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435:) feeds on marine plants in shallow waters along the coastline such as Punaluʻu. Red seaweed, a favorite food of the green turtle flourishes on the coral-encrusted rocks in the shallow waters of the bay and the turtles are found basking on the black sand beach despite the presence of beachgoers. Researchers with the National Marine Fisheries have been studying the green turtle since 1982 along with groups of students. Visitors must remain 20 ft (6.1 m) from the turtles at all times.
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424:), is a federally listed endangered species and is the rarest sea turtle in the Pacific Ocean. Researchers estimate there are fewer than 80 nesting hawksbill turtles in the Hawaiian islands, of which 67 nest on the island of Hawaiʻi. More than half of the known nesting population statewide, 40 individuals nest along the southeast boundary of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National park to Waikapuna.
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a wharf–warehouse complex for the sugar company in 1906. Identified as a heiau luakini (human sacrifice temple), a large table-like stone rests outside the southernmost wall and is known locally as Pohaku Mohai (sacrificial stone). Early site surveys noted possible kauhale (houses) adjacent to the heiau that were likely the residences of na
455:) can be found at Ninole. It is a candidate endangered species and thrives in the aquatic habitat of the extensive spring complex that stretches from Nīnole Springs to the estuary at Honuʻapo. Systematic surveys have observed damselfly populations at Kāwāʻa, Hīlea, Nīnole, and Honuʻapo. The highest densities occur at the back of
446:), is known to fly over and reside at Punaluʻu. Their habitat stretches from sea level to over 13,000 feet. It usually weighs about 5 to 8 ounces, is nocturnal and feeds on insects. Relatively little research has been done on this endemic Hawaiian bat and data regarding its habitat and population status is very limited.
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The heiau complex that sits overlooking the ocean and Punaluʻu Beach is referred to by many names including
Halelau, Kaneʻeleʻele; Mailekini or Punaluʻu Nui. This hieau likely extended to the edge of the cliff at Punaluʻu Bay. Its westernmost boundary was destroyed to make way for the construction of
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Punaluʻu has long been known for its koa (“fish houses”) where specific species of fish live in specific areas offshore. The pristine, spring fed waters of Punaluʻu mixing with the salt water of the ocean provide ideal habitat for a variety of fish that live in these naturally created koa. There are
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In the U.S., this habitat exists only in the
Hawaiian Islands and, of the approximately 700 known anchialine pools, the majority are located on the island of Hawaii. Formed by volcanic activity, these pools are home to a unique assemblage of invertebrate and algal species, some of which are known to
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can also be sighted offshore from Punaluʻu. Residents say such sightings are common. A rare sighting of a
Hawaiian monk seal was reported at Punaluʻu in 2006 near the boat ramp, and most recently in April 2024, and several known nesting sites of the endangered hawksbill turtles are located along the
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to the west and Koloa Bay to the east—home of the legendary na ʻiliʻili hanau (birthing stones) said to have supernatural ability to propagate. These smooth, water-polished stones were highly desired and were used for paving heiau, for arming slingshots and as game pieces for the
Hawaiian game
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complex on Hawaiʻi Island is located at Punaluʻu and Ninole Cove. Stretching from Punaluʻu to Nīnole
Springs through Kāwāʻa to Honuʻpo, is a series of wetlands fed by basal springs and intermittent streams that support a broad range of native fauna. These spring and pool complexes contain
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flats, drifted sand, anchialine pond shores, protected beaches, and sea spray battered bluffs each support different native plant communities. In the reconnaissance survey, fourteen species of coastal strand plants (six trees, seven ground cover or shrub forms and the invasive aquatic
554:
Anchialine ponds are one of Hawaii's most threatened ecosystems. Anchialine pools are landlocked brackish ponds located close to the shoreline connected to the ocean via tunnels. Characterized by tidal fluctuations, these rare and fragile ponds are home to unusual plants and animals.
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The swimming area is very rocky, and it can be dangerous to swim. The beach also has a large amount of underground fresh water that flows in it. This fresh water is very cold and looks almost like gasoline mixing with the water. Legend has it that in the time of drought, the
353:(trail by the sea) that served as an important link between ritual centers and coastal communities. The ala kahakai was thought to be the original route taken by the God Lono from North Kohala to the southernmost tip of the island and then windward along the Kaʻu coast to
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exist only in this habitat. In the last 20 years, non-native fish species have been introduced and/or invaded a majority of the pools. These alien species have gradually destroyed the ecological balance in many of the pools by eliminating many of unique endemic species.
