Just twenty minutes from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park en route from Kailua-Kona, the Punaluu Beach Park is famous for its black sands and giant sea turtles. The park was once the site of a Hawaiian village, too, but a tsunami destroyed it. Much of the coastline subsequently slipped beneath the ocean, and remains of the old community can still be found under the Pacific waters.
In Hawaiian language, the word punaluu means a diving (lu'u) spring (puna). In the past, divers would go to the very bottom of the bay here and fill upside-down containers with fresh spring water that seeps up from the sea floor.
At one time the bay had a dock that was used for loading sugar cane onto merchant ships. However, the U.S. military destroyed the structure during WWII so that it would not fall into enemy hands. Past the park's boat ramp, the old dock's cement remains can still be seen.
The railroad once ran by here, too, on tracks raised 10 to 15 feet above the ground. Although the rails are gone, the narrow road that supported the tracks is still in use today, serving as a boat launch and a gathering point for local picnickers.
It almost goes without saying that swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving are the biggest attractions at Punaluu Beach Park. However, because the offshore currents can be quite strong, it is recommended that swimmers and divers stay close to shore and obey all posted warming signs. No lifeguards are on duty. Less challenging swims can be found at the white sand beach of Punaluu Bay, adjacent to the park and safe from the rip tides.
Fishing from the shores of Punaluu Beach Park is also popular with locals. Care must be taken, however, not to disturb the giant turtles that swim just offshore and often crawl up on the beach. The Green Sea Turtle and the Hawksbill Turtle are endangered species and strictly protected by state and federal laws.
Day trippers will appreciate the park's pavilion with its drinking water and electrical outlets, which can be used for various functions. There is also a designated picnic area near the beach, and both restrooms and showers are available on site. Tall palm trees provide plenty of shade, and there are grassy areas for relief from the coarse black sand, which can get quite hot in the daytime sun.
One other attraction here is a fresh water pond, where a variety of exotic ducks make their home. Wading is possible in the salt-free water. Camping is also allowed, though the entire area is open to the wind, which can be quite gusty.
The entry road for Punaluu Beach Park is just off State Highway 11, between mile markers #55 and #56. It is midway between the small towns of Naalehu and Pahala. The nearest information station is the Punaluu Bake Shop and Visitor Center, located in Naalehu on a four-acre tropical estate off Highway 11. Visitors are encouraged to pick up free samples of the local Hawaiian sweetbread, along with sandwiches, plate lunches, fresh salads and other picnic items to take to the beach.
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