Our first stop will be at the Punaluʻu Beach that is also called the Black Sand Beach. The beach is located between Pāhala and Nāʻālehu on the Big Island of the U.S. state of Hawaii. The beach has black sand made of basalt and created by lava flowing into the ocean which explodes as it reaches the ocean and cools. This volcanic activity is in the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

 Punaluʻu is frequented by endangered hawksbill and green turtles, which can often be seen basking on the black sand. 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 ancient Hawaiians living in the area would dive underwater with a jug to get their fresh water. In the Hawaiian language puna luʻu means "spring water diver for”. Camping is permitted at the Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Park.