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vine. Considered to be in good condition by early surveyors, several walls and a raised stone platform are all that remain of Kaʻieʻi.e. today. Recent scholarship has interpreted the site as multi-functional. It likely served as a place of offerings and tributes.
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The heiau complex of
Lanipau was heavily impacted by the construction of the Sea Mountain Resort golf course. Once the largest of the three, today what remains of Lanipau is in essence an “island” swallowed up by a sea of putting and driving greens.
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There are three pre-contact heiau within the immediate vicinity of Punaluʻu. The walled heiau was introduced to Hawaii about 1100 and Punaluʻuu is one of the last places in Hawaii where one can enjoy an unaltered view from one heiau to the next.
551:) breeds in the anchialine pools while native insects perch on the nearby vegetation. Throughout the state, anchialine species are severely threatened by alien insects, habitat loss due to coastal development, and other human impacts.
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individuals, particularly juveniles or recruits, of several marine invertebrates and fishes, suggesting it may be a significant refuge or nursery area for nearshore marine fauna on the southern coast of Hawaii Island.
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The native plant communities generally appear as a narrow strand of vegetation, mostly a flattened growth of various shrubs, vines, grass-like plants, scattered trees and herbs. The varied habitats of
417:
Punaluʻu and Ninole area. Such occurrences indicate a healthy environment with adequate resources to support large marine animals. Hawaiian
Hawksbll Project, Ka'u Preservation, Malama Punaluʻu. 2024
368:) can be found near the County Park Pavilions within a protected area surrounded by a rock wall just past the parking area. It is easy to miss these “unmarked” ancient carvings.
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To the south lies Kaʻieʻi.e. Heiau. Thought to be a fishing shrine, the heiau was built on a prominent bluff overlooking the ocean to the south, what were once the Ninole
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545:, cracks, and caves. Endemic and native shrimp species live in pools and travel between and through them through underground cracks. The orange-black damselfly (
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fauna. Native birds are seen near the shore and cliffs or fly over the area on their way to the sea from upland nesting colonies, including the endangered
599:
In 2005, further development called "Sea
Mountain" of about 433 acres (175 ha) and up to 2000 residential units was proposed by a company based in
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from 1969 to 1972. A larger resort was proposed in 1986. After opposition, the plans were scaled back. The project was partially built but abandoned.
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several koa just offshore from Punaluʻu still used by local fishermen. Each koa is identified by the species of fish that live there, including
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fluctuations without a surface connection to the sea. They include open pools near the shore as well as undisturbed pools in collapsed
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269:: take Ninole loop road or the entrance to the Sea Mountain Resort. Camping is permitted at the Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Park.
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and created by lava flowing into the ocean which explodes as it reaches the ocean and cools. This volcanic activity is in the
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konane. The name Kaʻieʻi.e. is thought to refer to a type of fishing trap or weir made of the fibrous
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of various types occur near and around Punaluʻu and Ninole Cove. These pools are rare and localized
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e Punaluʻu is the Hōkūloa Church, a
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living in the area would dive underwater with a jug to get their fresh water. In the
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and pumpkin and the fish, in return, would provide a constant source of protein.
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Rare and endangered native animals known at Punaluʻu and Ninole are the honu ea (
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in 2029 and remnants can be found at both Punaluʻu Nui and Kaʻieʻi.e. heiau.
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357:. This trail once paved with the na ʻiliʻili hanau was designated as a
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792:"Environmental ImpactPreparation Notice for Sea Mountain at Punaluʻu"
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820:"Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Sea Mountain at Punaluʻu"
764:"Final Environmental Impact Statement for Punaluʻu Resort Volume I"
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tune called "Black Sand Beach". This song has since been played by
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One of the largest populations of the rare orange-black damselfly (
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means "spring diver for". The beach is located at coordinates
34:. For the Black Sand Beach destroyed by the current eruption of
849:"Cousteau's involvement with resort does not appease activists"
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A golf course on both sides of the Belt Road was built here by
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in Hawai'i Place Names: Shores, Beaches, and Surf Sites
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in Hawai'i Place Names: Shores, Beaches, and Surf Sites
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For the Black Sand Beach on Maui (Naupaka Beach), see
707:. on official Hawaiʻi County web site. Archived from
206:, which can often be seen basking on the black sand.
79:. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.
