“Punalu’u Beach (also called Black Sand Beach) is a beach near Nā’ālehu on the Big Island of the U.S. state of Hawaiʻi. The beach has black sand 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.

Punalu’u is frequented by endangered Hawksbill Turtles and Green Sea Turtles, which can often be seen basking on the black sand. Visitors must remain 15 feet from the turtles at all times. The swimming area is very rocky, and it can be dangerous to swim. The beach also has a large amount of underground fresh water that flows in it. This fresh water is very cold and looks almost like gasoline mixing with the water. Legend has it that in the time of drought, the early Hawaiians living in the area would dive underwater with a jug to get their fresh water.

Taking black sand and volcanic rocks from the area is prohibited.“

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Punalu’u Black Sand Beach: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punaluu_Black_Sand_Beach
Surfrider Foundation Oahu: www.surfrider.org/oahu/
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Video Length: 3:37 (38.8MB)

Watch: 808TTV E.82 - 05/10/2008

Categories: Vodcast
Tags: 808Talk, 808TTV, aloha, beach, big island, black sand, Buzz Hawaii, darin leong, Features, green sea turtle, Hawaii, Hawksbill Turtle, Naalehu, Punaluu Black Sand Beach, travel, Vodcast, volcanic rock, Wikipedia