Have you ever seen a beach where the sand shimmers, not in the typical shade of bright white, gold, or midnight black, but a rare and striking green? This is an extraordinary phenomenon that can only be witnessed in a few places on Earth as the result of unique geological processes.
In fact, there are just four green sand beaches in the world: Kourou in French Guiana, Punta Cormorant on Floreana Island in the Galapagos, a beach that edges Talofofo Bay on the southeastern coast of Guam, and Papakolea Beach on the Big Island in Hawaii.
If you plan to visit the Big Island, be sure to visit Papakolea, most often simply called the “Green Sand Beach.” Located near South Point, the southernmost point in the United States, it’s about a 90-minute drive from Kailua-Kona.
Why Green?
The sands of Papakolea are primarily made up of olivine, known locally as “Hawaiian Diamond.” It’s a unique combination of the olivine-rich lava that spewed from a 49,000-year-old cinder cone and Mahana Bay, which edges it. Because olivine is denser than the ash fragments and black pyroxene that the volcanic material contains, it tends to accumulate here, whereas the lighter volcanic sands are washed out to sea. The result is a beach that displays shades of green that span the color spectrum, creating an incredible sight which can be enjoyed by embarking on a moderate hike.
There are other beaches on the Big Island that contain sections of green sand. However, there is no other beach here with the high concentration that you can admire on Papakolea.
How to Reach Papakolea
After driving the road to South Point, between mile markers 69 and 79 on Highway 11, you’ll find a small harbor at the end. There is a parking lot here, but you’ll need to hike approximately 2.7 miles to reach the beach. The trail is mostly flat, but the terrain is uneven with a mix of rocky and sandy stretches. Still, along the way, you can enjoy spectacular views of the ocean, the rugged coastline, and even some ancient temples, all while watching for native wildlife like the Pacific golden plover. When you get to the cliffs that overlook the beach, there is a gentle descent down.
Insider Tip: There are no facilities of any kind, so be sure to bring drinking water and perhaps food for a picnic.