607:was developed in 2006. Despite the involvement of
874:Black Sand Beach Yuzo Kayama 1994 Version YouTube
400:, native bees, orange-black damselfly, and other
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924:A history of the now abandoned Punalu'u Village
908:"Sea Mountain Beach and Golf Resort web site"
741:. Ulukau, the Hawaiian Electronic Library,
678:. Ulukau, the Hawaiian Electronic Library,
408:(ʻio) that nests in the trees at Punaluʻu.
611:, this development met local opposition.
139:Learn how and when to remove this message
42:. For the community on Oʻahu island, see
902:Photo Essay on Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
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27:Black Sand Beach, Big Island, Hawaii, US
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513:The wetlands adjacent to Punaluʻu Beach
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198:. Punaluʻu is frequented by endangered
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537:along coastal lava flows that exhibit
349:Another important cultural feature is
297:share the black-sand beach at Punaluʻu
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77:adding citations to reliable sources
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24:
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25:
970:
920:Explore Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
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420:The hawksbill turtle or honu'ea (
887:from the original on 2021-12-11.
483:). Native plants such as ilima (
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498:Ipomoea pes-caprae brasiliensis
196:Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
64:needs additional citations for
954:Archaeological sites in Hawaii
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847:Nina Wu (September 16, 2006).
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743:University of Hawaii Press
680:University of Hawaii Press
501:) were found in the area.
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729:John R. K. Clark (2004).
666:John R. K. Clark (2004).
601:Beverly Hills, California
474:(smooth, ropy lava), and
346:(religious specialists).
827:state of Hawaii web site
771:state of Hawaii web site
444:Lasirus cinereus semotus
548:Megalagrion xanthomelas
452:Megalagrion xanthomelas
359:National Historic Trail
853:Honolulu Star-Bulletin
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422:Eretmochelys imbricata
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609:Jean-Michel Cousteau
489:), naupaka kahakai (
285:basking on the beach
273:Wahi Pana O Punaluʻu
73:improve this article
594:C. Brewer & Co.
517:The second largest
384:resting on Punaluʻu
249: /
18:Punalu'u Beach
959:Black sand beaches
944:Wetlands of Hawaii
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440:Hawaiian hoary bat
398:Hawaiian monk seal
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372:Endangered species
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253:19.136°N 155.504°W
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155:View of the beach.
495:), and pōhuehue (
315:Henry ʻŌpūkahaʻia
229:Hawaiian language
225:ancient Hawaiians
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32:Makena State Park
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645:and Blue Jeans,
643:Takeshi Terauchi
531:Anchialine pools
526:Anchialine pools
492:Scaevola taccada
410:Spinner dolphins
390:hawksbill turtle
267:Hawaii Belt Road
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442:, ʻopeʻapeʻa, (
438:The endangered
427:The threatened
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402:anchialine pool
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62:This article
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40:Kaimū, Hawaii
38:Volcano, see
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911:. Retrieved
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856:. Retrieved
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773:. April 1988
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731:"lookup of
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668:"lookup of
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71:Please help
66:verification
63:
748:November 8,
685:November 8,
639:Yūzō Kayama
633:composed a
631:Yūzō Kayama
588:Development
486:Sida fallax
366:petroglyphs
351:Ala Kahakai
256: /
244:155°30′14″W
933:Categories
913:2009-10-24
858:2009-10-24
833:2009-10-24
805:2009-10-24
777:2009-10-24
715:2009-10-24
701:"Kaʻū map"
653:References
572:(ahi) and
543:lava tubes
466:Vegetation
241:19°08′10″N
188:black sand
180:U.S. state
176:Big Island
99:newspapers
670:Punalu'u
635:surf rock
628:guitarist
576:(ono, or
457:estuarine
431:or honu (
392:), honu (
326:fishponds
232:puna luʻu
210:The Beach
200:hawksbill
885:Archived
733:Hōkūloa
621:Japanese
574:mackerel
505:Wetlands
472:pāhoehoe
190:made of
172:Nāʻālehu
129:May 2019
880:YouTube
178:of the
174:on the
113:scholar
36:Kīlauea
829:. 2006
519:spring
344:kahuna
331:ʻieʻie
309:Chapel
192:basalt
184:Hawaii
168:Pāhala
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108:
101:
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86:
823:(PDF)
795:(PDF)
767:(PDF)
624:actor
603:. An
578:wahoo
539:tidal
460:marsh
120:JSTOR
106:books
750:2010
687:2010
626:and
582:taro
476:ʻaʻā
412:and
382:honu
355:Puna
305:The
295:honu
202:and
170:and
92:news
563:Koa
396:),
182:of
75:by
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