Big Island Snorkeling Guide
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach Park
There are two wonderful things at this Big Island Snorkeling location, tons of turtles, and a beautiful all black sand beach. There is a large grove of Palm trees on the beach, and a fresh water pond behind. On the other hand, the snorkeling is only fair.
Site Snorkeling Details - Punalu'u Black Sand Beach Park
Big Island Snorkeling
There are just tons of sea turtles in the bay here, and they come ashore on the black sands to rest. We have really enjoyed watching them from the shore.
In this video you can watch the turtle above drag himself up the beach to rest.
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Snorkeling is not great here though. There almost always seems to be some decent sized waves rolling into this bay. And when we have got into the water there is so much fresh water on the surface from springs that the visibility is poor and the water is cold. But there are lot's of turtles to check out.
This park has many facilities including restrooms, water, picnic tables, showers, camping and lots of shade.
Driving Directions - Punalu'u Black Sand Beach Park
Big Island Snorkeling
Punalu'u is about the same distance from either Kailua-Kona or Hilo. It is on the southeast side of the island. Between the 55 and 56 mile markers on Hwy. 11 (Mamalahoa Hwy/Hawaii Belt Rd) look for a large sign to Punalu'u towards the ocean. Ninole Loop Road crosses the Hwy 11 in two places, so it really doesn't matter which turn you take. There are two areas you can park and check out; the beach itself, or the park area with the parking lot and restrooms.
Share Your Punalu'u Turtle Stories Here
Next - Explore Kapoho Tidepools
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