There is no town of Punaluu, however a condominium community does exist very near the beach at Sea Mountain Resort. Occasionally other properties near the area are also available.
Punaluu beach is a black sand beach between Naalehu and Pahala just off Highway 11. This is the probably the easiest access to the ocean on the southern end of the Big Island. It is visited frequently by local residents and tourists. This black sand beach and others like it were created when flowing lava reached the ocean. The sand is actually composed of tiny lava fragments that are produced during this violent encounter.
| This beach is known for its breeding turtle population. It is forbidden by law to touch or harass the turtles. The Hawaiian Hawksbill Turtle can often be seen and sometimes nests here. The somewhat more common (but still endangered) Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle is a common visitor here and in many places in South Hawaii. They often come up on shore for a nap, or maybe just to get their picture taken. |  |
Punuluu Beach Park has restrooms, picnic and grilling areas, a shower, camp sites near the ocean, and a souvenir stand. There is a brackish pond with ducks near the beach. Unfortunately, as of 2/2005 the pond was choked with water lettuce and water hyacinth floating plants. This is a new situation, probably caused by a well meaning person who thought a few pretty floating plants would be a good thing in the pond. It is a lesson we should all take to heart.
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