Wednesday October 26, 2005
Stop # 19
Punalu'u Black Sands Beach
This beach is located on the southeast side of the big island of Hawaii.
The black sand that forms the beach here is made up of weathered basalt rock. Most of the shoreline here is solid rock, but because this location is in a protected cove, sand is able to be deposited here.
The beach has a strong offshore current, making the slope of the beach very steep. The beach is currently eroding backwards, so the road had to be closed.
This black sands beach is very popular because it is one of only a few that you can drive right to. There are houses and vacation rentals near the beach.
A lagoon is located near the beach. A barrier of sand has been built up seperating the lagoon from the ocean.
Endangered green sea turtles often come to this beach to rest and bask in the sun. Because they are endangered, visitors to the beach are asked to keep away from the turtles and not bother them.
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach Sign
A view of the beach
A close-up view of the sand
Waves crashing on the shore
This beach has lots of visitors
The sand barrier between the lagoon and the ocean
The lagoon
A sign warning visitors to keep their distance from the turtles
A sign in honor of the sea turtles on the beach
