Papakolea Beach (Green Sand Beach)
Green Sand Beach, also known as Papakolea Beach, is one of the most unique and beautiful beaches in Hawaii. Located on the southern coast of the Big Island, Green Sand Beach is famous for its vibrant green sand, created by a combination of volcanic activity and the presence of the mineral olivine.

Getting to Green Sand Beach
Green Sand Beach is located on the southern coast of the Big Island, near the town of Naalehu. The beach is located at the end of a rough and bumpy road, so it’s recommended to have a 4-wheel drive vehicle to get there.
If you don’t have access to a 4-wheel drive vehicle, you can arrange a shuttle service from nearby towns or book a guided tour that includes a visit to the beach.
Hiking to Green Sand Beach
The hike to Green Sand Beach is about 2.5 miles each way, which takes about 1-2 hours. The trail can be challenging, as it’s rocky and steep in some areas. Altogether a whopping 5.8 approximately round trip. However, the stunning views of the coastline and the ocean make the hike worthwhile. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, and protect yourself from the sun with a hat and sunscreen.
What to Expect
What can you expect when visiting the famous Green Sand Beach, besides a breathtaking view and green sand. When arriving at Green Sand Beach, you’ll be greeted by the stunning sight of the vibrant green sand. The Papakolea beach is surrounded by towering cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The olivine sand is soft to the touch and shimmers in the sunlight, creating a truly magical experience. The water at the Papakolea beach can be rough, so swimming is NOT recommended. There will be no lifeguard on duty.
Environment at Green Sand Beach

This green sand beach is known for the color of the sand and not known for taking a dip in the water. The wind and waves that have beautifully shaped the beach are the same ones that will carry off anyone who would go into the water during high tide. There is absolutely no shade and during the afternoons green sand beaches can be smoldering hot. Unlike many other beaches on the island that have breakwalls, Papakolea Beach is unprotected, which means that the waves are at their full strength. This beach is NOT Waikiki so use your best judgment.
South Point Road
It is not recommended to travel on South Point Road leading to Green Sand Beach during heavy rainfall, as heavy rainfall can make the road even more treacherous. Visitors have claimed that south point road can be considered harsh by some visitors due to its rough terrain and unpaved surface. The road is about 11 miles long and can be challenging to navigate, especially for those driving smaller vehicles. It is recommended to have a high-clearance vehicle to travel on this road, and visitors should drive with caution to avoid damaging their vehicle or getting stuck. The winds near South Point blow with such unwavering consistency that they have shaped the trees, causing them to grow sideways, creating a whimsical and surreal sight.
It’s an enchanting experience to witness nature’s playful touch on display at South Point. To reach Green Sands Beach from Highway 11, follow the paved road for approximately 11 miles until you reach a fork. At the fork, take a left turn, which will lead you directly to Green Sands Beach. However, please note that if you choose to turn right at the fork and continue for about a mile, you will reach the cliffs at South Point, which is a separate location and not the site of the green sand beach. It’s important to navigate the fork correctly to ensure you reach your desired destination- but if you miss it it’s an easy drive back to the right destination!
Tips from a Local when Visiting Green Sand Beach

- Plan to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the heat of the day and the crowds.
- It is highly recommended to come prepared with an ample supply of water and snacks since there are no available facilities at the green sand beach.
- Wear sturdy shoes and protect yourself from the sun with a hat and sunscreen. If you’re brining
- Respect the natural environment and take all your trash with you when you leave.
- Do not remove any sand or rocks from the beach, as it’s a protected area (plus many kanaka/ Hawaiian believe those who take it will experience “bad luck”). To learn more about Hawaiian mythology click here: The Legend of Pele Curse
Things to Do Nearby
Visit the nearby Punaluu Black Sand Beach
- Just a short drive away from the Green Sand Beach, Punaluu Black Sand Beach is one of the most unique and picturesque beaches on the island. The sand is just black and the water is crystal clear, making it a popular spot for snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing.
Take a hike to the South Point cliff
- The South point cliff is the southernmost point in the United Stated and offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. This place is also called Kalae.
Naalehu is a charming town located just a few miles from the Green Sand Beach
- Here, you can browse local shops and galleries, sample delicious Hawaiian cuisine, and learn more about the history and culture of the island.
Tour a coffee plantation
- The Big Island is home to some of the best coffee in the world, and there are several coffee plantations in the area that offer tours and tastings.
- The Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation is one of the most popular and offers visitors a chance to see the coffee-making process from start to finish.
Explore the Volcanoes National Park
- The Volcanoes National Park is located just a few miles from the Green Sand Beach and is a must-visit attraction on the Big Island.
- Here, you can explore the Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, hike through lava fields, and witness the awe-inspiring power of nature.
Cinder Cone
The official name for Green Sand Beach is Papakōlea, and it is a unique and fascinating destination on the Big Island of Hawaii. The olivine crystals, also known as peridot, that are scattered throughout the beach are remnants of volcanic activity that occurred in the area millions of years ago. This beach is situated in a cinder cone, which was formed by volcanic eruptions approximately 49,000 years ago, belonging to the massive Mauna Loa volcano. The crystals are what give the beach its striking green color, making it a rare and breathtaking sight. As one of only four green sand beaches in the world, visiting Papakōlea is a truly unforgettable experience that offers a glimpse into the island’s rich geological history.
Amenities
- None
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours of operation of Green Sand Beach?
N/A You could technically go at any time, however it is best to arrive early in the morning as it normally gets windy towards the afternoon. Many locals do not advise going to Papakolea green sand beach during the late hours of the day as it can be very dangerous in terms of high tide.
What is a green sand beach?
According to a the Journal of Coastal Research done on this costal area “the green crystals that give the beach its name are mixed with black (lava) and white (coral/shells) sand, however, because of its unique location in a narrow bay, the lighter sand particles wash away out to the ocean and the heavier olivine sand remain behind on the beach.
Where are the other green sand beaches located?
Papakolea Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii is one of only FOUR green sand beaches in this world. The other three are found in the following: Talofofo Beach located in Guam, Puna Cormorant on Floreana Island in the Galapagos, and Horindalsvatnet, located in Norway.
Is Green Sand Beach papakolea Beach worth the visit?
This famous beach is one out of four green sand beaches in the world. So yes, Green
Sand Beach papakolea Beach is definitely worth the visit.
Is Papakolea Beach a sacred site?
Yes, Papakolea Beach is considered a sacred site by the local Hawaiian people, and visitors are asked to respect the area and refrain from taking any sand or rocks as souvenirs. Visitors should also be mindful of their behavior and keep noise levels down to maintain the peace and sanctity of the site.
How do I get to Big Island Green Sand Beach?
There are three main ways to get to the famous green sand beach on the Big Island of Hawaii.
-Hike down 5.8 roundtrip
-Pay a sum of $20 to squeeze in the back of a truck with other visitors (not permitted business)
-Rent a four wheel drive & cruise down
Can I swim at the green sand beach?
Yes, you can swim at the green sand beach, however if the tide is high it is safer to watch from a distance. It is not recommend.
Do I need a 4x4 to get to Papakolea Green Sand Beach?
Yes, it is required to have a vehicle that is a 4×4.
Is there a parking lot at Green Sand Beach?
Yes, there is a parking lot at Green Sand Beach on the Big Island of Hawai’i.
However some of it is unpaved and spots are filled face, it is important to go in
the early hours of the day to increase a parking spot.