Turtles at Big Island Punalu'u Black Sand Beach

We spent Halloween this year at Punaluʻu Beach also known just as "Black Sand Beach." Punaluʻu is the most famous black sand beach on the Big Island. It's a great place to swim, snorkel, and picnic. There is a short costal hike and camping (with permit) as well. One of the reasons for its fame is that it is home to many endangered hawksbill and green turtles. They can often be seen eating on the rocks and laying in the sun up on the sand.

Beware of the fisherman! While visiting this beach the fisherman were casting into an area full of many snorkelers (where the best reef area and turtles were) The snorkelers are facedown in the water and really not aware of where they are drifting, just following where ever looks cool underwater. My wife was tangled in a fisherman's line and got a fish hook stuck in her THIGH! she was able to fumble with it underwater and remove the hook once she realized what it was.

ABOUT THE TURTLES:
Sea turtles in Hawai’i are protected by federal and state law. They are also protected under the Endangered Species Act and their well-being is very important to the locals.
Punalu'u Beach Rules:
Never try to touch a turtle.
Do not feed the turtles.
Always try to stay at least 10 feet from sea turtles.
If maintaining 10 feet distance isn’t possible, keep safety in mind and move away from the animal as carefully as possible.