: 19.1357578 / Longitude: -155.5047867

Punaluu is located in Hawaii. The following map of Punaluu shows the exact location.

Nearby destinations:

Punaluu: Weather Today

📅 Sunday, May 3, 2026

Summary
Full Forecast

Today is unfortunately not an ideal day for a beach visit to Punaluu. You should prepare for intermittent rain showers that will likely dampen your time on the sand, making it a poor choice for sunbathing or relaxing by the water. The wind is quite strong and blustery, which will make the atmosphere feel restless and potentially uncomfortable. Additionally, the sea is currently quite turbulent with high, choppy waves, so please stay out of the water for your own safety. While the air temperature will reach 25.9 °C and the water temperature is 25.1 °C, the combination of wet conditions and rough surf means you are better off planning your beach trip for another time.

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Air

Low / High	20.6°C/25.9°C
Feels Like (High)	28.5°C

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Sea

Sea Temperature	25.1 °C
Wave Height	1.6 m

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Rain

Rain Chance	88%
Rainfall	3.5 mm
Rain Duration	7 h

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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset	05:52/18:45
Sunshine Hours	11.5 hrs
UV Index	5.05
Cloud Cover	42%

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Wind

Speed	20.3 km/h
Gusts	46.1 km/h
Direction	E