Beach· Hawaii (Big Island)· Hawaii
Papakolea Green Sand Beach
18° 56.2′ N · 155° 38.8′ W
One of only a handful of green-sand beaches in the world, inside the eroding tuff cone of Puu Mahana, where olivine crystals collect because they are heavier than the volcanic ash around them.
Practical
About 3 miles east of Ka Lae. Legal access is on foot only from the South Point trailhead - a long, hot, windy, shadeless walk; bring water, sunscreen and grippy shoes. Do not drive or accept truck rides: vehicles are not permitted, and illegal traffic has cut ruts more than 8 ft deep; the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands owns the land. The climb down the cone is loose and steep. Hidden currents - stay close to shore and stay out in surf. Do not take sand.
Best for
A once-in-a-lifetime beach, on foot
Nearby
- Kaulana Bay (South Point Boat Ramp)1.6 NM away
- Ka Lae (South Point)2.5 NM away
- Kaalualu Bay Anchorage2.8 NM away
- Kamilo Beach3.3 NM away
- South Point FAD (Site A)5.2 NM away
- Hurricane Season on the Big Island (2026 Lala and Nolo)8.3 NM away
- Naalehu8.3 NM away
- Naalehu July 4 Rodeo and Labor Day Hula Festival8.5 NM away