Discover Punaluu on the Big Island of Hawaii

Hawaii is full of many wondrous things to see and do. There are mountain trails to hike, historical sites to see and warm beaches to lounge beside. Specific to each island are many unique features that you are unlikely to find anywhere else in the world. Hawaii is just a special place to be.

One of these magnificent places is Punaluu or Black Sand Beach, located on the largest island of Hawaii. Punaluu means "diving spring" in Hawaiian, and the beach is found on the southern tip of the Big Island of Hawaii near the Sea Mountain Golf Course. It's an easy site to access with paved roads and a parking lot. Whether you drive there yourself or visit it with a bus tour, Punaluu is a great place to stop and enjoy your lunch as you make your way around the island.

Punaluu's unique black sand is produced when the hot lava from the volcano flows into the cool Pacific Ocean. This rapid decrease in temperature causes the lava to become brittle and it breaks into smaller pieces. Over the years, these pieces are ground up by the continual wave action until they form coarse, black sand. Punaluu's coast forms a small cove and bay, creating a semi-circular appearance. It is also surrounded by swaying palm trees, and there is a restroom area for visitors.

One thing to remember when at Punaluu is that it is illegal to take any of the black sand. It may sound like a good idea to take a little souvenir of such a beautiful place, but it is not recommended. In fact, local lore advises that anyone taking sand or rocks from Hawaii will be cursed with bad luck. There's even a website that allows you to return your souvenir rocks and sand back to the island.

Besides this beach's dramatic distinction in sand color, Punaluu is also known as a turtle haven. Green sea turtles, called honu in Hawaiian, often come ashore here to bask in the warm sunlight. Sometimes many turtles at a time sunbathe on the sand. These green sea turtles are endangered animals and are protected under the Endangered Species Act and by Hawaii law. There are strict rules prohibiting hunting, injuring or harassing them. The laws also limit how close you can come to them, and it is illegal for any swimmer or diver to ride on them. Fines for disobeying these laws can be severe - up to $100,000 and jail time.

With its unconventional dark sand and the chance of meeting a green sea turtle, Punaluu is a destination that you must not miss if you're visiting the Big Island of Hawaii. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the entire family.