81°
Chance Rain Showers
65%
44
Hawaii County, HI · Hawaiian Islands
Punaluu Black Sand Beach
Ninole Loop Rd, Pahala, HI 96777
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
Decent day for photography.
65% rain · NWS alert active · 81°F water
Full NWS forecast for Today
A chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. Northeast wind 3 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Tonight
A chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Northeast wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Weather
- 81°F air — ideal beach weather
- 65% rain — rain likely at some point
Water
- 81°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- 4.9ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
Safety
- NWS alert active — high surf advisory issued september 9 at 7:25am hst until september 9 at 6:00pm hst by nws honolulu hi
44 /100
ok
14 Swim
38 Sunbathe
43 Walk
66 Photo
Best for photography today
High Surf High Surf Advisory
High Surf Advisory issued September 9 at 7:25AM HST until September 9 at 6:00PM HST by NWS Honolulu HI
Full NWS statement
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR SOUTH FACING SHORES OF ALL ISLANDS TODAY... .A moderate long-period south swell mixed with a short-period southwest swell from Lowell will produce advisory level surf along south facing shores through today. Surf is expected to drop below advisory thresholds by this evening. * WHAT...Large breaking waves of 7 to 10 feet. * WHERE...South facing shores of Kahoolawe, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, Niihau, Oahu and the Big Island. * WHEN...Until 6 PM HST this evening. * IMPACTS...Moderate. Strong breaking waves and strong currents will make swimming dangerous.
Weather alert in effect
Flood Watch issued September 9 at 3:17AM HST until September 9 at 6:00PM HST by NWS Honolulu HI
Atmosphere
Air Temp
81°F
Chance Rain Showers
Wind
3 to 9 mph
NE
Rain
65%
Today
UV Peak
6 High
High 10 AM–11 AM · burn in ~33m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 03 PM
Tomorrow
79°F
Scattered Rain Showers
Water
Water Temp
81°F
Swimming weather
Next Low Tide
8:44 PM
0.3 ft · in 1.4h
Wave Height
4.9 ft
12s · E swell
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:08 AM
Sunset
6:30 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
79°
Scattered Rain Showers
45%
62
79°
Scattered Rain Showers
29%
71
80°
Mostly Sunny then Isolated Rain Showers
20%
81
81°
Mostly Sunny then Scattered Rain Showers
29%
75
83°
Sunny then Isolated Rain Showers
16%
81
83°
Sunny then Isolated Rain Showers
17%
81
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen UV index 6 — high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 81°F
- recommended Rain cover + dry bag 65% chance of rain
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
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.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS