Tags
Big Island, Black Sand, Black Sand beach, Green Sea Turtles, Hawaii, Hilo, Honu, Photography, Punalu'u Beach, Sea Turtles, travel, Volcano National Park
Although I had lived in Hawai’i for 11 years I had never actually been to a black sand beach, until I recently visited the Big Island, Hawai’i.
It is hard to express the wonder that you feel when you walk out onto this beach. The sand is jet black; it is like walking on crushed black diamonds. The black sand is made of basalt and is created by lava flowing into the ocean which explodes as it reaches the ocean and cools. The black sand does not stick to you at all and feels so clean.
Punalu’u Beach is one of the more famous black sand beaches of Hawai’i and is a favourite spot for turtles. Punalu’u Black Sand Beach’s jet black shores are an unforgettable sight with coconut palms bordering the upper edge of the sand. Punalu’u beach is easy to access off Highway 11, and is about 55 miles from Hilo. We drove down to Punalu’u beach from the Volcano National Park.
Almost immediately after arriving we spotted a couple of sea turtles, called Honu, resting on the black sand.
Rolling waves meet the shore bringing in sea turtles who like to bask on the warm sand.
The water at this point is called sweet water which is fresh mountain water meeting the ocean in springs. This is another reason the turtles love it here.
The green turtle is a large, weighty sea turtle with a wide, smooth carapace, or shell. It inhabits tropical and subtropical coastal waters around the world and has been observed clambering onto land to sunbathe. “Basking” (resting) behavior is becoming more common all around Hawai‘i and is an exciting way to watch green sea turtles
While this is not a great place to swim, the unusual encounter with the natural world is almost surreal. You’ll come out with incredible pictures and wonderful memories.
To see a black sand beach is unlike anything you’ve seen before. I was captivated by the actual beauty of it, and how soft the sand can be after the lava breaks down so much!
Wow. Don’t think I can ever remember seeing a Black Beach. Interesting!!
Daphne
It was very special DD
It looks wonderful. Does it smell like sulfar? I went to an island in Greece years ago that had the black sand with that rotten egg smell.
No smell at all. It actually feels cleaner than white sand.
How come it isn’t a good place to swim? It looks lovely!
It is probably OK but not great. It is very rocky and apparently not safe. Yes, it is just as lovely when you are there. Thanks Katelon
We remember our time on Santorini Greece black beaches
No they didnt smell
.
It is such a unique and memorable experience
Beautiful pictures.
Thank you. It is a beautiful place
What an amazing experience to walk and touch the lava sand! Glad you enjoyed the visit!
Yes Linda. I loved it. Every moment. Thanks x
Very interesting Lyn
Yes, although I have been to Hawaii a few times I have never seen that.
It is Sue. I think it is a case of making a deliberate plan to go there. They are not on the main island where most folks go. Thanks Lyn
Another pearl of travel information from your vast supply. The black sand is a reminder you are in volcano country, hey. Very interesting.
Definitely Gail. It really is truly amazing what Mother nature is doing. Unless you see recent evidence we tend to forget.
Photos are amazing thank you. Love the turtle on the black sand such a contrast. Enjoyable blog as always. 💜
Thanks Leah. It was such a lovely experience. Beautiful place 💛
Had never heard of black sand before this. Thanks for photos and info. Turtles are so cute.
Pretty amazing hey Sue. All the best for a great 2018
Hey Lyn. Thank you. All the very best yo you too.
Beautiful!
It truly is. Thanks
I’m visiting Hawaii Big Island in Feb!
That is a great time of year to be there. Enjoy
Nice photos and description of the sand. I did stop by this place but didn’t find it appealing at that time. Maybe I should have taken a closer look.
I am always attracted to water so that is a good start for me. The more I walked on the beach the more I loved it. Crystal clear water and crushed black diamonds. Gorgeous
Great photos Lyn and interesting commentary as well. Bet it makes your feet feel good after walking on it
Thanks Mary. It really was a fabulous day
Amazing😊
Yes Ellie it truly was
Such a great place. Hawaii is so beautiful.
Yes Mark. I definitely agree. Thanks
This reminds me of the black sand on Lanzarote – it is so unusual and feels all ‘wrong’ to start with but then I became used to the striking colour! An amazing island as well…though I’d love to visit Hawaii!
Thank you for introducing me to Lanzarote. I had never heard of it. It looks lovely. Hawaii is beautiful and very special to me. Thanks for visiting my blog. Your menu is beautifully done. Lyn
Thank you! It’s always fun putting together a special dinner and making the menu. Glad to have introduced you to Lanzarote – it is an extraordinary island.
Happy New Year!
Happy 2018 to you too
Such beautiful photographs… Beaches are the most perfect places, I´d say ;)
Happy New Year, Lyn! :D
Thanks. Yes I agree, for me beaches are perfect.
All the best for 2018 Lyn
Stunning photos. You’ve made me want to visit one! Thanks for sharing
It is a really great experience. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Lyn
The black sand beaches of Hawaii are such an experience, almost like entering an alien world.
Yes, I agree. Great description. Thanks Lyn
Oh, this brings memories of two trips to the black sandy beaches of La Union in the Philippines during my youth. I hated the sight of it. But this Hawaiian beach adventure is beautiful with lush greenery surrounding it with rocks and turtles. It makes a difference. Happy travels!
Interesting about your black beaches in the Philippines. That was my image of them before seeing Punalu’u so maybe they are not all magical.
Hahaha. I don’t think so😁. Amazingly, the southern part of the Philippines have beautiful, powdery white sandy beaches. And when we moved to Thailand, all I saw was white sandy beaches and light brown sand and I was wishing to see a black sandy beach again😂
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Looks stunning, and the turtles are the icing on the cake.
Thank you, it was stunning and the turtles were just so special and not worried about people.
Beautiful Pictures!
I have never been to hawaii but I have always wanted to.
Thank you. It is very special to me. Hope you make it there one day.