Hawaii County, HI · Hawaiian Islands

Punaluu Black Sand Beach

One of the most accessible black-sand beaches in Hawaii — basalt sand from volcanic activity, fringed by coconut palms. Honu (green sea turtles) bask on the sand routinely. Swimming is possible but cold (freshwater seeps from the lava) and currents are strong; the cultural significance is the draw.

Today's Conditions

Great day for a beach walk.

7.2ft waves · 80°F water · 81°F air

Full NWS forecast for Sunday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. East northeast wind 9 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Tonight

Scattered rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. East northeast wind 9 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Weather

81°F air — ideal beach weather
20 mph wind — breezy — anchor everything
Sunny skies — mostly sunny

Water

80°F water — warm — full-day swim weather

Safety

UV 11 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
7.2ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only

68 /100

good

40 Swim

62 Sunbathe

78 Walk

75 Photo

Best for walking today

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

81°F

Clear

Wind

9 to 20 mph

ENE

Rain

11%

Sunday

UV Peak

11 Extreme

High 10 AM–02 PM · burn in ~18m

Burn-free before 08 AM & after 04 PM

Tomorrow

80°F

Mostly Sunny

Water

Water Temp

80°F

Swimming weather

Next Low Tide

9:20 PM

0.7 ft · in 6.1h

Wave Height

7.2 ft

9s · E swell

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

11:51 AM

Sunset

1:03 AM

Moon · 5%

Waning Crescent

Spring tides — bigger range

Tides

Time	Type	Height
12:36 AM	High	1.2 ft
6:54 AM	Low	-0.5 ft
2:31 PM	High	3.2 ft
9:20 PM	Low	0.7 ft

Time	Type	Height
1:39 AM	High	1.3 ft
7:45 AM	Low	-0.6 ft
3:13 PM	High	3.3 ft
10:01 PM	Low	0.6 ft

Time	Type	Height
2:32 AM	High	1.4 ft
8:34 AM	Low	-0.6 ft
3:54 PM	High	3.2 ft
10:41 PM	Low	0.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:23 AM	High	1.4 ft
9:22 AM	Low	-0.5 ft
4:34 PM	High	3.1 ft
11:19 PM	Low	0.4 ft

Time	Type	Height
4:16 AM	High	1.5 ft
10:09 AM	Low	-0.3 ft
5:12 PM	High	3.0 ft
11:55 PM	Low	0.4 ft

Time	Type	Height
5:11 AM	High	1.6 ft
10:57 AM	Low	0.1 ft
5:46 PM	High	2.7 ft

Time	Type	Height
12:30 AM	Low	0.3 ft
6:08 AM	High	1.6 ft
11:45 AM	Low	0.4 ft
6:17 PM	High	2.4 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 1617760, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Jul 12

81°

Mostly Sunny

11%

Mon Jul 13

80°

Mostly Sunny

11%

Tue Jul 14

78°

Mostly Sunny

11%

Wed Jul 15

79°

Mostly Sunny

11%

Thu Jul 16

81°

Mostly Sunny

11%

Fri Jul 17

81°

Mostly Sunny

11%

Sat Jul 18

81°

Mostly Sunny

11%

What to Bring Today

critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 11 — very high
recommended Beach shelter or anchored canopy 9 to 20 mph wind — umbrellas will flip
optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 80°F

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Beach Info

Parking

Free county lot.

Dogs

Dogs prohibited or leashed per Hawaii County beach park rules — check signage. Stay back 20+ feet from basking sea turtles (NOAA federal guidance).

Entry Fee

Free

Address

Ninole Loop Rd, Pahala, HI 96777

Amenities

lifeguards (8:30 AM – 5 PM daily)restroomspicnic areaBBQ pits

Frequently Asked

Is it safe to swim at Punaluu Black Sand Beach today?

Punaluu Black Sand Beach shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

Is Punaluu Black Sand Beach dog-friendly?

Dogs prohibited or leashed per Hawaii County beach park rules — check signage. Stay back 20+ feet from basking sea turtles (NOAA federal guidance).

Is there an entry fee at Punaluu Black Sand Beach?

Entry to Punaluu Black Sand Beach is free.

Are there lifeguards at Punaluu Black Sand Beach?

Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Punaluu Black Sand Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.

What amenities are at Punaluu Black Sand Beach?

Amenities at Punaluu Black Sand Beach include lifeguards (8:30 AM – 5 PM daily), restrooms, picnic area, BBQ pits.

When is the water warmest at Punaluu Black Sand Beach?

Hawaiian water is consistently 75-82°F year-round, with the summer peak in August-September. Swimming comfortable every month; rip currents and shore-break hazards drive the safety picture more than temperature.

Where is Punaluu Black Sand Beach located?

Punaluu Black Sand Beach is in Hawaii County, HI, at Ninole Loop Rd, Pahala, HI 96777.