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The Green Sand Beach in Hawaii: Everything You Want to Know About This Hidden Gem

Get all the information you need to know about the Green Sand Beach in Hawaii here!

Papakolea Beach, the green sand beach on the Big Island of Hawaii is my FAVORITE beach. Yes, favorite. And I’ve been to many, many beaches. There was something about the views of towering cliffs, the unique olive sand, the perfect waves, or just the overall beauty of the cove that was mesmerizing to me. I felt weightless as I floated in the water and a serene calm went through my whole body. I’ve never been in that type of trance before! I also found out I was pregnant with my first kid a few days later so maybe it was a combo of that too? Regardless, I recommend this beach to anyone going to the Big Island. Before you get excited and book a ticket to Hawaii, there are many details that you’ll want to know before you head to Green Sand Beach. So keep reading for everything you need to know. 

Key Takeaways

  • Papakolea Beach is a beach with green sand on the Big Island of Hawaii. It’s a hidden gem on the south side of the island, roughly 1.5 hours away from both Hilo and Kona.
  • The Green Sand Beach is secluded and is 2.5 miles away from the nearest parking area. Hiking to the beach is the recommended way to get there.
  • There are no amenities at the beach so visitors will need to bring everything they’ll need for their trip. 

Table of Contents

Want to know about black sand beaches too? 
Check out 30+ black sand beaches around the world (including one right near Green Sand Beach!) by clicking here.

the green sand beach in hawaii is one of the 4 green sand beaches in the world

Where is Green Sand Beach in Hawaii?

Green Sand Beach is a secluded beach located on the southern tip of the Big Island of Hawaii, near the town of Naalehu. You can put ‘Green Sand Beach Parking” into Google or Apple maps to drive to the area. 

  • Distance from Hilo: Approximately 63.5 miles, 1 hour and 34-minute drive
  • Distance from Kona: Approximately 79 miles, 1 hour and 51-minute drive

Getting to the Beach

To reach the parking area:

  • Take Highway 11 south until it ends.
  • Turn right onto South Point Road and drive for approximately 10 miles.
  • The parking area for Green Sand Beach will be at the end of the road. You’ll see signs indicating the location. Parking is free.


But wait, there’s more. The parking area for the beach is not near the beach, it’s 2.5 miles away.

 

To get to the beach: 

Hike: The most affordable and eco-friendly option is to hike the 5-mile round-trip trail. The walk is pretty easy on the fairly flat trail, and you’ll get ocean views the whole time. It takes about 45 minutes to hike to the beach and it’s pretty sandy, so you’ll want to wear appropriate footwear. There’s zero shade on the trail, so bring sunscreen and water.
THIS IS THE RECOMMENDED ROUTE.
The owners of the land (DHHL) are trying to preserve the fragile land and prefer that visitors hike as to not create any damage. With that being said, there is another way that people get to the beach (for the time being): 

Have a Local Drive You: For $20 per person, a local with a pick-up truck can drive you directly to the beach and back. The locals wait in the parking lot and you can approach them about a ride when you get there. It’s nothing fancy, you and other visitors will sit in the bed of the truck during the drive. When they drop you off, they’ll ask about how much time you want and they’ll come back at that time. You pay them on the return trip.

But wait, there’s still more. Once you get to the beach, you’ll go down some steps to get down to a sheet of rocks that you’ll need to carefully walk down. But after that, you’re there!

Beach Amenities

There are NO amenities. No shade. No water. No concessions. No restrooms. No lifeguards. No picnic tables. Literally, nothing. Just a beautiful hidden gem to immerse yourself into. 

So that means you’ll need to bring everything you’ll need. At the very least bring lots of water, sunscreen, hats, and towels.  

 

Can I Swim There?

Swimming is possible, but know that the water can get rough at times and there are no lifeguards. So just use your best judgement.

On the day that we went, the waves weren’t too rough and I swam for a while. It was amazing. The water was warm and it was so peaceful. Like I mentioned above, the most serene swimming experience I’ve ever had at a beach! 

Tips for Visiting

  • The hike to the beach is rocky and very dusty, so you should wear good shoes. 
  • If you decide to get a ride from a local, you’ll need to bring cash.
  • The hike isn’t shaded, so apply sunscreen before you get there, and reapply throughout the day. 
  • There are no amenities so bring your own food and water and anything else you’ll need. 
  • You can’t take any of the green sand with you. It’s considered bad luck!  

