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Exploring Hawaii's Green Sand Beach: Everything You Need To Know About Where To Go And What To See

Papakolea Beach is one of Hawaii's most unique beaches. The sand is a bright green color, due to the presence of olivine crystals. The beach is located on the south coast of the Big Island.

Driving and hiking are both necessary to reach the beach.

Drive to the small harbor at the end of the highway 11 between mile markers 69 and 70 (between Kona and Volcano Village), and park your car in the parking lot on the left.


In order to reach the beach, you have to drive to the southernmost tip of the U.S. and hike 2.5 miles (one way) from the parking lot. The hike takes around 45 minutes one way. Due to its remoteness, you should have most of it to yourself if you arrive early, and the scenery is spectacular.

The green sand makes this place so special. The sand is actually Olivine. Over 45,000 years ago a main cinder cone of Mona Loa volcano was flowing into the ocean and formed a tuff cinder. Olivine was formed from the intense heat and pressure of this eruption. The beach is known as Papakolea or “Green Sand Beach”.

The constant eroding of the cinder cone tuff which is filled with Olivine crystals eventually washed up on the shore line and made this beach.


One of Hawaii's most unique and beautiful beaches. It is located on the Big Island, in the Kaʻū district. The beach gets its name and characteristic green color from the olivine sand that is found there.

Olivine is a mineral that is typically green in color and is found in volcanic rocks.


The Kolea bird that often flys around the cinder cone.

or “Green Sand Beach”


The constant eroding of the cinder cone tuff which is filled with Olivine crystals eventually washed up on the shore line and made this beach.

Olivine is sometimes called the Hawaiian Diamond and is heavier than black lava sand this is why it accumulates under the tuff cinder cone.


Papakolea is one of four green sand beaches in the world. The other three green beaches are Talofofo Beach in Guam, Punta Cormorant on an Ecuadorian Galapagos Island called Floreana, and Hornindalsvatnet in Norway.

There are no lifeguards on duty, so visitors should take caution when swimming.


Hiking is the only legal and very best way to get to the beach. Always practice Leave no Trace practices on your hike.


The owner of the land (DHHL) does not permit (commercial) vehicular access to the beach because driving a car over the 4WD road damages it and scars the landscape. Also, you are not permitted to drive your rental car to green sand beach on the Big Island with your rental car.


A number of culturally significant places are located between the parking lot and the beach.



Exploring Hawaii's Green Sand Beach is an experience you won't soon forget. With beautiful views, stunning sunsets and plenty of activities to enjoy, it's the perfect place for a fun-filled vacation. Be sure to come prepared with all the gear you need and know where to go and what to do when visiting this unique beach so that your stay in Hawaii is as enjoyable as possible. So whether you're traveling alone or with family, make sure not to miss out on this incredible destination!







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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

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