Located off Hwy 11, south of Volcanoes National Park (between the towns of Pahala and Naʻalehu) the Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach is the largest and most accessible black sand beach on the Big Island. Great places to picnic, (there is a restroom) relax and watch the Honu (Hawaiian Green Sea turtle) sunbathe on the black sand.
Renowned as the southernmost point in the United States and the likely place where the first Polynesians reached the Hawaiian Islands, South Point is in a National Historic District Landmark area. Ruins of heiau (temples), fishing shrines, and ancient canoe moorings are still present here.
Hawaii's only World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, the park features two of the world’s most active volcanoes (Mauna Loa and Kilauea). Covering more than 300,000 acres from sea level to the summit of Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet above sea level, the park offers spectaculars views of an ancient and ever changing volcanic landscape.
Located near to South Point, access to this unique olivine covered beach is either by four-wheel drive or by hiking a round trip of five miles from the end of South Point Ka Lae road. Enjoy the panoramic views of the Kaʻu coast line as you journey to the beach.