Punaluu Black Sand Beach Park, on the southern coast of the island, not only has a black sand beach, but also turtles like the one in the photo. OK, it looks like a rock, but it’s there!
This week’s Sunday Stills challenge theme is ‘State and local parks.’ See more responses here.
Sifting through a ton of park photos, it was the island’s beach parks that came out on top. It’s possible to get in the water at all of these, though some require more caution than others.
Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area offers a long and wide sandy beach.Kaloko-Honokohau Historical Park has long stretches of sand, often used by resting turtles. Spencer Beach Park at Kawaihae, is a tranquil place popular with families because the water is generally calm.Not all beach parks have beaches. Whittington Beach Park on the south end of the island is one of those though it’s still possible to get in the water.Lapakahi HIstorical Park has a rocky shoreline, though ocean entry is possible with care.This photo shows the reason Keokea Beach Park has a breakwater. Inside it is a little beach and calm water that kids enjoy year round.
Hawaii is the name of the state, but it’s also the name of this island. Because of that, to avoid confusion, most people refer to this island as the Big Island, because it’s bigger than the rest of them put together.
I would love to park myself on any of those beaches! Before our first trip to Hawaii many years ago, to the Big Island in particular, I did a lot of reading, and knew I had to see Punaluu. It remains one of my favorite beaches!
Beautiful shots of the beaches and black sands, Graham! We visited Punaluu and enjoyed parking ourselves on the black sand. It was surprisingly soft and fine. And we saw a huge sea turtle sunning. Good bucket list outing.
I’m heading that way tomorrow for a hike along the coast. There’s usually turtles at the park. When I was there with my brother back in April, there was a monk seal on the beach as well.
Graham's Island 
I’m still not wild about black sand at the beach. So, is the big island Hawaii and is that your island?
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Hawaii is the name of the state, but it’s also the name of this island. Because of that, to avoid confusion, most people refer to this island as the Big Island, because it’s bigger than the rest of them put together.
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Great views Graham. Hope you get some turtle photos
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There are almost always turtles at Punuluu park. I’m off down that way tomorrow.
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Beautiful! I could cope, Graham.
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I know you could!
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I would love to park myself on any of those beaches! Before our first trip to Hawaii many years ago, to the Big Island in particular, I did a lot of reading, and knew I had to see Punaluu. It remains one of my favorite beaches!
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I’m going down there tomorrow for a hike along the coast. It’s a ways from here, so I haven’t really explored that area to the extent that I’d like.
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Beautiful.
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A beach park wins on so many levels! As usual your photos are great and make me want to book a flight to Hawai. Bernie
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Beautiful shots of the beaches and black sands, Graham! We visited Punaluu and enjoyed parking ourselves on the black sand. It was surprisingly soft and fine. And we saw a huge sea turtle sunning. Good bucket list outing.
The BI has a lot of wonderful beach parks.
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I’m heading that way tomorrow for a hike along the coast. There’s usually turtles at the park. When I was there with my brother back in April, there was a monk seal on the beach as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person