Past travelers were in awe of Punalu'u and said there was plenty of free ... or after a visit to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, as the beach sits about 35 miles south of the national park.

Hundreds rallied in Punaluu on Saturday to protest a major planned development that residents say would change the small beach community forever. The protestors are speaking out against Black Sand ...

This is "not your regular beach," according to Asquith. "This secluded stretch of sand is completely black," he said. "Caused by crushed volcanic rock particles and ash over millions of years ...