🏊 Natural Swimming · Hawaii Island / South Coast
One of Hawaii's most famous black sand beaches, frequently visited by basking green sea turtles — regional safety guidance notes genuinely strong currents and undertow here, separate from the turtle-protection considerations (approaching turtles too closely is a federal offense under the Endangered Species Act).
Address / Access Point:
Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Punaluu, HI 96777
Access Notes:
Easy beach access; strong currents and undertow are documented hazards here, and green sea turtles regularly haul out onto the sand — maintaining legally required distance from turtles is required by federal law