Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach

Know before you go

Parking

Unknown – check locally

Fees

Unknown – check locally

Paying

Unknown – check locally

Getting there

Unknown – check locally

Tide & surf

South-facing shore. Summer (May–Oct): large south swells can arrive frequently. Winter (Nov–Apr): usually flat to small. Check today's surf before going in.

Verified · Hawaii Ocean Safety (State of Hawaii) · checked Oct 25, 2026

Hours

Unknown – check locally

Dogs

Unknown – check locally

Restrooms

Yes

Hawaii Beach Safety listing · Hawaii Beach Safety (safebeachday.com)

Showers

Unknown – check locally

Accessibility

Unknown – check locally

Lifeguards

Yes: daily 9:30 a.m.–4:45 p.m. (state list).

Verified · Hawaii Ocean Safety (State of Hawaii) · checked Oct 25, 2026

Some reports say weekends and holidays only; confirm on site.

Rules

Unknown – check locally

Reef-safe sunscreen

Hawaiʻi law bans selling sunscreen containing oxybenzone or octinoxate without a prescription (since Jan 1, 2021). Bring a mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide).

Verified · Hawaii State Legislature · checked Oct 25, 2026

The law covers sale and distribution. On Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi the county also bans using non-mineral sunscreen.

Wildlife distance

Stay at least 10 ft from sea turtles and 50 ft from Hawaiian monk seals (or behind any signs or barriers), on land and in the water; 50 yd from dolphins; 100 yd from humpback whales.

Verified · Hawaii DLNR Division of Boating & Ocean Recreation · checked Oct 25, 2026

NOAA recommends 150 ft from a mother monk seal and pup.

Information only, not safety advice. Hawaiʻi surf and currents change fast. Always follow lifeguards and posted signs; if in doubt, don't go out.