My Experience at the Green Sand Beach

Now that you have allll the details, I’ll let you in on my day there. This was number one on my list to visit so I was super excited. We stayed in Kona and the drive was about 1.5 hours and we stopped a couple of times on the way. (There’s a restaurant on a cliff somewhere in between and we had the BEST breakfast ever. I don’t remember the name, but it’s a stand-alone restaurant literally on a cliff off the highway, lol). The drive down is super interesting and you’ll see a lot of regular island life. It’s also so cool knowing that this is the southernmost tip of the whole country! So, when I found out about this beach I remember reading about the hike/drive down to the beach. We opted on renting a Jeep so that we can off-road there ourselves. Once we got there, the locals that offer to drive you there were warning people that the road was very rough and that rental car companies do not allow you to drive on the beach. It could’ve been a scare tactic, but I thought let’s just be safe and go with them. As we drove, I was so glad that we didn’t attempt it ourselves. The road really was super rough, and these drivers knew how to navigate so they wouldn’t damage the truck. We saw a group that tried to drive themselves and they got stuck!  Once we got to the beach, we walked down a very old stair case and walked down the sheets of rock. We had finally made it! The sand isn’t a bright green, it’s more of an olive green. But it really is green. Pictures do it NO justice. It was fairly busy, but we still had an area to ourselves to sit down. I took off my cover up right way and ran straight to the water. I had read that the waves could get rough, but that day they were manageable. I spent most of my day in the water, floating around or sitting at the shore. It was magical. We were in conversation with some locals and we mentioned bringing some green sand home with us. They let us know that was a very bad idea – you can’t take sand or rocks or anything from the islands. It’s sacred and belongs to the island. And it’s also considered bad luck. So no green sand for us!  We stayed for a couple of hours and then got our ride back to the parking area. All in all, it was an amazing and adventurous day. Unlike any other beach I’ve ever been to. 

What's Nearby?

South Point: If you want to stand in the southernmost point in the US, head to South Point! You’ll have stunning ocean views and a chance to check out ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs and a historic lighthouse.

>Punalu’u Black Sand Beach: If you want another unique beach, check out Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, just a short drive away. It’s known for its dark black sand and turtle sightings. Plus, it’s  great for swimming or snorkeling.

Volcanoes National Park: If you’re into volcanoes, hiking, or exploring diverse ecosystems, Volcanoes National Park is a must-visit. It’s about 30 minutes north of Green Sand Beach and offers amazing opportunities to witness the power of nature.

How Many Green Sand Beaches in the World?

There are four green sand beaches in the world: 

  • Hawaii: Papakōlea Beach, Big Island
  • Guam: Talofofo Beach
  • Ecuador: Punta Cormorant, Floreana Island (Galapagos Islands)
  • Norway: Hornindalsvatnet

FAQs: Hawaii's Green Sand Beach

Is Green Sand Beach worth visiting?

If you are up for an adventure and want to see one of the rarest types of beaches in the world, then yes, Green Sand Beach is definitely worth visiting. The rare beauty, the secluded location, and the history of the area is worth it in my opinion. However, after reading this post, if you feel like getting to the beach is too daunting, then I wouldn’t recommend visiting. 

 

What causes a green sand beach?

The green sand on Green Sand Beach is the result of olivine crystals, a mineral that is naturally green. Olivine is found in certain types of volcanic rock, and over time, erosion has weathered the rock, releasing the green crystals onto the beach. The concentration of olivine crystals on this particular beach is what gives the sand its distinctive color.

 

How long is the hike to Green Sand Beach?

The hike to Green Sand Beach is roughly 2.5 miles and around 45 minutes to an hour each way, depending on your pace. If you decide to venture off to the other areas on the trail (there are many!), then it will take longer.

Wrapping Up: Hawaii's Green Sand Beach

Green Sand Beach is a hidden gem on the Big Island of Hawaii, offering an unforgettable experience. With its green sand, secluded location, and stunning views, it’s a must-visit for . Whether you’re hiking the trail, exploring the nearby attractions, or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, Green Sand Beach is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Remember to plan your visit carefully, considering factors such as accessibility, driving time, and the best time to visit. By following the tips and information provided in this guide, you can make the most of your visit to this extraordinary beach.

the green sand beach in hawaii is one of the rare green sand beaches in the world
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