The first time you experience Hawaii’s Black Sand Beach, you might believe you’ve traveled to an alternate reality. Rather than sun-bleached white and pink sands so often associated with tropical paradise, Punalu’u Beach offers stretches of coarse black sand resulting from volcanic activity. This striking contrast to the green palm trees and sapphire waters will have you scratching your head in wonder and awe.

Let’s take a look:

Aptly nicknamed Black Sand Beach, Punalu'u is situated on Hawaii's main island and is a true natural wonder.
Flickr/Eric
This magnificent beach can be accessed between Volcano Village and the town of Naalehu along Highway 11.
Nelo Hotsuma/flickr
So what gives the beach this stark, black color?
Flickr/Nelo Hotsuma
The sand is actually a collection of tiny fragments of basalt created when hot lava met the ocean and exploded, hardened, and cooled.
Wikimedia
Another remarkable attraction of the Black Sand Beach is the presence of endangered hawksbill and green turtles. These beautiful creatures will come up to shore and bask in the sunlight.
Flickr/Steve Cadman
And while the beach is a wonderful place to relax and explore, keep in mind that the sand can become hot in the direct sunlight. If you plan to stay awhile, it's best to pick a spot in the shade of the nearby palms.
Flickr/Ken Lund
Swimming can also be a precarious activity as the currents are strong and can frequently change.
Ryan Lackey/flickr
For those interested in spending more time in this beautiful corner of the state, camping is allowed at the Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Park.
Flickr/Wasif Malik
It's impossible to believe that such a place exists. You may just have to see it with your own eyes!

For more information about Punalu’u Beach, be sure to visit the official government website here. Have you experienced this area in person? We’d love to hear about it!

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