My Slice of Golf (John B): Sea Mountain Resort, Punaluu Big island Hawaii

Punalu'u Beach Park is the most famous black sand beach on the island. This black sand beach is the most expansive and most accessible black sand beach on the Big Island. This is a perfect place to enjoy the scenery, explore the black sand beach, watch the sea turtles, and swim or snorkel. You can also spread out a blanket under a towering coconut tree for a midday picnic or afternoon siesta, or sit for hours watching the action in the park's beautiful freshwater fish pond. The white tips of cresting waves against the deep blue Pacific are beautiful, but it's the astonishing black sand beach that will take your breath away. Punalu'u Beach Park is located off Hwy 11 on Puna district's south shore, south of the town of Hilo. This quiet beach is a perfect spot for people who want to do nothing but just relax. Punalu'u is also famous for the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles who frequent this beach, sunbathing on the warm sand. Come and view these wonderful turtles, but please don't touch them or scare them. Please don't take any of the black sand and don't distress or even touch our beloved turtles - keep a wide berth between you and the turtles! They are endangered species and the bacteria transferred to them via our human skin can kill them as they have no immune system for it.
The waters here are protected by the small cove and the black sand is soft and welcoming. Tall palm trees ring the beach area providing some shade at the outer edge. There is a large, paved parking lot with full facilities nearby.

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Black Sand Beach

Sea turtles sunning at the beach

Nap time

Posing for the tourists

Do not disturb the turtles

Real close up

Even closer!

Too hot ! Heading back to where it is cool and there are no gawkers.

Sea Mountain Golf Course, Pahala, Big Island

This rugged 18-hole, 6,416-yard course located about an hour west of Hilo in the small town of Pahala, may lack country club playing conditions, but makes it up with uniqueness and natural beauty. After your round, head down to Punaluu Black Sand Beach to cool off before heading back to town. The course went into receivership several years ago and is not in great shape however is playable. For $35 and a cart you can play all day. There are great scenes of the ocean and Mauna Loa volcano from the course.

View of Sea Mountain course from condos